Östergötland, Sweden Travel Guide

Discover Östergötland: A perfect blend of history, nature, and culture in southern Sweden, offering charming towns, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.

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Östergötland

Östergötland is a stunning region in southern Sweden, known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and charming towns. The area is a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a perfect destination for tourists looking to experience authentic Swedish life. The region is home to the historic city of Linköping, where visitors can explore the impressive Linköping Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Sweden, and the open-air museum Gamla Linköping, which offers a glimpse into Swedish life in the 19th century. Norrköping, another notable city in Östergötland, is famous for its industrial heritage and beautiful waterfront, with many museums and galleries that highlight its historical significance. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Östergötland, with its lush forests, serene lakes, and the breathtaking archipelago along the coast. The Göta Canal, a marvel of engineering, offers boat trips that provide a unique way to see the region's picturesque countryside. Tåkern, one of Europe's most important bird lakes, is a must-visit for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and fishing. The region's many nature reserves and national parks, such as Omberg Ecopark, offer well-marked trails and stunning vistas. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Östergötland has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Östergötland.

Visit Linköping Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Take a boat trip on the Göta Canal for a unique perspective of the region's beautiful countryside.
Explore Gamla Linköping to experience Swedish life in the 19th century and enjoy local crafts and shops.
Bring binoculars if you're visiting Tåkern for bird watching; it's one of Europe's most important bird lakes.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic trails in Omberg Ecopark and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Vättern.

Top City Travel Guides in Östergötland

The cities of Östergötland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Linköping

Jönköping

Örebro

Norrköping

Explore Östergötland: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Östergötland

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Delfinarium

Dive into Scandinavia's original Delfinarium, where bottlenose dolphins leap through enchanting shows amid Kolmården's ancient forests and thrilling Marine World rides.

5.0

Kolmården Zoo

Glide above lions and dolphins in Sweden's wildest wildlife adventure, blending safari thrills, animal shows, and family rides across forested expanses.

4.5

Naturum Tåkern

Discover Lake Tåkern's bird-filled wetlands at this engaging visitor center, with exhibitions, trails, and guides revealing Sweden's richest nature reserve.

4.6

Takern nature reserve

Northern Europe's birdwatching mecca: shallow Tåkern lake, vast reeds, 270+ species, trails, towers, and reed-clad Naturum await in this Ramsar wetland wonder.

4.8

Best landmarks in Östergötland

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Vadstena Klosterkyrka

Heliga Birgittas vision i sten: en pilgrimsportal med reliker, valv och tusenårig andlighet i hjärtat av Vadstena.

4.6

Göta Canal

Sweden's hand-dug engineering wonder meets medieval charm at Söderköping's Mem lock—watch boats rise, savor ice cream, and hike to epic views.

4.4

Linköping Cathedral

Sweden's grandest medieval cathedral: 800 years of Gothic majesty, luminous vaults, and timeless artistry in Linköping's heart.

4.6

Stora Torget

Linköping's historic central square, alive with medieval echoes, legendary fountains, and the hum of Swedish daily life since the Middle Ages.

Best restaurants in Östergötland

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Butlers Bistro & Winebar

Classic Swedish-French bistro in Norrköping's heart: timeless meatballs, extensive wines by the glass, and cozy vibes for every occasion since 1985.

4.4

Restaurang Jord

Wild Nordic surprises from Östergötland's forests, delivered in blind tasting artistry at Linköping's culinary gem.

4.7

Strandgatan två

Linköping's 3000m² entertainment oasis by Stångån: epic sports bar with 80 screens, bowling, karaoke, VR thrills, and hearty meals for unforgettable group adventures.

4.1

The Black Lion Inn

Cozy British gastropub in Norrköping's old town: vast beers and whiskeys, hearty classics like fish & chips, friendly vibes, and quiz nights for unforgettable local hangs.

4.3

Best bars in Östergötland

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Backen Krypin

Cozy Linköping beer garden hideaway with rotating craft taps, hearty smörrebröd, and a secret courtyard for relaxed Swedish sips and bites.

