Nature gems in Linköping

There are so many good reasons to spend more time in nature! Outdoor life is suitable for everyone and is also free – and best of all? Linköping is embraced by plenty of lush forests and golden plains, here are natural experiences of all kinds!

Use all five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch on your adventure in some of our natural gems in Linköping. Pick mushrooms, hike, paddle, cycle, or walk. We have listed some natural gems we are particularly proud to have in Linköping! Proximity to nature and greenery simply makes us feel good.

Göta Canal – Easy to walk all year round

Sweden’s perhaps most famous canal goes through Linköping. Göta Canal is a popular place to visit in the summer, but even in other seasons, the canal and its surroundings offer beautiful nature.

Starting at the unique Berg locks, it is excellent to walk along the canal, towards Ljungsbro and further towards Borensberg. For those eager to play or exercise, there is a new activity park in Ljungsbro located a few steps from the canal.

The Berg-Borensberg stretch is a popular hiking and cycling path in the summer. But it is truly recommended for a visit all year round. Miles of flat gravel roads that are hard to get lost on. Follow the canal, enjoy the peace, quiet, and nature.

Photo: Sophia Bergholm

Kinda Canal – 8 miles of nature experiences

Discovering the Kinda Canal is to explore 8 miles of wonderful nature! The canal offers several lake systems and winds its way from the scenic Kinda region, continuing through fifteen manually operated locks to central Linköping, further out into Lake Roxen.

Leave the stress of everyday life behind and step into nature, where so many adventures await! Imagine the feeling of hiking along the canal where you pass varied and exciting nature first hand! The hike takes you through deep forests, over plains, and past sparkling water. For those who want to extend their stay, there are everything from simple hostels to guesthouses with tasty dinners and the best hotel standards.

Kinda Canal is a true natural gem all year round. Welcome to your nature oasis.

Photo: Fredrik Schlyter

Stångåstråket – A string of places to visit

Stångåstråket is exactly what it sounds like – a route along Stångån, and a concentrated part of Kinda Canal. The stretch is 14 kilometers long and takes you along Stångån Kinda Canal and is full of opportunities, whether you want to cycle, walk, fish, paddle, boat, or exercise.

This route is very popular among Linköping residents – many take a trip around the river in the evening. If you’re out exercising, you can also stop by Snugganparken at Tannefors locks and challenge your strength in the outdoor gym located here. Otherwise, prepare a picnic basket and sit down at one of the locks you encounter. The route is incredibly beautiful regardless of the season.

Rängen Runt – Perfect for nature lovers

Rängen Runt is a hiking trail based on Östgötaleden and Kyrkleden with a stretch of approximately 45 km and takes you around the entire lake Stora Rängen. The trail offers varied nature, many swimming spots, and accommodations where you can literally choose between castle and cabin. The time requirement for the hiking trail is about 12 hours.

On your journey, you will pass many gems. Including Vårdnäs Stiftsgård. Here you can take a break and enjoy good food in the restaurant, take a dip in the blue, or just enjoy the view on one of the many rocks surrounding the place before continuing in nature. Another gem you will pass is Stafsäters Gårdsglass – a must-stop if you are in Linköping. This is also the perfect rest stop if you’ve gotten a bit warm during your hike and need to cool down a bit. Bus connections are mainly on the eastern side of the lake, so for those who want to stick to shorter hikes.

Tinnerö Eklandskap – The Mecca of Oaks

Are you particularly fond of nature’s oaks? Then a stop in the Eklandskap is a must. In the southern areas of Linköping, the oak population is unusually large. The Eklandskap includes the areas of Brokind, Bjärka-Säby, Sturefors, and the municipality’s largest nature area, Tinnerö, which is also the most central part, only 2 kilometers away from Stora torget.

It is a fantastic experience to discover the entire Eklandskap – but in Tinnerö, there’s a little extra to enjoy. Of all the nature found here, it’s predominantly oaks, but there are also coniferous forests and wetlands. I mean, check out the wetland picture?! How cool does it look? The varied nature makes the total plant and animal life very rich here. Not only that, but it’s actually not just nature that is interesting. Tinnerö also has a fascinating cultural history. The landscape is filled with ancient monuments, especially from the Roman Iron Age.

Östgötaslätten – West of the City

Last but not least – Östgötaslätten! Östergötland is widely known for its beautiful, large plains and seas of yellow rapeseed fields. Amidst this sea of gold, many gems and cozy excursion destinations are hidden. If you want to experience nature and country life firsthand – take a bike ride around the charming route “West of the City,” with several different stops where you can find local crafts, shop second-hand, and enjoy a coffee.

Beautiful nature and fresh air – that’s what you can expect here. Enjoy the greenery, freshly baked goodies, and charming shopping in a lovely environment. You will also encounter animals up close along the way.

Guide to Nature in Linköping Municipality

There is so incredibly much beautiful nature in Linköping Municipality to explore. Among them is Viggeby Nature Reserve, which consists of several islands and an elongated headland into Lake Järnlunden. The hiking trails in the area pass over flower-rich rocky grounds, through beautiful oak environments, lush deciduous forests, and rolling, open pastures. Ycke primeval forest in Ulrika, located in the southern part of the municipality. This natural gem is one of the county’s few remaining primeval forests offering a timeless and exciting woodland. The oldest pine in Yckne already sprouted during the late 1500s!

To get an overview of all the natural beauty available in Linköping Municipality, feel free to visit the Naturkartan. Naturkartan guides you to more exciting hiking trails, nature reserves, entrances, and places worth visiting.