Serving as the capital of Östergötland County, Linköping is a lively university city on the left bank of the Stångån River. It’s renowned as a hub for high-tech industry and sustainable development initiatives while it’s also home to one of Sweden’s most magnificent medieval churches.
Things to do in Linköping
In the heart of Linköping is an 800-year-old cathedral and one of the most expensive churches built in Sweden during the Middle Ages. Gaze up at the 107-metre-high spire that dominates the city, then step inside to admire the altarpiece dating back to the 13th century. Opposite the Linköping Cathedral is the Linköping Castle and Cathedral Museum, which showcases 15th-century textiles and religious treasures.
Take a step back in time at the Gamla Linköping Open Air Museum, which features historic wooden houses that depict life in a Swedish village more than 100 years ago. Wander the cobblestone alleys and browse the handicraft stores before grabbing a bite to eat at the on-site cafe. A short walk from the museum leads to the Valla Farm, which features friendly farm animals and a miniature golf course.
On the western outskirts of Linköping is the Swedish Air Force Museum, located at the Malmen Airbase where Baron Carl Cederström founded a flying school in 1912. Get up close to artefacts from the Östgöta Wing and learn about the early years of Swedish aviation, then see a Douglas DC-3 that was shot down in 1952.
Getting around Linköping
Linköping City Airport is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Linköping and has regular flights to Amsterdam. The much-larger Stockholm Arlanda Airport is 2.5 hours away. Trains connect to Linköping Central railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Linköping’s centre can easily be explored on foot.