20 things to do in Östergötland 2024

Four years ago, I published a list of 20 things to do in Östergötland. It was very well-received, but it disappeared when I switched websites last winter. But that’s okay – times change, and so does Östergötland. So here comes an updated version – and hold on to your hats – it won’t look like this even next year – so take the chance now in 2024!

For those of you reading this without knowing me – I am a home-loving resident of Vadstena who loves Omberg and runs my business Woods & Water of Sweden here. Therefore, this list contains a few more must-visit gems in western Östergötland than in the eastern or northern parts.

This is what I love most about my beloved Östergötland!

1, Enjoying cozy everyday moments at Ombergs Turisthotell.

Staying at the hotel during the off-season – or on weekdays in spring and fall – feels like having the lounges all to yourself, reading the newspaper peacefully by the fireplace, or enjoying a drink on the balcony with a view of Lake Vättern before dinner in the restaurant. Changes come and go, but Ombergs Turisthotell remains, I would say. Shared showers and toilets with other hotel guests – just like in the good old days. But incredibly nice and fresh – a Swedish gem!
ombergsturisthotell.se

2, Indulging in beautiful vegan food from Open New Doors.

I love old train stations, I love vegetables. So, of course, I also love the vegan bistro Open New Doors housed in the charming former train station in Sya outside Mjölby… for now. Lots of delicious food and pastries! A must when passing through the Mjölby area, and definitely worth a little detour from the E4. Appreciated even by meat-eaters! It's the last year they are open in the station house – so don't miss out!
opennewdoors.se

3, Kayaking at Omberg with Woods & Water of Sweden.

I’m going to do this about 100 times this year! Not kidding! Because it's what I do ‘for a living,’ you know. Evening paddles with a kayak to Omberg’s caves or beaches. As well as hikes and some other activities... If I’m not somewhere else in Östergötland, I’m here.
woodsandwater.se

4, Kayaking with DoTheNorth in the Saint Anna archipelago.

A kayaking all-inclusive experience! Here, you book a complete package that includes the kayak, all outdoor equipment, and food – and you're out for a couple of days. A total package experience in the archipelago. Everything is of high quality – both the equipment and the organization. I’m leading three tours here this year.
dothenorth.com

5, Enjoying autumn coziness and "working from home" at Väderstad Centralkonditori.

Quiet weekdays, especially in the fall, when there are fewer guests at the café. Then I usually bring my laptop and work from here for a few hours. I get so much done here, and they sell so many cups of tea and cardamom buns to me... Win-win. We also often swing by here for spontaneous fika or take-away. (I use my own internet, buy new fika once an hour, and would never sit there when there are many other guests needing seats.)
centralkonditori.se

6, Enjoying coffee, music, crafts, and an overnight stay at Borkhult Lapphem

A cozy place in the forest outside Åtvidaberg, a cool building with both a café and B&B, and lots of activities like craft festivals, summer concerts (like Lisa Ekdahl), and courses. Don't be surprised if the sister duo running the place suddenly breaks into song! Beautifully decorated, perfectly simple and minimalistic. Sit down when you check out their website; everything is so lovely you'll almost fall over.
borkhult.se

7, Finding peace at UrNatur

Those who know, know. You only need to say – UrNatur. Then you see blissful looks around the room. For those who don't know what I mean when I say UrNatur – google it, and you'll soon have the same look as everyone else. This is a piece of paradise on earth; you rent your own cabin/hut/treehouse in a beautiful forest, cook your food (grown here on the farm) in the outdoor kitchen by the lake, and just enjoy and relax. Maybe at most paddle a bit, take a sauna, or go for a walk in the forest. I usually stay here once a year. Located south of Ödeshög.
They are taking a break in 2025 – so if you want to secure an experience here, it should be this year!
urnatur.se

8, Luxurious forest relaxation at Naturlogi.

Your own forest room, with the forest as walls and the sky as the ceiling. This is how Naturlogi describes the small cabins, or rooms, you can rent in their forest, south of Linköping. With the forest room comes a deck and an outdoor bathtub, and the food is delivered in small baskets. There’s also the option to sleep safely in a pimped-out wind shelter. A family farm led by the lovely sisters Josefine and Linnéa.
naturlogi.se

9, Falling in love with/at Naturum Tåkern.

The buildings are clad in reeds, housing beautiful exhibitions and a cinema with nature films. It’s so pleasant here that you don’t need to be particularly fond of bugs or birds when you arrive... But when you leave, maybe a love for a bearded tit has been sparked. Appreciated by all ages and accessible nature. In the reeds, you can glimpse a newly built wind shelter by Arknat, well worth a walk across the meadowlands.
Naturum Tåkern

10, Discovering the sixth sense and multiple dimensions of Omberg's Mystique.

Omberg has something special that many can only sense… if you want to know more and delve into the mountain’s mysteries, and perhaps your own. Yes, then you can join a hike that lifts the veils from the mountain of mists. I lead this through my Woods & Water – it’s best when the mosquitoes have disappeared after summer, and the mystique deepens on the mountain, when the rain drizzles, the mists roll in, and the temperature drops… then. But it can of course be done year-round!
Woods & Water of Sweden

 
Dessutom gillas:

11, Hermelins vegetables

A farm shop with self-service just outside Skänninge. Here you can easily buy more of the farm's goodies than you can eat! Nice bike paths around here, so put a basket on your bike and shop! If you don't want to bike on the plain - continue to tip 12
hermelins.se/gardsbutik

12, Kisa MTB-park

I feel old, which is a shame now that we have such a great downhill park in Östergötland! Kisa MTB Park – if you love downhill riding – go there! A few years ago, Oscar and his family took over the former ski slope and transformed it into an MTB Park with class!

13, Riding the Östgötapendeln

Yes – I think it’s great! It swishes between Motala and Norrköping about every half hour, and with connecting rural buses, you can reach beautiful places in 20-60 minutes. On their website, they give some suggestions under the heading "Round trip to our nature.”
https://www.ostgotatrafiken.se/tur-och-retur-till-var-natur/

And of course…

14, Skiing at Ombergsliden when the snow returns...  (Winter is coming - I’m telling you!)

15, Ice skating on beautiful Östergötland ice

16, Pilgrimage! There are several beautiful trails in Östergötland, and the Pilgrims Center is located next to the Monastery Church in Vadstena. Pilgrimscentrum 

17, Eating at cozy Ladugård 206 outside Vadstena. There’s always something new happening here! Ladugård 206

18, Shopping at flea markets – at Antikladan at the southern entrance to Vadstena Antikladan

19, Knäppingsborg and the industrial areas in Norrköping. It’s rare that I feel like going to a city, but these hoods make Norrköping worth a trip. Norrköping.

20, Eating pizza and drinking wine at Östergötland’s only vineyard! You can also stay overnight if you don’t have a designated driver... sartshogavingard.se