A medieval fortress, a round castle tower and an herb garden by the water: Stegeborg Castle Ruin combines history with a walk around the grounds. In the Middle Ages, the ruin was one of Sweden’s most important fortresses; until the 17th century, it served as a royal castle. Today, you can explore the grounds freely, climb the tower and visit the surrounding park. The site is open to visitors every day throughout the year.
A peninsula between Bråviken and Slätbaken
Vikbolandet lies east of Norrköping. The peninsula borders Bråviken to the north and Slätbaken to the south. Open landscapes and fertile farmland define the area, alongside the sea and forests home to wildlife, mushrooms and berries. A trip therefore offers a variety of landscapes, without any single excursion representing the entire peninsula.
More than 230 bird species have been observed in the Svensksundsviken Nature Reserve. Trails totaling about 1.5 kilometers lead to a lookout hill or a birdwatching tower; the route to the tower runs along boardwalks. The area is accessible by bus from Norrköping, Östra Husby or Arkösund. The trails offer a clear way to explore the birdlife: you can choose either the lookout hill or the tower as your destination.
The Bråviken Marine Nature Reserve covers a large part of the Arkösund archipelago and includes about a hundred islands and skerries. A hiking trail just over four kilometers long starts on the mainland. The islands can be reached by private boat or kayak. In Arkösund, rocks and sandy beaches offer places to swim; the archipelago also offers many opportunities to fish for a wide variety of species. RIB boat tours can also be booked there. The experiences are distinct: trails cross the mainland, while boats and kayaks provide access to the islands.
Hiking trails and views nearby
Near Vikbolandet, a marked hiking trail of about three kilometers begins in the Norrkrog Nature Reserve, at the parking lot of Stegeborgsgården. Along the way, there are views of Slätbaken and Eknön. Old pines and oaks grow on steep slopes; from the elevated trails, you can see Stegeborg and Slätbaken. The trail combines woodland scenery and views, while the path at Svensksundsviken leads specifically to a lookout hill or birdwatching tower.
A cycling tour through Vikbolandet also offers a different perspective on the landscape: the route passes farms and fields of grain via Ljunga, Kuddby and Östra Ny. Those interested in the area’s agricultural landscape will find specific place names and a described route, rather than simply a view from a single point.
Churches and traces of history
Near Dagsberg, the surroundings of Dagsberg Church are an important part of an area of national interest. The present-day church on Vikbolandet was probably begun in the 12th century and remodeled and expanded around the mid-14th century and again in the second half of the 15th century. Its surviving construction phases show that the church’s present form took shape over several centuries.
Other churches highlight different aspects of history: Furingstad Church has 15th-century murals depicting scenes from the life of Mary and her Assumption. It is the municipality’s only completely preserved medieval church. Konungsund Church was built in 1801–1802 to replace the medieval church; it was designed by Olof Tempelman. A 13th-century Romanesque granite baptismal font from the earlier church has been preserved there. Kuddby Church is a typical 19th-century church and is visible across the agricultural landscape. Tåby Church dates from the 18th century and stands in a church village, while Östra Stenby Church reflects the many manor estates that once stood in the parish. Västra Vikbolandet Parish introduces visitors to its seven churches and provides information about services and other activities in a calendar.
Dalmyra Mine is another historical discovery on Vikbolandet. The old mine lies in a scenic setting and was probably known as early as the Middle Ages. Access is via a raft crossing over the water. There is also a barbecue area and a wind shelter by the mine.
Farm shops and local produce
Sänkdalens farm offers rapeseed oil and homemade ice cream. Visitors can tour the new ice cream factory. The farm shop at Visätter Turkey Farm sells turkey products, while the farm shop at Vikboland Ostrich sells its own ostrich meat. Vikboland Ostrich keeps around a hundred ostriches in outdoor enclosures. These products offer another glimpse of the peninsula’s agricultural side, without implying that visitors can tour the enclosures.
The farm shop at Agetomta farm sells game meat, sausages, lamb and honey from the farm’s own beehives. Ormsätter Honey and Vikbolandet Deer & Game sell a variety of products made with game meat and honey in their farm shops. The shops have different specialties; Sänkdalens farm adds its own ice cream and rapeseed oil to the selection.
Discover more destinations: Vikbolandet, Rönö, Vikbolandet, Kinda, Sanktanna, Vadstena, Ödeshög, Linköping.
Return to the main travel overview: Östergötland.
