Vikbolandet: Coast, Nature and Historic Places

Vikbolandet is a peninsula between Bråviken to the north and Slätbaken to the south. Open landscapes, fertile fields, forests and coastline define the area. You can plan your trip around a range of interests: the coast and boat trips, nature watching, hiking and cycling routes, as well as historic places and rural farms. This lets you tailor your stay to the subjects that interest you.

Coast and water around Arkösund

Arkösund has bathing rocks, sandy beaches and guest harbours; RIB boat tours can be booked. Historic merchant villas with punch verandas and summerhouses recall the holiday homes that wealthy wholesalers had built around the turn of the 20th century. Arkö kajak offers another option for activities on the water: kayaks and SUP boards are available to rent in Sköldvik, two kilometres from Arkösund and just a few metres from the sandy beach and water. If you are planning a RIB tour, check what is available for your date.

Nature and trails at Svensksundsviken

Svensksundsviken is a shallow sea bay with around twenty islands, extensive grazed coastal meadows and reed beds. More than 230 bird species have been recorded in the area. The entrance trail in the nature reserve splits after 650 metres, with paths leading to the observation hill and the birdwatching tower; both routes are about 1.5 kilometres long in total. This gives you two specific destinations to choose from. Svensksundsviken is accessible by bus from Norrköping, Östra Husby or Arkösund; check the appropriate connection for your travel date.

Hiking and getting there at Stegeborg

The Östgötaleden trail through Kolmården and Vikbolandet is about 95 kilometres long; including connecting trails, a total of 186 kilometres of hiking trails are available. Most stages can be reached by car or bus. The main trail is marked with orange rings on trees and posts, and the connecting trails with orange dots. At Stegeborg, a unique oak landscape, walks in the castle park, swimming and hikes on the estate’s own trails invite you to explore; the Östgötaleden also passes through the area.

The Stegeborg ruin is open to visitors every day of the week throughout the year; private guided tours are available year-round by prior arrangement. The Stegeborgsleden ferry connects Slottsholmen and Norrkrog across Slätbaken at Stegeborg. If you are planning to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance.

Burial ground and churches

Gullestad is the largest burial ground on Vikbolandet and was used for burials for almost 2,000 years. It contains at least 265 archaeological features, including about 35 mounds, a cairn, about 214 circular stone settings, at least 15 triangular monuments and an upright stone.

The old church at Å was probably built in the second half of the 13th century as an estate church for the royal estate of Ring. After a fire, it was left in ruins in 1878. Its medieval 13th-century baptismal font and a 15th-century crucifix were transferred to the new church. The present-day stone church in Östra Husby was built in 1806–1809 to plans by Casper Seurling, revised by Olof Tempelman. It has a large painting by Pehr Hörberg on the chancel wall; its oldest item of inventory is a 14th-century triumphal cross.

Rural history and local produce

The old family farm Hylinge Oppgård is home to an agricultural museum with origins in the 18th century. Housed in a former hay barn, it displays about 50 agricultural machines and tools. A former henhouse contains embroidery, woven and knitted items, crochet work and sewn articles made by six generations of women from the family farm. Exhibitions may change; group visits are available by prior arrangement.

The cycling routes also bring together a range of themes. The Vikbolands-/Stegeborgsturen route passes through Ljunga, Kuddby and Östra Ny, past farms and grain fields, on its way to Stegeborg. The church cycling tour visits 15 different churches, does not cover the same stretch twice, spans all of Vikbolandet and includes a stop in Arkösund.

For local produce, consider visiting two farm shops. At Visätter Kalkongård, a viewing barn showcases turkey production; the farm shop sells turkey and other products from Vikbolandet. Vikbolandsstruts offers, among other things, ostrich meat, beef, ostrich crafts and products from other farms in Vikbolandet.

Discover more destinations: Rönö, Vikbolandet.

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