Östergötland: Nature, Archipelago and Culture

So far, 278 bird species have been observed at Lake Tåkern in the nature reserve. Naturum Tåkern offers guided tours, birdwatching, themed days and lectures. The four-kilometre-long Vassleden trail leads through an orchid marsh and across open, grazed shore meadows to a birdwatching tower on Toregårdsören. The tower can be reached via stairs or a curved wooden ramp.

Culture and History

Vadstena Castle is now a museum and open to visitors. Construction began in 1545 as a defensive fortress. Also in Vadstena, Ellen Key’s Strand can be visited as part of a guided tour, while the garden is accessible during the day. The path from the car park to Ellen Key’s Strand is about 200 metres long and partly steep; it is not possible to drive to the house.

Alvastra Monastery was built in the 12th century and existed for 400 years. Today, it is open to visitors in its medieval monastic setting. Vreta Monastery Church is a medieval church from the 12th century. Next to it are the ruins of Sweden’s oldest nunnery; various guided tours are offered in and around the church.

At Reijmyre Glassworks, visitors can try working in the glassworks together with experienced glassblowers. Guided tours also explain the history of the glassworks and the production steps from the glowing molten glass to the finished product.

Nature and Trails

Bokö Nature Reserve can be reached by boats operated by the archipelago transport service as part of the public transport network. There, lush vegetation meets bare cliffs by the open sea. A three-kilometre circular trail leads through flowering pastures, grazed forests, rock slabs, hay meadows and shore meadows.

In Kvädöfjärden Nature Reserve, the 5.6-kilometre Odletslingan trail forms a loop through barren cliffs, archipelago landscapes and grazed meadows. The 3.1-kilometre Ekuddeslingan trail also forms a loop through the forest, along a gravel road, beside cliffs and through archipelago landscapes. There is a kayak dock between the wind shelter and the Ekudden jetty during the summer.

Wild orchids, including the rare fragrant orchid, grow in Ombergsliden Nature Reserve. The 1.4-kilometre Orkidéstigen trail runs in several loops through grazing landscapes; wooden walkways allow visitors to cross the wet limestone marshes without getting their feet wet. Next to the nature reserve are a ski slope and a ski lift, which are open to the public in winter.

Museums and Experiences

Kolmården’s safari cable car carries visitors in gondolas over animal enclosures where, among other animals, lions and giraffes can be seen. Bamse’s World at Kolmården includes rides as well as a theatre programme with Bamse and his friends. Kolmården Wildlife Park can be reached by car, bus, train or plane.

The Östergötland Museum offers “Viljans värld”, an interactive play exhibition and experience environment for children and families. The Swedish Air Force Museum offers an audio guide in Swedish, English, Finnish, French, German and Spanish. The museum also includes “Leklanda”, a playground where children can play with aircraft on wheels and do crafts in a workshop.

Regional Classification

The subregions of Östergötland include Sanktanna, Mjölby, Linköping, Finspång, Åtvidaberg, Dånhult, Ydre, Söderköping, Norrköping, Boxholm, Ödeshög, Valdemarsvik, Kinda, Motala, Vadstena and Vikbolandet.