Linköping can be explored through various aspects of its history: an open-air museum, museums dedicated to art and cultural history, aviation history and a medieval cathedral. Historic walks, digital city tours and trails in natural areas offer variety. You can choose activities by theme and format—from exploring independently to activities specifically aimed at families with children.
Museums and City History
For comparison: at the open-air museum Gamla Linköping, visitors can experience the town, countryside and forest as they were a hundred years ago. The areas mentioned have a different focus from the exhibitions on art and cultural history at the Östergötlands museum. The museum also includes an interactive environment for families with children; exhibitions and an experience specifically designed for families sit side by side there.
For architectural and church history, Linköping Cathedral is a striking landmark: after Uppsala Cathedral, it is Sweden’s second-largest and best-preserved medieval church building. Opposite the cathedral, inside the castle, is the Linköpings Slotts- och Domkyrkomuseum. It presents the history of the cathedral and the castle.
Discover Aviation History
The Flygvapenmuseum presents Swedish aviation history across the eras. Visitors can try a flight simulator there. At Flyglabbet, an interactive science centre at the Flygvapenmuseum, there are additional hands-on activities for children: they can try flight simulators, build virtual aircraft and explore jet engines. The museum covers the subject across the eras; Flyglabbet’s interactive activities are specifically aimed at children.
Walks and Nature
On the historic walking routes, visitors can discover significant events in the city’s history in central Linköping at their own pace. The Östergötlands museum also offers four digital city tours, which let visitors explore Linköping’s history independently. The routes and tours therefore offer different ways to discover the city’s history.
The hiking trails range from short to long and from urban to more remote. They include routes along the Kinda Canal and Göta Canal, as well as trails through the impressive oak landscape. When choosing a trail, both the desired distance and the landscape are factors. A riding trail in Linköping passes through several nature reserves. Tinnerö is about two kilometres from Stora torget.
Green Spaces in the City Centre
The centrally located Trädgårdsföreningen is ideal for walks and guided tours, picnics, buying plants, playing, eating and having fika. Belvederen, a lookout tower and café in Trädgårdsföreningen, offers views over Linköping. The park offers opportunities for exercise and guided explorations, as well as leisure time and a break at the café.
S:t Lars Church is also located in central Linköping. Its tower’s carillon rings five times a day for the city’s residents—a recurring musical accent in the city centre.
Discover more destinations: Roxenbaden, Linghem, Vårdnäs, Vikingstad, Ulrika, Sturefors, Bestorp, Nykil.
Return to the main travel overview: Linköping.
