Cycle in Linköping

Plan your next cycling adventure in Linköping. Here we have gathered useful information about bike rentals, digital cycling maps, and suggestions for routes that take you to the city’s many hidden gems. The bike is the most convenient way to get around – with 50 miles of cycling paths, you can reach everything from city life to beautiful nature in a short time.

Experience the unique oak landscape that stretches from central Linköping down to the countryside in the south, cycle along the waterfront Stångåstråket or enjoy the open fields of the undulating Östgötaslätten. You can also experience the Göta Canal from the bike along the national cycle route that was named Europe’s best bike route in 2025. Are you craving a new cycling experience? Now there is an opportunity to explore pilgrimage cycling that stretches between Söderköping and Vadstena, with a beautiful section that goes right through Linköping.

Plan your cycling trip: Everything for the cycling tourist in Linköping

Here we have gathered practical facts and valuable tips for you who want to explore Linköping on two wheels. Whether you need to rent a bike, are looking for a bike garage, want to know where the next bike pump is, or are seeking thrilling challenges on our MTB and BMX tracks, you will find all the information below. Further down, we also recommend our own favorite spots and selected routes that will take you to the very best of Linköping and the Östergötland countryside.

Cycle on Östgötaslätten – a tour through rapeseed fields and history

A bike ride through Malmslätt, Vikingstad, Västerlösa, Ledberg, and Berg is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the beautiful Östgötaslätten. Starting in Malmslätt, you can visit the Air Force Museum — one of Linköping’s most popular attractions that is well worth a stop before you pedal on.

As you continue over Vikingstad, Västerlösa, and Ledberg, you will experience the plains at their very best. In the summer, the yellow rapeseed fields spread out, and here and there a church tower rises towards the sky. With the scenic countryside in focus and the modern city on the horizon, you travel along open roads. The wind? Yes, it’s almost always there, but fortunately, there’s also a tailwind.

End the tour at Berg’s locks and experience the largest lock area of the Göta Canal. Here you’ll find both cafes and restaurants to recharge and enjoy the place after a wonderful day on the bike.

Good to know

🚲 Distance — Approximately 35 km.
⛰️ Terrain — Very easy to pedal and flat landscape with open views all the way.
🌻 Character — Open and flat landscape with beautiful views of rapeseed fields and church towers.
📍 Attractions — Air Force Museum, Bländebo loppis, Kaga Church, Hantverksgården Ledberg, Boställets vedugnsbageri, Kornettgården, Vreta Monastery church, Svartåmynningen nature reserve & Berg’s locks at Göta Canal.
🛌 Accommodation — Stora Lund B&B, Stenholmen Gårdshotell, Hostel Freja, Glamping in Berg’s locks, Ljungsbro hostel, Berg’s locks hostel & Kullagården.

Route: Malmslätt (Air Force Museum) — Vikingstad — Västerlösa — Ledberg — Berg’s locks

Challenge yourself: Cycle around Roxen

For those seeking a challenge, around Roxen is the obvious choice. It involves nine miles of wonderfully varied cycling. From Linköping, you pedal north via Berg, then tackle the northern side of the lake – a stretch as hilly as it is beautiful.

As you reach the southern side of Roxen, the landscape changes character. Here you can enjoy the open plain and really pick up speed on the pedals on your way back into the city.

Good to know

🚲 Distance – Approximately 9 miles (90 km).
⛰️ Terrain – A mix of challenging hills and fast, flat plains.
🌻 Character – Very hilly and scenic in the north, more easy-pedaling in the south.
📍 Attractions – Vreta Kloster church, Bergs slussar at Göta canal, Stjärnorpsravinen, Stjärnorps castle ruin, Roxenbaden, Elins locks & Tuna Kungsgård.
🛌 Accommodation – Glamping at Bergs slussar, Bergs slussar hostel & Sandviks camping.

Route: Linköping – Berg – Roxen north side – Roxen south side – Linköping

Cycling in the Oak Landscape: From City Pulse to Ancient Oaks

From Drottninggatan in central Linköping, you can cycle south along Tinnerbäcken towards the unique Oak Landscape. Already at Ekkälledammen, the area’s character is noticeable, and the names of the surrounding streets testify to the mighty trees that dominate the region.

Östergötland is one of Europe’s most oak-rich areas, and here you get to experience a fantastic concentration of large and ancient oaks. The Oak Trail takes you through lush oak groves and beautiful oak pastures out to the scenic countryside just south of the city. Where the city ends, Tinnerö Oak Landscape takes over – a paradise for nature experiences all year round. Here you cycle through a living grazing landscape with inviting forests and rich bird lakes just waiting to be discovered.

Good to know

🚲 Distance – Flexible length depending on choice of route (approximately 5–15 km round trip from the center).
⛰️ Terrain – Mostly paved cycle paths and fine gravel roads. Flat and easily accessible.
🌻 Character – A unique blend of urban environment, lush oak trails, and nature reserves.
📍 Attractions – Tinnerö Oak Landscape, Rosenkällasjön, Smedstad’s ponds, and Landeryd’s homestead park.
💡 Tips – On some shorter walkways along the trail, you need to lead the bike. At Rosenkällasjön, there are nice resting places and information boards.

Route: Drottninggatan – Tinnerbäcken – Ekkälledammen – Tinnerö Oak Landscape (Smedstad/Rosenkällasjön)

Cycle along Stångåstråket: The city’s most popular meeting place

Stångåstråket is undoubtedly the most beloved walking and cycling path for the people of Linköping. People gather here year-round – whether for an intense run, dog walks, a date, or just to enjoy a refreshing walk. The path offers a string of experiences with constant contact with the water, where beautiful views and historic locks line the way.

Along the path, there are plenty of opportunities to pause; here you can sit on sun benches, docks, and well-placed benches just to enjoy the surroundings. There are almost always people on the move here, but the wide paths rarely make it feel crowded.

Near Linköping’s center, there is a large selection of restaurants and cafés, and at Tannefors locks you can enjoy a coffee in the beautiful park setting. On your way south, you pass Johannelundsbadet and the charming locks at Hackefors and Hjulsbro. During the summer months, the water glistens and boating life is in full swing, but the path is just as popular for crisp winter tours and colorful autumn walks.

Good to know

🚲 Distance – Approximately 14 km (round trip between Tannefors and Landeryd).
⛰️ Terrain – Easy difficulty with varied surfaces of asphalt and well-maintained gravel paths.
🌻 Character – Linköping’s most used walking and cycling path along the water. There are plenty of sun benches and docks for breaks and relaxation.
📍 Attractions – Tannefors locks, Johannelundsbadet, Hjulsbro bathing place, and Hackefors locks.

Route: Tannefors locks – Johannelund – Hackefors – Hjulsbro – Landeryd