Eketorp Fort

Eketorp is a ring fort in south-eastern Öland, Sweden, on the limestone plain of the Alvar, and it is the only one of Öland’s 19 known prehistoric fortifications to have been completely excavated. The excavations lasted a decade, until 1974, and produced more than 24,000 finds. The first stone wall was built around AD 400 with a diameter of about 57 m; it was later extended to around 80 m, enclosing about 50 buildings. The fort was abandoned in the mid-7th century and only reused in the early 11th century, later also as a refuge and garrison.

Today you see a reconstructed site with houses inside the wall. A museum in the longhouses displays finds, and staff in historical costume show what life in the fort was like. In summer, from mid-June to mid-August, there is a daily programme, and guided tours are offered in Swedish and English. A car park lies near the fort, with a packed gravel path leading to it. Check opening times in advance.