After delving into the vibrant life and discovering all the things to do in Linköping, from its historic landmarks like the Linköping Cathedral to the innovative exhibitions at the Fenomenmagasinet, day trips from Linköping allow you to explore the rich tapestry of Sweden’s heartland. These excursions offer a blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and modern Swedish culture, extending your adventure beyond the city limits.
The journey beyond Linköping uncovers a wider array of things to do in Sweden, from the enchanting landscapes of the Kinda Canal to the ancient runestones scattered across Östergötland. Each destination provides a deeper appreciation for Sweden’s natural beauty and its centuries-old heritage.
Choosing where to stay in Linköping is essential for travelers wanting to seamlessly blend urban exploration with the tranquility of the surrounding countryside. The right accommodation places you ideally for both enjoying the city’s highlights and embarking on day trips to discover Sweden’s serene landscapes and historic wonders.
Discover Best Day Trips from Linköping, Sweden
1. Vadstena, Sweden
Vadstena, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, is home to the stunning Vadstena Abbey and Vadstena Castle. This charming town also offers a serene lakeside setting on Lake Vättern.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Vadstena Abbey, Vadstena Castle, Lake Vättern
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Vadstena Castle: $10
- Vadstena Abbey: Free (Donations welcome)
- Museum of Vadstena Abbey: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lakeside paths, Abbey Gardens, Castle Grounds
Travel Tip: Don’t miss exploring the historic Vadstena Abbey and its beautiful gardens, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
2. Norrköping, Sweden
Norrköping, often called “Sweden’s Manchester,” is famous for its industrial landscape and the well-preserved “Industrilandskapet” area. The city offers museums, a vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful parks like Carl Johans Park with its stunning butterfly house.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Industrilandskapet, Carl Johans Park, Norrköping’s City Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Norrköping’s City Museum: $8
- Butterfly House in Carl Johans Park: $6
- Holmen Paper Museum: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Motala River, Carl Johans Park, St. Olai Church
Travel Tip: Visit Norrköping’s City Museum to learn about the city’s industrial history and take a stroll along the Motala River for picturesque views.
3. Kolmården Wildlife Park, Sweden
Kolmården Wildlife Park is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in Scandinavia, offering an opportunity to see a wide range of animals in naturalistic habitats. It’s also home to the popular “Safari Gondola,” providing aerial views of the animal enclosures.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Safari Gondola, Dolphin Show, Zoo
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $40
- Safari Gondola: Included in park entrance
- Dolphin Show: Included in park entrance
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Animal enclosures, Safari Gondola, Baltic Sea View
Travel Tip: Plan to spend a full day here to make the most of all the experiences, including the dolphin show and the cable car safari.
4. Övralid, Sweden
Övralid is the beautifully preserved home of the famous Swedish author Verner von Heidenstam. Located on the east shore of Lake Vättern, it offers stunning views and a deep dive into Swedish literary history.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Verner von Heidenstam’s Home, Lake Vättern Views, Literary History
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Övralid House Tour: $10
- Museum Entrance: $5
- Garden Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Vättern, Övralid Gardens, Historical Exhibits
Travel Tip: Check the opening hours in advance as they vary seasonally, and enjoy a walk along Lake Vättern after your visit.
5. Gränna and Visingsö, Sweden
Gränna is famous for its colorful wooden houses and traditional candy canes, “Polkagrisar.” From here, you can take a ferry to Visingsö Island in the middle of Lake Vättern, known for its natural beauty and historical sites.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Polkagrisar Candy Making, Visingsö Island, Wooden Houses
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Ferry to Visingsö: $8
- Polkagrisar Making: $5
- Visingsö Castle Ruins: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Visingsö Island, Gränna Harbour, Wooden House Streets
Travel Tip: Try making your own Polkagrisar in Gränna and rent a bike on Visingsö to explore the island’s scenic paths and historical ruins.
6. Tåkern Nature Reserve, Sweden
Tåkern Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s most important bird lakes, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The visitor center, Naturum Tåkern, provides valuable insights into the local wildlife and habitats.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Birdwatching, Naturum Tåkern Visitor Center, Lake Tåkern
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Early Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Naturum Tåkern Visitor Center: Free
- Birdwatching Tower: Free
- Guided Birdwatching Tour: $15
Budget: Approximately $15-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Tåkern, Birdwatching Towers, Wetland Trails
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and visit during spring or early summer for the best birdwatching experiences.
7. Eksjö, Sweden
Eksjö, a picturesque wooden town, is part of the Swedish “Wooden Towns” network, boasting well-preserved buildings dating back to the 17th century. The town’s Old Town is a living museum, ideal for leisurely walks and historical exploration.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Wooden Houses, Eksjö Old Town, Eksjö Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Eksjö Museum: $8
- Old Town Walking Tour: $10
- Wooden Houses: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Eksjö Old Town, River Eksjöån, Wooden House Streets
Travel Tip: Visit during the Eksjö Tattoo, a military music event usually held in August, for a unique cultural experience.
8. Söderköping, Sweden
Söderköping, a quaint medieval town, is known for its narrow streets, historic canal, and charming atmosphere. The town is also a gateway to the Göta Canal, one of Sweden’s most famous engineering feats.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Göta Canal, Medieval Streets, Smultronstället Café
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Trip on Göta Canal: $20
- Göta Canal Museum: $8
- Smultronstället Ice Cream: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Göta Canal, Medieval Streets, Söderköping Harbour
Travel Tip: Enjoy a boat trip on the Göta Canal or indulge in some famous Swedish ice cream at the Smultronstället café by the canal.
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Sources:
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