4.8

Backen Ölcafé

Cozy Linköping beer café pouring rotating craft taps and loaded smörrebröd in a homey haven with quiz nights and courtyard events.

4.7

Glou Glou Vinbar & Matsal

Linköping's intimate natural wine bar, pouring ekological gems with perfectly paired small plates in a cozy, welcoming nook.

4.6

Hörnan Bar & Käk

Juicy customizable burgers and bar vibes in Linköping's torget heart—lunch, AW or late-night fuel since 2018.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Östergötland

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Doom Nightclub

Ignite your night at Doom Nightclub, Linköping's electrifying hub of live music, pulsating beats, and unforgettable weekend revelry until 3am.

4.0

Frimis Festvåningar (Frimurarsalen, Pelarsalen, Vintergatan, Innergården, Nattklubb Metropol)

Epic event spaces in Freemason grandeur: grand halls, rooftop panoramas, courtyard charm, and nightclub vibes atop Linköping's historic heart.

4.2

Baras ställe - Restaurang & Nattklubb på Södermalm

A cosy Södermalm hangout that flips from neighbourhood pub and kitchen into a compact, DJ-driven nightclub on weekend nights.

2.8

Club Backdoor

Three bars, multiple dancefloors and late‑night beats in Johanneshov — Stockholm’s bold gay nightclub for weekend revelry.

2.0

Best shops in Östergötland

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Hemslöjden i Östergötland, Länsförbund

A regional craft centre and shop in Linköping celebrating Swedish handcraft, materials and workshops for makers and curious visitors alike.

4.5

Fashion PWR

Discover sustainable fashion, local art, and circular treasures at Fashion PWR, Linköping's creative collective for eco-minded shoppers and art lovers.

5.0

Historiska Kompaniet AB

Unearth Sweden's 19th-century treasures in Gamla Linköping's historic heart—a shop of artifacts, armor, and café charm blending past and present.

4.3

Indus The Gift Shop

Discover handpicked Swedish souvenirs, Pippi treasures, and Gamla Stan charm at this family-run gem on Västerlånggatan—your perfect Old Town keepsake stop.

3.7

Explore Östergötland on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Östergötland, mapped for you.

Östergötland Essentials

Östergötland is well-connected and easy to reach. The nearest major airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), about 200 kilometers away. From Stockholm, you can take a train operated by SJ (Swedish Railways), which will take you to Linköping or Norrköping, the two main cities in the region, in approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Norrköping Airport (NRK) if there are direct flights available. Buses and rental cars are also viable options for reaching Östergötland from various parts of Sweden.
Östergötland is serviced by an efficient public transportation network, including buses and trains. Local buses operated by Östgötatrafiken connect towns and cities within the region. Trains are an excellent option for intercity travel, with frequent services between Linköping, Norrköping, and other major towns. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, but they can be expensive. Renting a car is a popular choice for those looking to explore more remote areas at their own pace.
The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and it is common to pay for even small purchases with a card. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps like Swish are also popular. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas.
Östergötland is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables openly. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire services, and medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in major cities like Linköping and Norrköping. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but avoid overly casual attire when dining in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches. Some churches may require modest dress and head coverings. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful when using public transport. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'raggmunk' (potato pancakes) and 'ostkaka' (cheesecake). Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, round up the bill when paying.
To experience Östergötland like a local, visit the local markets such as the farmers' market in Linköping for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take a stroll along the Göta Canal or explore the beautiful nature reserves like Tåkern and Omberg. Engaging with locals can offer a deeper insight into the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting historical sites like the medieval town of Vadstena and the Viking-era runestones scattered throughout the region.

