Holiday apartment in Vikbolandet between coast and culture

Vikbolandet is a peninsula between water, open landscapes and historic sites. To the north, it borders Bråviken; to the south, Slätbaken. The landscape comprises open areas, fertile fields, coastline and forests.

Nature and water

Svensksundsviken is particularly impressive: a shallow sea inlet with around twenty islands, extensive grazed coastal meadows and reed beds. More than 230 bird species have been recorded in the area. After 650 metres, the entrance path in the nature reserve splits into paths leading to the lookout hill and the birdwatching tower; together, the two paths are approximately 1.5 kilometres long. Svensksundsviken can be reached by bus from Norrköping, Östra Husby or Arkösund.

Arkösund has bathing rocks, sandy beaches and guest harbours; RIB boat tours can also be booked there. In Sköldvik, two kilometres from Arkösund and just a few metres from the sandy beach and water, Arkö kajak rents out kayaks and SUP boards. This means that a range of maritime activities can be found along the coast, from bathing spots and harbour facilities to excursions on the water.

History and culture

Stegeborg was first mentioned in writing in 1310 and was expanded into a magnificent Renaissance castle in the 16th century under King Johan III. The ruins of Stegeborg are open to visitors every day of the week all year round; private guided tours are available throughout the year by prior arrangement. At Stegeborg, a unique oak landscape, walks in the castle park, swimming and hiking on the estate’s own trails also invite visitors to explore. The Östgötaleden trail runs through the area as well.

The Stegeborgsleden ferry connects Slottsholmen and Norrkrog across Slätbaken at Stegeborg. In Å, the history of an old church takes centre stage: it was probably built in the second half of the 13th century as an estate church for the royal manor of Ring and was left in ruins after a fire in 1878. Its medieval furnishings included a 13th-century baptismal font and a 15th-century crucifix, which were transferred to the new church. The church ruins at Å have been restored; their masonry has been reinforced with bricks and reinforced concrete, supplemented by wooden supports and the eastern gable wall being braced with wire cables.

Gullestad also combines archaeological diversity with a long history. The burial ground is the largest in Vikbolandet and was used for burials for almost 2,000 years. It comprises at least 265 archaeological features, including around 35 mounds, one cairn, approximately 214 round stone settings, at least 15 triangular monuments and one standing stone. Östra Husby Church contains a large painting by Pehr Hörberg on the chancel wall. The oldest item in the church’s inventory is a 14th-century triumphal cross.

Farms and crafts

The old family farm Hylinge Oppgård is home to an agricultural museum with origins in the 18th century. In a former hay barn, Hylinge Oppgård displays around 50 agricultural machines and implements. A former henhouse houses embroidery, woven items, knitted and crocheted works, as well as sewn objects made by six generations of women from the family farm. Groups can visit Hylinge Oppgård by prior arrangement.

At Visätter Kalkongård, it is possible to book an alpaca hike lasting approximately 1.5 hours. A viewing barn there presents turkey production; the farm shop sells turkey and other products from Vikbolandet.

Trails and landscape

The Östgötaleden trail through Kolmården and Vikbolandet is approximately 95 kilometres long. Including connecting trails, the hiking network covers a total of 186 kilometres. Those who explore the landscape on two wheels can follow the Vikbolands-/Stegeborgsturen cycle tour: it passes through Ljunga, Kuddby and Östra Ny, following beautiful farms and grain fields to Stegeborg. Another way to combine landscape and architectural heritage is the church cycle tour. It leads to 15 different churches without travelling the same stretch twice, covers all of Vikbolandet and includes a stop in Arkösund.

More destinations: Rönö, Vikbolandet.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Vikbolandet.