Bestorp brings together a swimming area on Lake Stora Rängen and a marked connection to the Östgötaleden Trail. When planning, you can choose your focus: time by the lake, a hike along the named section, or both. By the water, you can swim, paddle and fish; on land, the hiking trail and oak landscape shape the surroundings.

By the water: Lake Stora Rängen

Lake Stora Rängen is part of the Kinda Canal. Bestorp’s swimming area is on the lake at the end of Badvägen, within the village. The water temperature is measured there only during the bathing season, from 15 May to 15 September. If measurement readings affect your visit planning, take this seasonal period into account.

Lake Stora Rängen is suitable for experienced paddlers and beginners alike; assess local conditions before paddling. Anglers can catch pike and perch with spinning tackle in the fish-rich lake system. As fishing conditions and regulations can change, check the current situation before fishing. The guidance differs for each activity: at the swimming area, the seasonal measurement period matters; for paddling, assess conditions on site; and for fishing, check the current regulations as well.

Hiking from Bestorp

The Sätravallen–Bjärka-Säby section of the Östgötaleden Trail follows paths and smaller roads through a varied oak landscape. The marked connecting path from Bestorp meets this section at Lake Sätrasjön after about two kilometres; the connection is about one kilometre north of Sätravallen. The connecting path answers the question of where to join the trail from Bestorp, while the description of the main section outlines its route type and landscape.

There is also a shelter with a barbecue area at Sätravallen. You can use this resting place as an additional landmark for your outing.

Getting there and finding your way

Bestorp is served by Östgötatrafiken. You can reach Sätravallen by bus to Bestorp, followed by the marked connecting path to the starting point. Check the timetable before travelling and plan the bus ride and walk as two consecutive stages. In Bestorp, there is parking for about nine cars on the connecting path to the Östgötaleden starting point at Sätravallen. This gives you specific reference points for arriving by bus or car.

Cycling route and harbour

A municipal plan from 2015 shows the Sverigeleden passing through Bestorp or just outside it. Before a cycling trip, check the current route on an up-to-date map. The 2015 municipal plan also mentions a small-boat harbour operated by the Bestorps båtklubb association; you should confirm current harbour operations locally.

Local history

Bestorp’s development was connected to its railway station, which was built on a railway line that opened in 1902. In the 1980s, Sätravallen was a recreational area with cabins, swimming facilities and seasonal skiing. These two historical reference points highlight different aspects: the railway in connection with Bestorp’s development and the former recreational use of Sätravallen.

For the wider travel overview: Linköping.