Böda Gokart

At the far north of Öland, near Byxelkrok, Böda Gokart laid out its outdoor track on the site of the former Öland airfield, the Ölanda. It is the island's oldest karting circuit, running since the early eighties, and its long, twisting layout with a generous straight makes for a pleasant track to learn. You drive in the open air, facing the wide spaces of the island's northern tip.

Karting stays open to everyone, no licence or experience needed: a briefing, a helmet, and off you go chasing your best lap. The track welcomes adults and children alike, with karts suited to drivers from about age six and two-seater models that let the youngest ride along with an adult. The pay-per-session format works well for families on holiday, and the timing soon makes you want to come back and shave off a few tenths. As the activity runs outdoors and follows the tourist season, it pays to check the hours before coming.

Öland, a long island in the Baltic Sea linked to the mainland by a bridge of more than six kilometres, is one of Swedes' favourite summer spots. The north of the island draws visitors with its beaches, forests and fishing villages such as Byxelkrok, while the south unfolds the Stora Alvaret, a vast limestone steppe listed by UNESCO. Windmills, the ruined castle of Borgholm and the royal summer residence of Solliden round out the picture. You reach Öland by car from Kalmar, over the long bridge spanning the strait.