Ödeshög: Hiking, Nature and History

The Östgötaleden trail, the cliffs of Lake Vättern and medieval sites such as Alvastra give a stay in Ödeshög a range of options.

Hiking trails on Omberg and near Tåkern

The Ödeshög–Omberg–Vadstena section of the Östgötaleden is designated as a Signature Trail. It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced hikers and is accessible by public transport. Check connections before travelling. The municipality also has several local walking and hiking trails, including Annastigen, Öningerundan, Brodderydsrundan and the route via Ålebäcken to Hästholmen.

In Ekopark Omberg, hiking trails pass through terrain ranging from easy to more challenging, including accessible trails. The area also includes several nature reserves. For cycling, there are two mountain bike trails as well as other, easier cycling routes through the park. This gives you a choice of different types of routes, with varying levels of difficulty.

At the Glänås visitor area, three trails are easy to distinguish by length: Strandpromenaden is 500 metres long, the fairytale trail Prinsessan Estelles sagostig is about 700 metres, and Vassleden is four kilometres. Check the signs and access conditions on site.

Nature and activities on the water

At Naturum Tåkern, exhibitions, films and guided tours provide insights into the nature and culture of the Tåkern area. In Stora Lund Nature Reserve, flower-rich steppe meadows lie alongside the cliffs of Lake Vättern. The area provides habitats for birds and fish; the clear water also offers good conditions for diving. The Östgötaleden runs along the cliffs through the reserve. There are opportunities for swimming, fishing and picnicking.

Hästholmen harbour is a diving site. The clear water of Lake Vättern and the great depth close to shore attract many recreational divers. Kayaks are also commonly launched there and paddled towards Omberg. The easy route usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. There is also a VätternKajak self-service station at the harbour for daily rentals. Check availability and water conditions in advance.

The swimming area at Hästholmen harbour has a lawn, sand, a jetty and changing rooms; a café, restaurant and toilets are about 100 metres away. The swimming area at Trehörnasjön has jetties, a lawn, sand, picnic furniture, a playground, changing rooms and a toilet. Crayfish fishing is also possible in the lake; local fishing regulations may apply. At Lake Visjön, two non-motorised rowing boats are available to rent for half a day or a full day. Check availability in advance.

Medieval traces and cultural sites

Heda Church is a medieval church dated by dendrochronology to the mid-12th century. A special detail can be found in the south wall of its chapel: a piscina featuring reliefs of very high artistic quality is set into the wall.

Next to the Rök Runestone is an open-air museum explaining the stone’s history. The four-tonne runestone contains, in part, Lönn runes, which were not intended to be readable by everyone. Another historical chapter begins at Alvastra Abbey: French monks of the Cistercian order founded it in 1143. Ulf, the husband of Saint Birgitta, died in 1344 during a pilgrimage and was buried at the abbey. The area around Alvastra was also important to the formation of the Swedish kingdom in the Middle Ages.

Ellen Key’s Strand is preserved as a museum with its original furniture, textiles and books. Guided visits take place from May to September; check visiting dates before your trip. For a different perspective on the area’s history, you can choose between medieval sites and a museum with a more personal focus.

Getting there and getting around

Ödeshög is located right next to the E4. Exit 106 takes you to the centre of town in just a few minutes. The nearest railway stations are in Mjölby and Tranås; buses run from there to Ödeshög. Check connections and timetables before travelling.

Turistvägen connects Gränna, Ödeshög, Omberg, Rök and Tåkern via a road that runs along Lake Vättern, through natural areas and past historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Ödeshög, Boxholm, Kinda, Finspång, Motala, Vikbolandet, Linköping, Sanktanna.

Back to the main travel overview: Östergötland.