The Östgötaleden Trail showcases Valdemarsvik’s varied landscapes: its section in the municipality includes stages through the archipelago, traverses cultural landscapes and passes several small inland lakes. There are also trails where you can discover swimming spots, birdlife or maritime history. Exploring the area on foot, you’ll find both longer routes and shorter hiking loops.

Hiking between the coast and inland lakes

Ämtö has more than nine kilometres of well-marked hiking trails. The loops on Torrö are about 6.5 kilometres long in total; in many places, the trail runs close to the sea and offers opportunities for swimming. In the Åsvikelandet hiking area, sea views, diverse birdlife and hiking loops are among the experiences described. Each place has its own appeal: on Torrö, hiking goes hand in hand with the coastal setting, while Ämtö’s trail length and signage make it easy to find your way.

Valdemarsvik municipality has 21 nature reserves, most of which can be visited year-round. Ekön Nature Reserve is set in a typical archipelago landscape, with rocky shores and sandy beaches inviting you to swim. The Grytstriangeln paddling route also begins at the nature reserve; its total length depends on the route you choose and can be up to 40 kilometres. You can combine Ekön with time by the water or, if you’re planning a longer outing, with a paddling route.

You can also combine a visit to Grännäs havsbad with a hike: the Valdemarsvik–Tryserum section of the Östgötaleden Trail passes the swimming spot. The beach has sand and jetties with bathing ladders. To the north, you’ll find spots for cliff diving and a diving tower. The different swimming areas offer clear options for combining a walk or hike with time by the water.

Archipelago history on Häradskär

Häradskär brings together natural scenery and maritime history. A pilot station was established there in the 17th century and guided shipping for almost 300 years. The island’s lighthouse is a 29-metre-high, red-painted iron tower. It was designed and built in 1863 under the direction of Gustaf von Heidenstam and was the first Swedish lighthouse with a rotating lens. A hiking trail crosses an old cultural landscape on Häradskär; in autumn, the island is also a resting place for migrating small birds.

The boat trip from Fyrudden to Häradskär takes about 20 minutes. Water taxis to Häradskär depart from the harbour for hikes in the outer Gryt archipelago. If you’re planning around one of these connections, check the relevant departure information in advance.

Culture and local discoveries

On Harstena, the museum includes the village school and a building used for rendering seal blubber. Also on Harstena, the Trankokeriet is listed as a protected historic building dating from 1911. In Tryserum, Fågelviks herrgård is another protected historic building. These places show different aspects of the area’s cultural heritage, from a museum visit to buildings whose significance lies in their historical context.

The region also has an industrial history: Gusums Bruk produced a wide variety of goods from 1653 until the end of 1988. If you’re interested in the area’s history, this long period of production offers a historical focus alongside the archipelago and architectural heritage. Visits to the Svenska Fergusonklubben Museum can be arranged by appointment with the club’s office.

For a break with local produce, Holmtebo Gårdsbutik offers home-grown and locally produced delicacies, goods from several local producers, and some art and crafts. You can buy fresh bread every day. These offerings add a taste of local products and everyday life in the region to your excursions.

At the end of the Valdemarsvik–Tryserum section of the Östgötaleden Trail, overnight accommodation is available in a wind shelter and a youth hostel. Hikers can take a bus from Fyrudden back to Valdemarsvik. Check the timetable before setting out to make sure your plans fit the service.

Discover more destinations

Valdemarsvik, Östra Ed, Ringarum, Gryt, Skeppsgården, Söderköping, Mjölby, Åtvidaberg

Back to the main travel guide: Östergötland.