Discover Nykil through three distinct themes: Nykil Church and its architectural history, the 1.3 km-long Nykil motionsspår, and the Skullebo Nature Reserve nearby. Church history, a manageable route for exercise, and moorland and forest landscapes all come together here. As you plan your trip, consider whether culture, exercise or nature should be the main focus.
A short route for exercise with specific directions
The Nykil motionsspår is 1.3 kilometres long and covered with wood chips. This length is easy to gauge if you are planning a short outdoor visit. There is a barbecue area by the motionsspår, as well as a rest area with a fire pit along the route. These details make it possible to plan a short break along the way, rather than focusing only on exercise. The Nykil motionsspår can be reached via Regional Road 616 south of Nykil towards Vittsäter; the turn-off is on the right, about 200 metres south of the settlement.
Church history across several periods
Nykil Church was built between 1784 and 1786 in the Gustavian style and is protected as a church cultural heritage site under Chapter 4 of Sweden's Cultural Environment Act. The triumphal cross in the church dates from the 14th century. The construction period and Gustavian style mark the church as a late 18th-century building, while the triumphal cross represents an earlier artistic period.
The oldest known church in Nykil was probably built in the 13th century. This early date predates the construction of Nykil Church; the triumphal cross, dated to the 14th century, provides another point of reference. This keeps the probable date of the oldest known church, the dated artwork and the construction period of Nykil Church clearly distinct.
Skullebo: moors, forest and the Östgötaleden trail
Skullebo Nature Reserve is located near Nykil, between Nykil and Rimforsa. Its landscape features include valuable moors and old-growth forest, and the Östgötaleden trail runs through the area. This brings together two distinct aspects of nature: the moorland and forest that characterise the reserve, and the route of the Östgötaleden. When planning your trip, you can consider Skullebo as a nature destination near Nykil, distinct from the town's cultural and historical attractions.
Activities and local history work
The Nykil Activities Association organises activities at the ice rink in the centre of Nykil in both summer and winter. It also has a road cycling group. This brings together seasonal club activities at a specific location and road cycling as another club interest.
In the 2025 activity year, Dalby local heritage farm served as the base for the activities of the Nykil Local Heritage Association. The association ran a study circle throughout the year to document and mark the torps and crofts in the Nykil parish. This broadens the perspective on local history beyond the architectural history of the church: settlement history and the documentation of these torps and crofts were also part of the association's work.
Choose the focus that suits your trip
When looking for holiday accommodation in Nykil, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: the church and local history work offer cultural and historical themes, while Skullebo adds nature nearby. Consider which of these themes you would like to include in your stay, and plan your accommodation accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Brokind, Berg, Vikingstad, Ulrika, Vårdnäs, Berg Locks, Bestorp, Roxenbaden
See the main travel overview: Linköping.
