So far, 278 bird species have been observed at Tåkern. A four-kilometre section of the Vassleden trail runs through an orchid bog and across open, grazed meadows along the shore to a birdwatching tower on Toregårdsören. The number of recorded species may grow as new observations are made. You can reach the tower by stairs or a gently curving wooden ramp.

A visit to Naturum Tåkern can include guided tours, birdwatching, themed days and talks; the programme may change. An exhibition, a film room and a laboratory space round out the offering. This lets you combine birdwatching with learning about the habitat.

The coastal trails also offer different perspectives. The 5.6-kilometre Odletslingan in Kvädöfjärden Nature Reserve is a circular route through barren cliffs, archipelago scenery and grazed meadows. The shorter 3.1-kilometre Ekuddeslingan is also a circular route, but runs through woodland, along a gravel path and beside cliffs. The landscape in Bokö Nature Reserve alternates between lush vegetation and bare cliffs by the open sea; a three-kilometre circular route there passes through flowering pastures, grazed woodland, rock slabs, hay meadows and meadows along the shore.

You can reach Bokö by boat on the public archipelago service. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable before travelling. In Kvädöfjärden Nature Reserve, there is a kayak landing stage between the wind shelter and the Ekudden jetty in summer. Wild orchids grow on Ombergsliden, including the rare fragrant orchid; flowering is seasonal. The 1.4-kilometre Orkidéstigen trail follows several loops through pastureland. Boardwalks cross the wet limestone bogs. A ski slope and ski lift lie next to the nature reserve and are open to the public in winter; operation depends on conditions.

Monasteries, castles and stories

Vadstena brings together a pilgrimage tradition and a striking castle. People from all over the world come to the town to hike and visit the Abbey Church. A 145-kilometre pilgrimage route leads in seven stages from Söderköping through meadows and forests to Vadstena. The castle was built as a defensive fortress from 1545 onwards. It features an unusually early Palladian influence for Northern Europe and is considered Scandinavia’s most important surviving Renaissance castle. Today, Vadstena slott is a museum open to visitors; as access may change seasonally, check the visitor information before your trip.

Alvastra Abbey was built in the 12th century and stood for 400 years. Visitors can experience it in its medieval monastic setting; check access before your visit. Architectural history is also central at Vreta: Vreta klosters kyrka is a medieval church dating from the 12th century, with the ruins of Sweden’s oldest nunnery beside it. Various guided tours are offered in and around the church; availability may vary.

Museums and historic buildings are part of Linköping’s cityscape, including a medieval cathedral and a castle. Norrköping’s Industrial Landscape encompasses central parts of the city, with many buildings and activities worth seeing. The exhibition “Vägen hit” at Östergötlands museum takes visitors on a cultural history journey through 11,000 years; check whether the exhibition is available before your visit. The museum also has “Viljans värld”, a play exhibition and activity space for children and families; availability should also be checked in advance.

Ellen Keys Strand offers a different personal story. The house can be visited as part of a guided tour, while the garden is open during the day. Seasonal visitor arrangements may change. The house is about 200 metres from the car park; the path is partly steep, and you cannot drive right up to the house.

Crafts, canals and experiences

At Reijmyre Glasbruk, you can try your hand at glassmaking alongside experienced glassblowers. Guided tours explore the glassworks’ history and the production process, from molten glass to finished product. The glassworks’ history spans from 1810 to the present day. Guided tours may vary seasonally, and advance booking may be required to take part.

The canals also offer different perspectives on the landscape. The 80-kilometre Kinda Canal connects Linköping and Kinda; nature experiences, hikes, paddling and cycling are possible along its route. Trips on the motor vessel m/s Kind are also offered on the canal; availability may vary with the operator. The Östergötland section of the Göta Canal begins in Motala and ends in Mem, outside Söderköping. The Borensberg–Berg section has been classified as a national cycle route since 2023. A flight of locks on the Göta Canal consists of seven interconnected locks that raise or lower boats by 28.8 metres. Canal cruises combine guided tours with a meal on board; individual timetables may vary.

For those who prefer to plan longer journeys on foot or by bike, the Östgötaleden offers nature and cultural experiences across Östergötland’s landscapes. The trail runs through all 13 municipalities. The planning map provides information about starting points and facilities such as rest areas, shelters and toilets.

During Östgötadagarna, small rural businesses in food, culture, art, crafts and gardening open their doors to visitors for one weekend in May and another in September. Visitors may find freshly harvested vegetables and a fika in a rural setting. The exact dates vary each year. In Kolmården, the Safari Cable Car, with gondolas passing over animal enclosures where visitors can see lions and giraffes, and Bamse’s World, with rides and a theatre programme, bring together a range of other experiences. The Safari Cable Car operates seasonally; individual shows and rides may change.

Discover more destinations

Ydre, Söderköping, Norrköping, Boxholm, Ödeshög, Valdemarsvik, Kinda, Motala, Vadstena, Vikbolandet, Sanktanna, Mjölby, Linköping, Finspång, Åtvidaberg, Dånhult

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