Östergötland is one of Sweden’s most underrated regions for nature photography. Within a relatively small area you can photograph world-class bird migration, ancient oak landscapes, dramatic cliffs above Lake Vättern, orchid-rich wetlands, old-growth forests, sea archipelagos and some of Sweden’s best autumn colors.
As a travel and nature photographer, these are the reserves I would prioritize.
1. Tåkern naturreservat
Tåkern naturreservat Web Address: 592 92 Vadstena, Sverige
Best For
- Bird photography
- Bird migration
- Wildlife
- Wetland landscapes
- Sunrise photography
When To Visit
April-May
- Peak spring migration
- Cranes
- Marsh harriers
- Black terns
- Thousands of waterfowl
June
- Breeding birds
- Orchid flowering
September-October
- Autumn migration
- Misty mornings
- Golden reeds
What To Photograph
- Great crested grebes
- Marsh harriers
- Bitterns
- Bearded reedlings
- Black terns
- Whooper swans
- Cranes
Tåkern is one of Northern Europe’s most important bird lakes with nearly 280 recorded species. (Länsstyrelsen)
Best Instagram Spots
- Naturum observation tower
- Toregårdsören tower
- Vassleden boardwalk
- Glänås shoreline
- Svälinge bird tower
Best Hike
Vassleden (4 km)
This trail passes reedbeds, orchid-rich wetlands, bird towers and open grazing meadows. (Länsstyrelsen)
2. Tinnerö Eklandskap
Tinnerö Eklandskap Web Address: 585 97 Linköping, Sverige Phone: +4613200000
Best For
- Deer photography
- Oak landscapes
- Wildflowers
- Autumn colors
- Sunset photography
When To Visit
May
- Flower meadows
- Fresh green oak leaves
September-October
- Golden oak forests
- Misty mornings
What To Photograph
- Fallow deer
- Roe deer
- Ancient oaks
- Butterflies
- Wildflowers
The reserve contains one of Northern Europe’s largest oak landscapes and offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography close to Linköping.
Best Instagram Spots
- Open oak meadows
- Grazing deer among old oaks
- Sunset over rolling grasslands
- Morning mist among the trees
Best Hike
Several connected trails allow you to create a 5–15 km photo walk.
3. Omberg Nature Reserves
Omberg is arguably the most photogenic location in Östergötland and contains several outstanding reserves. (Visit Östergötland)
Best For
- Landscapes
- Forest photography
- Orchids
- Autumn colors
- Vättern viewpoints
4. Ombergs Bokskog
Best For
- Forest photography
- Spring photography
- Autumn colors
The beech forest on Omberg is among Sweden’s northernmost beech forests. During spring it fills with wood anemones, liverleaf and fresh green foliage. The forest also hosts woodpeckers and songbirds. (Länsstyrelsen)
When To Visit
Late April-May
- Spring flowers
- Fresh green beech leaves
October
- Spectacular autumn colors
What To Photograph
- Beech forest tunnels
- Forest details
- Woodland birds
- Vättern shoreline
Best Instagram Spots
- Ellen Key trail
- Stocklycke area
- Forest paths through beech tunnels
Best Hike
Östgötaleden section through the reserve. (Länsstyrelsen)
5. Ombergsliden
Best For
- Orchid photography
- Macro photography
- Butterflies
- Panoramic views
The reserve contains one of Östergötland’s finest calcareous wetlands with rare orchids and excellent butterfly diversity. (Länsstyrelsen)
When To Visit
June-July
What To Photograph
- Fragrant orchids
- Fly orchids
- Butterflies
- Flower meadows
Best Instagram Spots
- Orchid boardwalk
- Summit viewpoint overlooking Tåkern
Best Hike
Orkidéstigen (1.4 km). (Länsstyrelsen)
6. Ostmossen
Best For
- Wildflowers
- Butterflies
- Macro photography
Ostmossen and nearby Ombergsliden are among Sweden’s finest butterfly locations with approximately 300 recorded large butterfly species. (Länsstyrelsen)
When To Visit
May
- Primroses
June-July
- Orchids
- Butterflies
What To Photograph
- Primrose carpets
- Rare butterflies
- Orchid species
- Flower-rich grasslands
Best Instagram Spots
- Flower meadows
- Calcareous wetlands
7. Mörkahålkärret
Best For
- Orchid photography
- Macro photography
- Rare flora
One of Omberg’s hidden gems with flowering wetlands and boardwalks crossing rich marsh habitats. (Länsstyrelsen)
When To Visit
May-August
What To Photograph
- Orchids
- Marsh flowers
- Dew-covered plants
- Abstract macro compositions
Best Hike
Short boardwalk trail.
