Shorter hikes

Explore Nature at Its Best: From Cultural Reserves to Ravines and Lakes. Discover the beauty of nature with our selection of shorter hikes – perfect for those who seek fresh air and stunning surroundings without walking too far.

Stjärnorpsravinen – Enchanting Nature in a Ravine

A hidden gem in Linköping, the Stjärnorpsravinen trail offers a magical hiking experience. The lush, exotic landscape is cloaked in deciduous forests and ferns, with towering trees forming arch-like canopies overhead. As you venture deeper into the heart of the ravine, you’ll be accompanied by the soothing sound of the Stjärnorp stream.

At the end of the forest trail, you’ll encounter a small stone staircase. If you’re not accustomed to climbing, we recommend returning the same way as ascending requires some experience. Climb up to the higher ground if you’d like to continue the hike along the steep ridge.

Not only is this trail enchanting, but it’s also one of Östergötland’s richest bat habitats.

The trail is approximately 2 km long with moderate difficulty. It begins below the Stjärnorp castle ruins. While the path is unmarked, there is an information board by the toolshed next to the parking area. As mentioned earlier, climbing experience is recommended if you plan to ascend via the stone steps.

Kärna Mosse – Welcome to the Orchid Paradise

Bubbling springs, wild orchids, and 250-year-old pines await at Kärna Mosse. This nature reserve is one of Östergötland’s most renowned calcareous fens, rich with fascinating flora and fauna. Tall pines, deciduous forests, and coniferous woods characterize the area, while toppled trees give the landscape a wild, ancient forest feel. Kärna Mosse is best known for its vibrant display of orchids from early June to mid-July, with up to 15 different species growing freely.

The trail through Kärna Mosse is 2 km long. During early summer, visit the pond in the northern part of the reserve to see frogs, newts, and a variety of small creatures. There are two entrances with parking and information boards, signposted from Kärnavägen.

You can find more information and a map here.

Säby Västerskog – Step Into an Enchanted Forest

If you want to experience a true enchanted forest, Säby Västerskog Nature Reserve is a perfect destination. The diverse landscape is home to various fungi and wood-dwelling insects, such as beetles. The average age of the trees is around 180 years! Dead trees, crucial for the ecosystem, are often left to decay, so agility is required to navigate over logs and rocks. Refresh yourself in Lake Stora Mörken, just south of the reserve, where you’ll also find shelters and restrooms. A short detour will take you to beautiful cliffs perfect for swimming by Lake Stora Rängen.

The reserve is accessible from the road between Bjärka Säby and Bestorp. About 1 km south of Bjärka Säby, look for signs pointing left to the “nature reserve.” The trail is approximately 1.5 km and follows part of the Östgötaleden trail.

You can find more information and a map here. 

Viggeby – Lakeside Hiking

Hiking in Viggeby Nature Reserve, located on a peninsula in Lake Järnlunden, offers a lakeside nature experience. Combine summer swimming, island exploration, fishing trips, and hiking all in one place. Relax on sun-warmed cliffs after a day of hiking. The area boasts rich flora and fauna, and fishing within the reserve is free. The Östgötaleden trail runs through the area, with its endpoint here. Viggeby also features well-maintained barbecue areas, restrooms, designated camping spots, and shelters. The hike is 8.2 km long but can be shortened to suit your preferences.

Viggeby Nature Reserve is located about 25 km south of Linköping, just west of Brokind, and is signposted from Road 34.

You can find more information and a map here.

Hiking in Ullstämmaskogens Nature Reserve

Tucked away in the Vidingsjö recreational area, Ullstämmaskogens Nature Reserve is less visited than other parts of the area, offering peace and a true nature experience far from the city’s noise. Both the natural environment and the silence make for a relaxing hike. The 3.4 km trail mainly winds through beautiful forests of varying ages. The path is entirely on forest trails, which can be rocky and root-filled at times, making it a moderate hike despite its short length.

More information about the area and other hikes close by can be find here.

Öna – A Cultural Reserve in the Forest

Wander freely in the cultural reserve of Öna, where settlements from the 1600s and 1700s are perched on large flat rocks. Enjoy views of Lake Stensjön and the surrounding grazing lands near the cultural farm, an ideal picnic spot. The village offers a glimpse into old Linköping and life in the impoverished forested countryside.

While there is no dedicated hiking trail, the Östgötaleden trail passes near Öna, making it a great stop along the way to Ulrika or Ycke Urskog.

More information about the culture reserve can be found here.

Ycke Urskog – A Forest from a Storybook

Step into a forest that feels straight out of a fairy tale, with old-growth trees and moss-covered landscapes in Ycke Urskog. This reserve, with its spruce and pine trees dating back to the early 1700s, takes you on a journey through ancient Swedish nature. Hiking here requires good mobility due to the numerous fallen trees – you’ll be climbing over and ducking under!

The 1.5 km trail is part of the Östgötaleden trail and is located 2 km west of Ulrika village, toward Boxholm. The reserve features a shelter and a covered barbecue area. Take your time to explore the area and visit Ulrika, or stay overnight in one of the lakeside cabins at Amundebo Södergård.

More information and a map can be found here.