From charming towns to lush forests and sparkling lakes, Östergötland is one of Sweden’s best-kept secrets. As a travel photographer and parent, I can honestly say this region is a goldmine for slow, meaningful travel with the whole family. Here’s your complete, photo-ready, family-friendly travel guide to Östergötland.
What to Know Before You Go
Orientation
Located in southeastern Sweden, Östergötland stretches from the Baltic coast to the inland lake-rich countryside. Key towns include Linköping, Norrköping, Vadstena, and Ödeshög. The region is dotted with medieval architecture, pristine nature reserves, charming countryside roads, and rich history.
Language
Swedish is the main language, but most locals speak excellent English. Learning a few phrases like “Hej” (hello), “Tack” (thank you), and “Hej då” (goodbye) is appreciated.
Currency and Payment
Sweden is almost entirely cashless. Use debit/credit cards or mobile apps like Swish or Apple Pay. It’s a good idea to carry one international card and have mobile payment options enabled.
What to Pack
- Layers: Swedish weather changes fast
- Waterproof shoes and jackets
- Swimwear for lakes and spas
- Camera gear (trust me!)
- Snacks for kids during rural adventures
- Reusable water bottle
- Compact picnic blanket
When to Go
- Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and biking.
- Autumn (September–October): Stunning foliage, foraging season (mushrooms, berries), and peaceful trails.
- Winter (December–February): Snow-covered forests and frozen lakes create a magical backdrop, perfect for winter walks and cozy fika.
- Spring (April–May): Nature awakens, birdlife peaks, and it’s a perfect time to enjoy fewer crowds and blossoming landscapes.
How Long to Stay
- Quick Visit (3–4 days): Focus on Linköping, Vadstena, and Omberg.
- Extended Stay (5–7 days): Add Norrköping, Tåkern Lake, Ödeshög, and more time in nature.
- Slow Travel (10+ days): Ideal for families, combining urban culture, lake life, and deep immersion in nature.
How to Get There
- By Car: The best option for families, giving you freedom to explore rural spots.
- By Train: Linköping and Norrköping are well connected via SJ trains from Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- By Plane: Linköping City Airport has regional flights; Stockholm Arlanda is best for international travel.
How to Get Around
Walking
All major towns and villages are highly walkable, making it easy to explore castles, harbors, and cafés on foot.
Public Transport
Östgötatrafiken operates regional buses and trains. Easy to navigate and well-suited for trips between towns.
Taxi
Taxis are available in larger towns but are costly. Use apps like Bolt or call local services in advance.
Rent a Car
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore countryside roads, nature reserves, and remote beaches.
Bike
Many areas, including Omberg, Vadstena, and Göta Canal, are bike-friendly with dedicated trails and rental options.
What to Do
Explore Linköping
- Linköping Cathedral: Gothic beauty with centuries of history
- Gamla Linköping: Open-air museum full of traditional wooden houses
- Valla Gård & Valla Recreation Area: Petting zoo, playgrounds, and walking paths
Discover Norrköping
- Industrial Landscape: Canals, waterfalls, and old factories turned galleries
- Visualization Center C: Hands-on science museum for all ages
- Carl Johans Park: Famous for its floral displays and relaxing atmosphere
Visit Vadstena
- Vadstena Castle: Renaissance architecture right by the water
- Abbey Church: Historic monastery turned spiritual site
- Lakeside strolls: Beautiful walking paths and sunset views along Lake Vättern
Omberg Eco-Adventures
Omberg Plateau
Breathtaking hikes with panoramic views of Lake Vättern. A paradise for nature lovers and landscape photographers.
Bokskogens Naturreservat
A magical beech forest that glows in the fall. Great for peaceful walks and forest photography.
Alvastra Klosterruin
Evocative ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Visit at sunrise or sunset for atmospheric shots.
Stocklycke Hamn
A cozy harbor and perfect picnic spot with lake views. Bring your camera and a thermos of coffee.
Stocklycke Äng & Höje Lilläng
Quiet meadows full of wildflowers and birdlife. Wonderful place to let kids roam free.
Mörkahålkärret
A hidden wetland teeming with rare plants and dragonflies. Bring binoculars and macro lenses.
Storpissan Waterfall
A lovely woodland hike leads to this tucked-away waterfall. Best viewed in spring or after rain.
Ombergs Jätteekar
Ancient oak trees that seem plucked from a fairytale. Ideal for forest portraits and storytelling shots.
Västra Väggar
Dramatic cliffs and panoramic views over Lake Vättern. A top-tier sunset and drone photography location.
