Norsholm: Wetlands, Munkeboda and history

Norsholm brings together attractions that appeal to different interests when choosing a travel destination: wetlands, ruins, manor-house history and the Göta Canal. Highlights include a detour from a hiking trail to Munkeboda, a historic lock and Norsholm’s role as a starting point for a section of the Göta Canal cycle route.

Nature and Munkeboda

Norsholm Nature Reserve comprises two extensive wetlands. A detour from the hiking trail in the reserve leads to the ruins of Munkeboda. They are located on Slottsholmarna and are considered the remains of a 14th-century bishop’s residence. If you want to include historic sites as well as nature in your travel plans, this trail detour offers a specific destination.

Manor houses and architectural history

The new manor house in Norsholm was built in 1865–1866 for Eva Elisabeth Adelswärd, based on plans by architect Axel Kumlien. Today, only the tall basement level of the never-completed castle remains of the old manor house. These two details should be understood separately when considering the architectural history: one concerns the dated new manor house, while the other describes the surviving part of the never-completed castle. If you are interested in architecture, this distinction helps you tell a dated building project apart from a castle that has only been partly preserved.

The lock and cycling route

Norsholm Lock has the baptismal name “Biskop Brask” and is a single-chamber lock. At the normal water level in Lake Roxen, the difference in elevation is 0.8 metres. A single-chamber lock has one chamber; the term describes its design, while the elevation figure applies to the specified water level. This makes it possible to distinguish the lock’s design from its elevation measurement.

Norsholm is a suitable starting point for cyclists exploring the eastern section of the Göta Canal cycle route. By contrast, the hiking-trail detour leads to the Munkeboda ruins in the nature reserve. This gives you different options to focus your plans on: cycling from Norsholm or hiking to a historic destination.

Where to stay in Norsholm

Kapten Bille’s, an STF hostel, restaurant and café, is located in an old harbour warehouse on the Göta Canal in Norsholm. The accommodation has 44 beds in 12 rooms and a bright guest kitchen on the upper floor. During the warmer months, Kapten Bille’s also offers seating on the veranda overlooking the Göta Canal and boat traffic. Capacity, the guest kitchen and the seasonal veranda are specific features of the accommodation. Check current availability before making plans.

Take a break by the Göta Canal

Norsholms slusscafé is in the centre of Norsholm, right by the Göta Canal. It serves homemade fika, sandwiches and meals. It also has a child-friendly garden with plenty of room to play. The menu and facilities may change. If you are coming specifically for a particular dish or the garden, check the current menu and facilities in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Svärtinge, Kimstad, Skärblacka, Norrköping, Kolmården, Åby

Back to the main travel overview: Norrköping.