Skip to the main content of the page Go to the page's menu Go to the page's menu

5 musts in Linköping

Associations with Linköping are numerous – flight, two canals, a bloody history, a cool university or successful hockey and football teams, you name it!! No matter how long your visit to Linköping is, or if you are a Linköping resident, there are some pearls here you must not miss. Be inspired by the top 5 musts to see and do in Linköping!

A drone image from Bergs slussar, Göta canal.

Berg Locks, Göta Canal – Linköping’s own oasis

A stone’s throw from Linköping centre you will find the city’s own little oasis, Berg Locks on the Göta Canal. Enjoy the boat-happy travellers, wonderful summer days and tasty food experiences of the harbour life that flourishes in the area during the summer. Think what a luxury to be able to combine the pulse of the city with the tranquil harbour idyll, and only a cycle run between them!

In Berg Locks there is everything from culturally historic experiences, green spaces, tasteful restaurants to the boat life of the locks. The heart of Berg locks, which according to many is the soul of the Göta Canal, is the Carl Johan lock staircase.

Inside Linköping's cathedral

Linköping Cathedral – Sweden’s best preserved medieval cathedral

When you approach Linköping you see a steeple stretching into the sky. A steeple that shows you the way in to the heart of the city. It is Linköping Cathedral you have sighted. Once you get to it you will probably feel small in comparison to the impressive 107-meter-high tower!

Linköping Cathedral is Sweden’s best preserved medieval cathedral, and there is much to discover here; the gothic blind arcades with their strange stone figures, Golgata – the glass sculpture from Orrefors, Maria who spreads out her mantle of flowers over us from one of the windows. When you are inside the church it has been known for the beauty to take your breath away. This is an absolute must for all explorers of history!

Linköping city overlooking Sankt Lars church.

Stora Torget – A pulsating city life

Stora Torget, the main square in Linköping, offers life and energy both day and night. In summer the town abounds with street cafés and restaurants where it can be hard to find a seat on a lovely warm evening, because everyone wants to be there to meet friends and acquaintances and soak up the atmosphere.

Stora Torget lies in the middle of the shopping area and is surrounded by restaurants and inns of all types. The square is also a living events venue – here for example, the inauguration of the Winter City in Lights, Linköping City Festival and Music Aid are held. And many come! Keep an eye on our events calendar for all events happening here.

An airplane at Flygvapenmuseum in Linköping

Air Force Museum – The development of the Swedish Armed Forces

The Air Force Museum is the ultimate place for those of you who are fascinated by unique, historical airplanes! Here you can learn more about the development of Swedish defence aviation and see unique collections of items. You also have the opportunity to handle the JAS 39 Gripen simulator and try out being a fighter pilot for a while.

There are on-going activities for the whole family with everything from an experimental show in the air lab to guided tours of the museum’s premises. In the Cold War exhibition, you can for example experience a typical Swedish home from the beginning of the 1950s to the end of the 1980s.

A woman in historical clothes on a bike in Gamla Linköping

The Open Air Museum Gamla Linköping – Linköping 100 years ago

To visit the Open Air Museum in Gamla (the old part of) Linköping is to travel back 100 years in time. The whole city quarter breathes the turn of the century to 1900, with everything from contemporary general stores in charming timber buildings, to summer events and concerts in the enriching atmosphere of Folkparkstheatren, the people’s theatre in the park. Together with the genuine rural atmosphere at Valla Farm which is easily reached on foot, or the summer operating Choo-Choo Train, the museum offers something for everyone, old and young.

The Open Air Museum, Gamla Linköping came in sixth place in Sweden’s most visited museums 2018 – and for good reason!

More attractions in Linköping