8. Storpissan
Best For
- Ancient forest photography
- Moody woodland scenes
- Streams and waterfalls
This reserve protects old-growth forest with giant spruces over 200 years old and a crystal-clear stream flowing into Lake Vättern. (Länsstyrelsen)
When To Visit
October-November
- Mossy forest scenes
After rain
- Best water flow
What To Photograph
- Giant spruce trees
- Waterfalls
- Forest details
- Moss-covered rocks
Best Instagram Spots
- Stream viewpoints
- Ancient spruce forest
9. Djuröns naturreservat
Djuröns naturreservat Web Address: Ö, 605 91 Norrköping, Sverige Phone: +4611150000
Best For
- Archipelago photography
- Coastal landscapes
- Drone photography
When To Visit
May-September
What To Photograph
- Baltic coastline
- Red cottages
- Rocky islands
- Sunrise over the sea
Best Instagram Spots
- Coastal cliffs
- Island viewpoints
Best Hike
Island trails around the reserve.
10. Bokö Naturreservat
Bokö Naturreservat Web Address: 615 96 Gryt, Sverige Phone: +46702667678
Best For
- Archipelago photography
- Coastal forests
- Sea landscapes
When To Visit
Summer
- Best access by boat
September
- Softer light and fewer visitors
What To Photograph
- Coastal forests
- Rocky shoreline
- Sailing boats
- Sunrise reflections
11. Trollegater Naturreservat
Trollegater Naturreservat Web Address: 588, 590 46 Rimforsa, Sverige
Best For
- Unique geology
- Cave photography
- Forest photography
When To Visit
All year
What To Photograph
- Cave systems
- Rock formations
- Forest trails
- Autumn colors
Best Instagram Spots
- Main cave entrance
- Forest viewpoints
12. Hallstad ängar naturreservat
Hallstad ängar naturreservat Web Address: Unnamed Rd, 590 46 Rimforsa, Sverige
Best For
- Wildflowers
- Butterflies
- Summer landscapes
When To Visit
June-July
What To Photograph
- Flower meadows
- Pollinators
- Butterflies
- Rural landscapes
13. Svartåmynningens Naturreservat
Svartåmynningens Naturreservat Web Address: NYBROBADEN 1, 585 99 Linköping, Sverige
Best For
- Bird photography
- Wetland landscapes
- Sunset reflections
When To Visit
Spring and autumn migration
What To Photograph
- Water birds
- Reflections
- Reeds
- Sunset silhouettes
14. Ycke Urskogs Naturreservat
Ycke Urskogs Naturreservat Web Address: SV, Linköping, Sverige
Best For
- Old-growth forest
- Mushrooms
- Woodland photography
When To Visit
September-November
What To Photograph
- Ancient trees
- Fungi
- Moss
- Forest details
15. Stora Lunds naturreservat
Stora Lunds naturreservat Web Address: Sverige
Best For
- Bird migration
- Spring flowers
- Lakeside landscapes
When To Visit
April-May
What To Photograph
- Migrating birds
- Flower meadows
- Lake views
My Top 10 Photography Reserves in Östergötland
- Tåkern naturreservat – Best overall wildlife photography
- Ombergs Bokskog – Best forest photography
- Ombergsliden – Best orchids
- Ostmossen – Best butterflies
- Storpissan – Best old-growth forest
- Tinnerö Eklandskap – Best oak landscapes
- Djuröns naturreservat – Best archipelago photography
- Bokö Naturreservat – Best coastal scenery
- Trollegater Naturreservat – Most unique geology
- Ycke Urskogs Naturreservat – Best untouched forest
For a photographer visiting Östergötland for the first time, I would build the trip around Tåkern, Omberg and Tinnerö. Together they offer birds, orchids, butterflies, old forests, dramatic viewpoints, deer, autumn color and some of the best sunrise opportunities in southern Sweden. (Länsstyrelsen)
Perfect additions for SEO. I would add the following section near the end of the article before the FAQ.
