Things to do in Östergötland
Discover the best attractions and experiences Östergötland has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient fortresses and venerable sights that tell the story of Östergötland’s past.
Vadstena Castle
A grand Renaissance fortress perched near Lake Vänern, once a royal residence and power center.
Stegeborg Fortress
Ruin on a hill with Baltic Sea views near Söderköping, a reminder of coastal defense.
Rök Runestone
One of Sweden’s most famous runestones with ancient inscriptions near Rök.
Gamla Linköping
A preserved 19th-century town area with historic streets and wooden houses.
Museums
dive into regional history, design, and aviation at these well-known museums.
Östergötlands Museum
Regional museum in Linköping covering archaeology, art, and local history.
Flygvapenmuseum
Air Force Museum in Linköping with aircraft displays and aviation history.
Arbetets Museum
Norrköping museum focused on design, industry, and work life.
Gamla Linköping Open‑Air Museum
Historic houses and streets preserved as an outdoor museum district.
Religious Monuments
Visit historic churches and abbey churches that shaped the region’s spiritual life.
Linköping Cathedral
Gothic cathedral at the heart of Linköping with impressive spires and art.
Vadstena Klosterkyrka
Abbey church in Vadstena with medieval roots and serene surroundings.
Sankt Lars kyrka (St. Lars Church), Linköping
Historic parish church with origins dating back to early medieval times.
National & Theme Parks
Two standout parks offering wildlife, nature, and family-friendly adventures.
Kolmårdens Djurpark
A premier wildlife park with safari experiences and rides for all ages.
Tåkern Nature Reserve
A renowned birdwatching reserve with wetlands and scenic trails.
Neighborhoods
Characterful districts and historic quarters that give Östergötland its local flavor.
Gamla Linköping (Old Town district)
A charming historic neighborhood with preserved streets and shops.
Norrköpings Industrilandskap
Riverfront district celebrating industrial heritage and urban art.
Söderköping town center
Picturesque canal-side area with atmospheric lanes and cafés.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy outdoor spaces and easygoing activities without an entrance fee.
Strömparken (Norrköping)
Historic riverside park perfect for a relaxed stroll and people-watching.
Walk along Motala Ström
Scenic riverside paths through central Motala and Linköping.
Göta Canal walk (Borensberg area)
Relaxing canal-side paths with boats and views of the historic locks.
Tåkern Nature Reserve (self-guided trails)
Open trails and viewpoints for birdwatching and nature immersion.
Gastronomy
Taste traditional Östergötland flavors and regional specialties.
Kroppkakor
Traditional Östgötakakor-style potato dumplings with onion and pork.
Bråviken fish dishes
Dishes featuring local fish from Bråviken and nearby lakes.
Gräddost dairy treats
Creamy regional cheeses and dairy specialties from local farms.
Nightlife
Evenings out range from theatres to concert halls and lively streets.
Drottninggatan bars (Norrköping)
A stretch of bars and cafés along the lively Drottninggatan.
Norrköpings Konserthus
Evening concerts and performances in a central city venue.
Östgötateatern productions
Theatre performances showcasing regional and touring productions.
Entertainment
Family-friendly and cultural experiences for all ages.
Kolmårdens Djurpark
A large wildlife and theme park offering shows and rides for families.
Arbetets Museum
Interactive exhibitions on design, industry, and social history.
Local cinema / arts cinema (e.g., Linköping/Norrköping venues)
Film screenings and independent cinema experiences in city venues.
Sports
Catch local teams and classic Swedish sporting culture.
IFK Norrköping
Top-level football with matches at the Nya Parken stadium.
Linköpings HC
Ice hockey club with home games in the region.
Motala AIF
Historic local football club representing the Motala area.
Off the Track
For those who want to venture beyond the typical highlights.
Cycling along Göta Canal
Flat, scenic cycle routes with canal views and historic locks.
Kayaking the Bråviken coast
Sea kayaking along the Baltic coast with island scenery.
Hiking in Tåkern Nature Reserve
Relaxed trails and birdwatching outlooks amid wetlands.