Valdemarsvik between archipelago, hiking trails and maritime history

Valdemarsvik is a starting point for days spent among archipelago landscapes, coast and cultural landscapes. The Östgötaleden trail leads through the archipelago here, past several small inland lakes and through cultural landscapes. This allows you to experience different types of scenery while hiking.

Hiking trails and nature reserves

The 3.5-kilometre cultural and health loop through the central town of Valdemarsvik is particularly manageable. One section is partly accessible; nine information boards focus on health and local cultural history. If you are planning a longer hike, you can reach Kvädöfjärden Nature Reserve on foot from Valdemarsvik via the Östgötaleden trail—the route is approximately 40 kilometres long.

There are 21 nature reserves in the municipality, most of which can be visited year-round. A typical archipelago landscape characterises Ekön Nature Reserve; its rocky and sandy beaches are used for swimming. Ämtö offers more than 9 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails. In Gryt, Gamlebofjärden Nature Reserve is located immediately next to the town and can be reached by Östgötatrafiken bus between Valdemarsvik and Fyrudden; you can get off at the “Gryt” stop.

Water, islands and maritime history

For water and island experiences, there is the Gryt Triangle: it begins at Ekön Nature Reserve and, depending on the route chosen, is a paddling route totalling 40 kilometres. Catch More Fish in Valdemarsvik offers guided fishing trips; boats and kayaks can also be rented there. On Torrö, the walking loops are approximately 6.5 kilometres in total, often close to the sea and with opportunities for swimming.

The maritime history is particularly evident on Häradskär. The lighthouse is a 29-metre-high, red-painted iron tower designed under the direction of Gustaf von Heidenstam and built in 1863. It was the first Swedish lighthouse with a rotating lens. A pilot station was established on Häradskär in the 17th century and guided shipping for almost 300 years. The boat trip from Fyrudden to Häradskär takes approximately 20 minutes and passes through the Gryt archipelago; water taxis to Häradskär operate from the harbour if you want to hike the Östgötaleden trail in the outer Gryt archipelago.

Culture and local produce

The regional culture includes the following: Gusums Bruk produced a large number of different products from 1653 until the end of 1988. The museum building in Syntorp is closed; parts of the Gusum Bruk Museum collection are now displayed in the library at Folkets Hus in Gusum. Visits to the Svenska Fergusonklubben Museum are possible by appointment with the association’s office.

For local produce, Holmtebo Gårdsbutik offers home-grown and locally produced delicacies, goods from several local producers, as well as some art and handicrafts. On Harstena, you can buy fresh bread every day. Valdemarsvik offers cycling opportunities on asphalt, gravel and trails. Further orientation around the area includes Valdemarsvik Valdemarsvik, Östra Ed Östra Ed, Ringarum Ringarum, Gryt Gryt and Skeppsgården Skeppsgården. Depending on whether you prioritise hiking trails, nature reserves, water or maritime history, you can tailor your search for accommodation in Valdemarsvik accordingly.

For the overarching travel overview: Östergötland.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Valdemarsvik - Gryt Archipelago.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Mjölby, Motala.