A Guide to the Östergötland Archipelago in Sweden

Background information

When visiting the Östergötland Archipelago, you can enjoy an array of active activities from paddling, hiking and swimming to fishing and ice skating (if the water is frozen). The archipelago's northern end adjoins the bay of Bråviken and centers on Arkösund on the Vikbolandet peninsula, forming part of the Norrköping Municipality. Of the many islands that make up this Swedish archipelago, some are inhabited while others are home only to grazing cows. Arkösund, Tyrislöt, Fyrudden, Ekön, Stegeborg, Harstena and Häradskär are some of the most popular locations to travel to and are easily reachable by boat, car, local buses or ferries.

Rent a kayak

By far the best activity is to rent a kayak and leisurely paddle your way from island to island. Whether you set up camp, dock at one of the more populated islands or simply savor the natural beauty on a day trip – this is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

As you paddle, keep an eye out for the common, yet majestic, swans gliding on the water. If you’re lucky you may spot grey seals who, a few decades ago, were driven to near extinction due to overhunting and are now protected in this natural sanctuary. As you paddle, stop by the islands of Arkösund, Tyrislöt, Fyrudden and Ekön where you’ll find locally owned shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Bird watching

For bird lovers, Östergötland is a paradise. Look up and you’ll see magnificent white-tailed eagles soaring high above your head. About 35 coastal bird breeds inhabit the Östergötland Archipelago with ducks, geese, waders, auks and gulls. You will also see Baltic species such as velvet scooters, ruddy turnstones, razorbills and colonies of gulls and terns. Predatory birds like ospreys, great cormorants and arctic skuas can take your breath away as you suddenly look up to spot them dancing in the air.

Restaurang Loftet: Expect classic Swedish fare and strong coffee at this casual waterside joint. 

Magasinet: A cafe and restaurant with an outdoor terrace and freshly baked goods. 

Båthuset: Indulge in fresh seafood stews at this oceanside restaurant.

Start your day trip around 9 am from Arkösund and paddle toward the island of Arkö and around the island of Lunda. This scenic route will take you through narrow passages lined with tall reeds and by islands of swirly gneiss and granite as you pass over lush underwater forests in the brackish waters of the Arkösund Archipelago. If the water is warm, don’t miss out on swimming and relaxing on the warm rocks before making your way back.

Considerations

Östergötland is accessible by car, ferry, plane, train or bus. The Öresund Bridge connects the city of Copenhagen and Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmö. To get here, you can fly into Copenhagen and spend a few days exploring the Danish capital before crossing the Öresund Bridge. Another option is to fly to the Linköping City Airport or Stockholm Skavsta Airport, a location which is just an hour’s drive north of Östergötland.

Local transportation

As remote as Östergötland is, once you’re in the region, you’ll be able to easily explore the region using local buses, trams and trains operated by Östgötatrafiken. 

When to visit

By far the best time to visit the region in Östergötland is between the months of  May and September. During these months, the temperatures are ideal and the rainfall is limited.