Vikbolandet between coast, nature and history

Vikbolandet is a peninsula situated between two bodies of water: Bråviken to the north and Slätbaken to the south. The landscape includes open countryside, fertile fields, coastline and forests.

Nature and coast

Svensksundsviken showcases the coastal landscape as a shallow sea inlet with around twenty islands, extensive grazed coastal meadows and reed beds. More than 230 bird species have been recorded in this area. After 650 metres, the entrance path in the Svensksundsviken nature reserve splits into paths leading to the viewing hill and the birdwatching tower; together, both paths are approximately 1.5 kilometres long.

At Stegeborg, a unique oak landscape, walks in the castle park, swimming and hiking on the estate’s own trails invite exploration; the Östgötaleden trail also runs through the area. The route through Kolmården and Vikbolandet is approximately 95 kilometres long, while the network of hiking trails totals 186 kilometres including connecting trails. This gives you both short nature trails and longer hiking routes to choose from when planning your trip.

Arkösund has swimming rocks, sandy beaches and guest harbours. RIB boat tours can also be booked there. In Sköldvik, two kilometres from Arkösund and just a few metres from the sandy beach and water, Arkö kajak rents out kayaks and SUP boards.

Stegeborg and the waterways

Stegeborg was first mentioned in writing in 1310 and was expanded into a magnificent Renaissance castle in the 16th century under King John III. The ruins of Stegeborg are open to visitors every day of the week all year round; private guided tours are available throughout the year by prior arrangement.

The Stegeborgsleden ferry connects Slottsholmen and Norrkrog across Slätbaken at Stegeborg. Here, castle history, parkland, hiking trails, bathing spots and a ferry connection come together.

Culture and history

Gullestad is Vikbolandet’s largest burial ground and was used for burials for almost 2,000 years. It contains at least 265 archaeological features, including around 35 mounds, one stone mound, approximately 214 round stone settings, at least 15 triangular monuments and one standing stone.

The old church at Ã… was probably built in the second half of the 13th century as an estate church for the royal estate of Ring. After a fire in 1878, it was left as a ruin. Its medieval furnishings included a 13th-century baptismal font and a 15th-century crucifix; both were transferred to the new church. The church ruins at Ã… have been restored. The masonry has been reinforced with bricks and reinforced concrete, and there are also wooden supports and the eastern gable wall has been braced with wire cables.

Östra Husby Church has a large painting by Pehr Hörberg on the chancel wall. Its oldest inventory item is a 14th-century rood cross.

Farms and regional insights

The old family farm Hylinge Oppgård is home to an agricultural museum with origins in the 18th century. In a former hay barn, Hylinge Oppgård displays around 50 agricultural machines and implements. A former chicken house presents embroidery, woven works, knitting and crochet, as well as sewn items from six generations of women from the family farm. Groups can visit Hylinge Oppgård by prior arrangement.

At Visätter Kalkongård, a viewing barn offers insights into turkey production; the farm shop sells turkey and other products from Vikbolandet. There is also a bookable alpaca walk lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

Getting around by bike and bus

Svensksundsviken can be reached by bus from Norrköping, Östra Husby or Arkösund. The Vikbolands-/Stegeborgsturen cycling tour passes through Ljunga, Kuddby and Östra Ny, following beautiful farms and grain fields to Stegeborg.

The church cycling tour visits 15 different churches, covers the whole of Vikbolandet without travelling the same stretch twice, and includes a stop in Arkösund.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Rönö.

To the overview of higher-level destinations: Vikbolandet.