The limestone stacks were formed roughly 450 million years ago during the Ordovician period.
Fossilized remains of cephalopods known as orthoceratites are clearly visible on the surface of many of the stacks.
The name 'Raukar' is a Gotlandic term used to describe these specific types of wave-eroded limestone columns.
The area is officially classified as a nature reserve to protect its unique geological and biological features.
The limestone bedrock at Byrums Raukar is part of the extensive Baltic limestone plateau that extends across the region.
Byrums Raukar is a protected geological site on the northwest coast of Öland, Sweden, featuring a series of limestone sea stacks carved by wave erosion. These vertical, column-like formations rise along a 600-meter stretch of the coastline, exposing thick layers of Ordovician limestone. The area contains a high concentration of fossils, including trilobites and orthoceratites, embedded directly into the rock formations. The stacks are formed from reef limestone, which is more resistant to weathering than the surrounding sediment. This site represents one of the most prominent displays of raukar (sea stacks) on the island. The coastal strip is characterized by a mix of gravel and flat limestone pavement. The site is maintained as a natural heritage area to prevent damage to the geological structures.
The northern end of the beach provides the best angle to capture the alignment of the largest stacks against the Baltic Sea.
Bring sturdy footwear, as the terrain consists of loose gravel, wet rocks, and uneven limestone pavement.
Look closely at the surface of the rocks to identify fossilized sea life, but remember that fossil collection is strictly prohibited.
Walk the full length of the beach to see the varying stages of erosion on different stacks.
Attempting to climb the unstable limestone formations, which can be dangerous and contributes to erosion.
Do not climb on, chip away, or remove pieces of the limestone stacks; observe from the designated pathways.