When is the best time to visit Östergötland?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Östergötland

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Östergötland. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHej
  [hay]
- GoodbyeHejdå
  [hay-doh]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeSnälla/Tack
  [snel-lah/tahk]
- Thank youTack
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta/Mi ledsen
  [oor-sek-tah/mee led-sen]
- How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hoor mohr doo]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [bra. ohk doo]
- Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lar doo eng-el-skah]
- I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yahg fur-stor in-teh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah seh meh-nyoon, tahk]
- I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yahg eh-ter in-teh shutt]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah beh-tah-lah, tahk]
- Help!Hjälp!
  [yelp]
- Go away!Gå bort!
  [gaw bort]
- Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring poh-lee-sen]
- Call a doctor!Ring en läkare!
  [ring en leh-kah-reh]
- I'm lostJag har gått vilse
  [yahg har goht vil-seh]
- I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yahg air shook]
- I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah shur-pah...]
- I'm just lookingJag bara tittar
  [yahg bar-ah tit-tar]
- How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hoor myck-et kost-ar deh]
- That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [deh air fur deer-t]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kan doo sen-kah pree-set]
- What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vahd air klok-kahn]
- It's one o'clockKlockan är ett
  [klok-kahn air ett]
- Half past (10)Halv (10)
  [halv (ten)]
- MorningMorgon
  [mor-gon]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mid-dahg]
- EveningKväll
  [kvel]
- YesterdayIgår
  [ee-gor]
- TodayIdag
  [ee-dahg]
- TomorrowImorgon
  [ee-mor-gon]
- 11
  [ett]
- 22
  [två]
- 33
  [tre]
- 44
  [fyra]
- 55
  [fem]
- 66
  [sex]
- 77
  [sju]
- 88
  [åtta]
- 99
  [nio]
- 1010
  [tio]
- Where's a/the...?Var är en/den...?
  [var air en/den...?]
- What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vahd air ah-dress-en]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kan doo vee-sah may (poh kar-tahn)?]
- When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nair gor nasta (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [en bil-yet (til ....)]

History of Östergötland

Östergötland was a significant region during the Viking Age, serving as a central hub for trade and exploration. The region's proximity to the Baltic Sea facilitated interactions with various cultures. Archaeological finds, including rune stones, burial mounds, and artifacts, offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of the Vikings who once roamed these lands.
Linköping, the heart of Östergötland, has roots dating back to the 12th century. Originally a prominent religious center, the city is home to the majestic Linköping Cathedral. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century and it stands today as a testament to Gothic architecture and the region's medieval heritage.
The Battle of Stångebro, fought in 1598, was a critical event in Swedish history. Located near Linköping, this battle saw King Sigismund III of Poland and Sweden face off against his uncle, Duke Charles. The battle concluded with Sigismund's defeat, leading to Charles' ascension to the Swedish throne as King Charles IX.
Completed in 1832, the Göta Canal is one of Sweden's most remarkable engineering feats. Spanning 190 kilometers and connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, the canal played a pivotal role in boosting trade and transportation in the 19th century. Östergötland hosts several scenic stretches of the canal, which remain popular with tourists today.
Norrköping, often referred to as 'Sweden's Manchester,' was a vital industrial center during the 19th century. The city flourished with its textile mills, paper factories, and other manufacturing industries. The legacy of this industrial boom is preserved in the city's historic buildings and museums, which offer insights into its transformative past.
Vadstena is a small town rich in cultural heritage, prominently featuring Vadstena Castle and Vadstena Abbey. Founded by Saint Bridget in the 14th century, the abbey became a major religious site in medieval Sweden. Vadstena Castle, built in the 16th century, is a Renaissance masterpiece that once served as a royal residence and now houses a museum.
Östergötland is dotted with numerous medieval churches, many of which were built during the 12th and 13th centuries. These churches, such as Skänninge Church and Kaga Church, are architectural gems that showcase Romanesque and Gothic styles. They offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of medieval Sweden.
The Linköping Bloodbath occurred in 1600 when five noblemen loyal to King Sigismund were executed by order of Duke Charles, who later became King Charles IX. This event was part of the larger power struggle between the Catholic and Protestant factions in Sweden and had a significant impact on Swedish history.