Coasts

Östergötland's coastal strips have something everyone.

Illustrator: Daniella Lubkowitz

Östergötland boasts two coastlines, something few provinces can offer. In the east is the beautiful archipelago, which is divided in three, and in the west is the beautiful and dramatic coastline of Lake Vättern, Sweden’s second largest lake. No matter which coastline you choose to explore, we can promise a wonderful experience.

Here you can discover the Arkösund, St Anna and Gryt archipelagos, collectively known as Östergötland Archipelago, and we are also lucky to have parts of Småland’s Tjust Archipelago located in Östergötland. The archipelago is accessible whether you have your own boat or not. Take a tour boat out to one of the islands or stay overnight and experience another side of the archipelago.

For a little more freedom, we suggest renting a kayak and heading out on your own to one of the thousands of uninhabited islands to set up camp and relax. You can also experience much of the archipelago without a boat. Arkösund, Tyrislöt and Fyrudden can all be reached by car.

The coastline along Lake Vättern is as varied as it is long. From Hästholmen’s lighthouse and harbour outside Ödeshög to the dramatic and steep cliffs at Omberg. These can all be experienced from the water in a kayak, and if you’re really brave and the weather is right, why not paddle into one of Omberg’s many caves? North of Omberg you can discover modern history and a wonderful place to relax in Borghamn. It is from here that the stone for both Alvastra Abbey and the Göta Canal were sourced. Heading north towards Motala via Vadstena is Varamon, the largest lake swimming area in the Nordic region with a 5 km-long natural sandy beach, where you can relax on one of the comfortable sun loungers.

Östergötland’s coastlines have something for everyone, from adventurers to bon vivants.