Vikbolandet between coast, nature and history

Vikbolandet is a peninsula east of Norrköping, bordered by Bråviken to the north and Slätbaken to the south. Open landscapes and fertile farmland shape the scenery, along with the sea and forests rich in wildlife, mushrooms and berries. Depending on whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching or visiting historic buildings, you can focus on different aspects of your trip.

Birdwatching and trails by the water

More than 230 bird species have been observed in the Svensksundsviken Nature Reserve. Trails totalling about 1.5 kilometres lead to a viewing hill or a birdwatching tower; the path to the tower runs along boardwalks. The area can be reached by bus from Norrköping, Östra Husby or Arkösund. With opportunities for birdwatching and short trails, Svensksundsviken is a specific destination for anyone who enjoys spending time in nature.

The Bråviken Marine Nature Reserve covers a large part of the Arkösund archipelago, with about a hundred islands and skerries. A hiking trail just over four kilometres long starts on the mainland. The islands can be reached by private boat or kayak. The archipelago offers many opportunities to fish for a wide range of species; RIB boat tours can also be booked. In Arkösund, rocks and sandy beaches offer places to swim. During your stay, you can choose between trails on land and activities on the water.

The Norrkrog Nature Reserve is nearby. A marked hiking trail about three kilometres long starts at the Stegeborgsgården car park and offers views of Slätbaken and Eknön. Old pine and oak trees grow on steep slopes; from the high paths, you can see Stegeborg and Slätbaken. Hikers can experience the trail and landscape together, rather than limiting their visit to a single viewpoint.

Castle ruins, churches and architectural history

In the Middle Ages, Stegeborg Castle Ruin was one of Sweden’s most important fortifications and remained a royal castle until the 17th century. The ruins are open to visitors every day throughout the year. You can climb the round castle tower and visit the surrounding park and the herb garden by the water. A walk around the site combines its historical significance with a tangible sense of the place.

Churches also tell stories of different periods of construction and traditions. The present-day Dagsbergs kyrka on Vikbolandet was probably begun in the 12th century and altered and expanded around the middle of the 14th century and again in the second half of the 15th century. Its churchyard is an essential part of the area of national interest at Dagsberg. Furingstads kyrka preserves 15th-century wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of Mary and her Assumption. It is also the only completely preserved medieval church in the parish.

Konungsunds kyrka was built in 1801–1802 to replace the medieval church and was designed by Olof Tempelman. A Romanesque granite baptismal font from the 13th century survives from the older building. Other churches offer different points of interest: Kuddby kyrka is a typical 19th-century church, visible across the agricultural landscape; Tåby kyrka dates from the 18th century and stands in a church village. Östra Stenby kyrka reflects the many estates that once stood in the parish. Västra Vikbolandets församling introduces visitors to its seven churches and provides information about services and other activities in a calendar.

The old Dalmyra mine is also located on Vikbolandet, in a scenic setting, and was probably known as early as the Middle Ages. Access is via the water, crossing on a raft. There is a barbecue area and a wind shelter at the mine. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the historic mine with time spent outdoors.

Regional produce

Farms and farm shops offer another glimpse of local life. Sänkdalens gård produces its own rapeseed oil and ice cream; visitors can tour the new ice cream factory. The farm shop at Visätter kalkongård sells turkey products, while Vikbolandsstruts sells its own ostrich meat. Agetomta gård stocks game meat, sausages, lamb and honey from its own hives. Ormsätter Honung and Vikbolandets Hjort & Vilt sell various products made with game meat and honey. These offerings complement the nature and cultural experiences with locally produced goods.

Discover more destinations: Vikbolandet, Rönö, Vikbolandet, Sanktanna, Finspång, Motala, Linköping, Norrköping.

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