Kolmården: Zoo, Nature and Hiking Trails

Kolmården is a mountainous and forested area on the border between Östergötland and Södermanland. The landscape is characterized by pristine, wild and dramatic nature, as well as impressive views over Bråviken. At the same time, shows and rides take center stage at Kolmården Zoo, and there are numerous hiking options, from easier to more challenging routes. You can tailor your trip to focus on the zoo, the landscape, or both.

Experiences at Kolmården Zoo

At Kolmården Zoo, the program includes Hope, a dolphin show, and Wings, a bird of prey show. You can focus on whichever animal theme interests you most: the two shows have different emphases.

The Safari Cable Car is a cable car experience unlike any other among zoos around the world. It is the only place in Kolmården where you can see animals including lions, giraffes and European bison. Unlike a show, the cable car experience offers the opportunity to observe these animal species.

Wildfire reaches a speed of 115 km/h and four g-forces; the ride also includes twelve moments of weightlessness. Bamse’s Flying Carpet focuses on a different kind of participation: the person sitting at the front can use a magic button to control how high the carpet flies and when it swoops down towards the ground. The two rides therefore have different features: Wildfire emphasizes ride statistics, while Bamse’s emphasizes control over the movement.

Nature and hiking

Fjällmossen lies in the heart of Kolmården. There are shorter and longer hiking trails there. Overall, hiking options in Kolmården range from easier to more challenging routes. If you want to vary the length of your outing, you can choose between the shorter and longer trails available at Fjällmossen.

The Marmorbruksleden is 9.6 kilometers long and consists of several loops featuring beautiful and unique natural areas, as well as interesting flora and fauna. You can also visit the Marble Museum as a point of interest along the Marmorbruksleden. Nature, plant and animal life, and the museum bring together several interests along the same hiking area.

A hike in Getåravinen can be extended north along the Östgötaleden to the Korpklint viewpoint. The viewpoint is at kilometer 8 and offers magnificent views over Bråviken. By contrast, the Stora Namnsgölen runt circular trail starts and ends at the parking lot at Hultsbruk. The options described therefore differ: Stora Namnsgölen runt starts and ends in the same place, while the hike in Getåravinen can be extended to a viewpoint.

Getting there and finding a hotel

The “Djurparken” bus stop is about 50 meters from the main entrance to Kolmården and is adapted for people with mobility impairments. The distance is approximate; the main entrance is the reference point for this short route.

When planning a hike, a loop that starts and ends at the same parking lot or a possible extension to a viewpoint may offer different approaches. Then search for a hotel in Kolmården that suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Skärblacka, Åby, Kimstad, Norrköping, Svärtinge, Norsholm.

Return to the main travel overview: Norrköping.