Ombergsliens Naturreservat
Serene forest trails, mossy boulders, and wildlife sightings. Ideal for slow, immersive hikes.
Tåkern Lake & Bird Watching
- Naturum Tåkern Visitor Center: Interactive exhibits, family trails
- Birdwatching towers and boardwalks perfect for kids and nature photography
Kolmården Wildlife Park
- One of Europe’s best zoos, including a safari gondola and Bamse World for younger kids
Visit Ödeshög
- Perfect base to explore Omberg and Lake Vättern
- Charming cafés, local shops, and tranquil lakeside atmosphere
Best Tours
- Omberg: Guided forest hikes, history tours, and herbal walks
- Vadstena: Medieval walking tours, castle and ghost stories
- Tåkern: Birdwatching experiences and nature education
- Göta Canal: Boat tours, kayak rentals, and canal-side biking
What to Eat and Drink
- Raggmunk: Traditional Östergötland dish of potato pancakes with fried pork and lingonberries
- Fika: Coffee and cinnamon buns are a Swedish ritual worth pausing for
- Freshwater Fish: Try perch or whitefish from local lakes
- Berries & Foraged Foods: Many restaurants use seasonal wild ingredients
Where to Eat
- Linköping: Stångs Magasin – elegant dining by the river
- Vadstena: Vadstena Klosterhotel – refined local cuisine in a historic setting
- Norrköping: The Lamp Restaurant – design-forward fine dining
- Omberg Area: Ellen Key’s Strand or Ombergs Turisthotell for local specialties with lake views
Where to Drink
- Microbreweries: Centralbryggeriet in Linköping and Norrköping for local craft beer
- Wine Bars: Try cozy spots in Linköping’s old town or Vadstena harbor
- Nature Spots: Pack a thermos and enjoy lakeside coffee in nature – Sweden’s best bar might be outdoors
Where to Stay
- Family-Friendly: Vadstena Camping, Tåkern Vandrarhem, and local Airbnbs
- Charming: Ombergs Turisthotell and Klosterhotellet in Vadstena
- Budget: STF Hostels and rural farm stays (many offer family packages)
What to Buy
- Local artisan goods: woodcraft, textiles, and handwoven rugs
- Swedish knives: Traditional designs from local smiths
- Edible gifts: Honey, cheese, homemade jam
- Natural skincare products made with local herbs
Best Photo Spots
- Sunset cliffs of Omberg
- Vadstena Castle from the water
- Fog over Lake Tåkern at dawn
- Alvastra Klosterruin in soft light
- Göta Canal lined with birch trees
- Tulip displays in Carl Johans Park, Norrköping
- Rural landscapes near Ödeshög
Types of Trips
- Family Trips: Nature walks, castles, animal parks
- Couples Getaways: Spa hotels, wine bars, quiet villages
- Girls Weekends: Shopping, fika tours, forest bathing
How Much Does It Cost?
Getting There
- Train from Stockholm: ~$25–50 per adult
- Car rental: ~$50/day
Sleeping
- Mid-range hotels: ~$100–150/night
- Hostels: ~$60–90/night
- Camping: ~$30–50/night
Activities
- Nature: Mostly free
- Zoos & museums: ~$10–30 entry
- Tours: ~$20–60 depending on duration
Getting Around
- Public transport: ~$3–5 per ride
- Car fuel: ~$7–8 per gallon
Eating and Drinking
- Café meal: ~$10–15
- Restaurant dinner: ~$20–35
What a Trip Here Will Give You
Peace, perspective, and a slower pace of travel. Östergötland connects you to nature, culture, and quality family time. You’ll return home with both incredible photos and unforgettable memories.
Should You Go? Why Go?
Yes. Östergötland blends history, nature, and authentic Swedish culture in a family-friendly setting. It’s ideal for anyone looking to travel deeper, not faster.
FAQs: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Östergötland
1. Is Östergötland family-friendly?
Yes! Nature reserves, lakes, historic towns, and even a world-class zoo make it ideal for families.
2. What’s the best season to visit?
Summer for activities, autumn for color, spring for flowers. Winter is magical but colder.
3. Can you visit without a car?
Yes, but a car gives you much more flexibility to explore nature and small villages.
4. Is it expensive?
Comparable to the rest of Sweden. Nature activities are mostly free, but restaurants and hotels are mid-to-premium.
5. How many days do you need?
3 to 7 days is ideal. More if you want to unwind in nature and visit several towns.
More Info & Planning Resources
- Visit Östergötland Official Site
- Linköping Tourism
- Vadstena Tourism
- Kolmården Wildlife Park
- Swedish Weather Forecast