Google Maps and Naturkartan Links
Tåkern Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Tåkern+Naturreservat
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se/sv/ostergotlands-lan/taakern
One of Northern Europe’s most important bird lakes with 278 recorded bird species and extensive orchid-rich wetlands. (Naturkartan)
Tinnerö Oak Landscape
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Tinnerö+Eklandskap
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
A fantastic reserve for deer, ancient oak trees, wildflowers and autumn photography.
Ombergs Bokskog Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Ombergs+Bokskog
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
One of the northernmost natural beech forests in eastern Scandinavia with exceptional spring and autumn photography opportunities. (Länsstyrelsen)
Ombergsliden Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Ombergsliden
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se/sv/ostergotlands-lan/ombergsliden
Known for rare orchids, butterfly photography and the beautiful Orkidéstigen trail. (Naturkartan)
Ostmossen Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Ostmossen+Omberg
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
One of Sweden’s best locations for butterflies and flower photography.
Mörkahålkärret Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Mörkahålkärret
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Excellent boardwalk photography, orchids, dragonflies and macro opportunities. (Naturkartan)
Storpissan Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Storpissan+Omberg
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Ancient forest and one of Östergötland’s most photogenic small waterfalls. (frewaphoto.com)
Djurön Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Djurön+Naturreservat
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Outstanding archipelago landscapes and sunrise photography.
Bokö Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Bokö+Naturreservat
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
One of the best island reserves in the Gryt Archipelago.
Trollegater Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Trollegater+Naturreservat
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Unique cave systems and excellent autumn forest photography.
Ycke Primeval Forest
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Ycke+Urskog
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Old-growth forest, fungi and moody woodland scenes.
Hallstad Meadows
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Hallstad+Ängar
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Exceptional butterfly and wildflower photography.
Svartåmynningen Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Svartåmynningen
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se
Excellent migration photography and wetland landscapes.
Related Guides on Frewa Photo
These internal links help build topical authority around Swedish nature photography.
Bird Photography
Östergötland Photography
Swedish Nature Photography
FAQ
What is the best nature reserve in Östergötland for photography?
For most photographers, Tåkern is the top choice because it offers bird photography, orchids, wetlands, sunrise opportunities and migration spectacles. (Naturkartan)
What is the best reserve for bird photography?
Tåkern is widely considered one of the best bird photography locations in Sweden thanks to its enormous diversity of species. (Naturkartan)
Where can I photograph orchids in Östergötland?
Ombergsliden, Ostmossen and Mörkahålkärret are among the best locations. Ombergsliden is especially famous for its orchid displays. (Naturkartan)
What is the best reserve for autumn photography?
Ombergs Bokskog, Tinnerö Eklandskap and Ycke Urskog provide some of the best autumn colors in the county. (Länsstyrelsen)
What is the best reserve for macro photography?
Ombergsliden, Ostmossen and Mörkahålkärret offer outstanding opportunities for orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers. (Naturkartan)
What is the best reserve for hiking?
Omberg offers the greatest variety of hiking experiences. Ellen Keys led and the Omberg Signature Trail combine viewpoints, forests, cliffs and cultural history. (Naturkartan)
What is the best reserve for wildlife photography?
Tåkern for birds and Tinnerö Eklandskap for deer are the two strongest options.
Which reserve has the best Instagram spots?
The most photographed locations are:
- Hjässan on Omberg
- Västra Väggar on Omberg
- Tåkern observation towers
- Storpissan waterfall
- Djurön Archipelago
- Omberg beech forests
When is the best season to visit Östergötland?
- April–May: Bird migration and spring flowers
- June–July: Orchids and butterflies
- September–October: Autumn colors and migration
- November: Atmospheric forest photography
Is Östergötland good for landscape photography?
Yes. Omberg alone offers some of the best landscape photography opportunities in southern Sweden, with dramatic cliffs, forests and lake views. (uploads.naturkartan.se)