Norrköping & Östergötland

Now the tenth largest city in Sweden, Norrköping was the second largest, during its 19th century industrial revolution – earning  it the nickname ‘Manchester of the North’.  It is situated along the Motala Ström (river) and its rich, industrial history (textiles, primarily) is still on display today, courtesy of some brilliant preservation and re-purposing of its riverfront factories & buildings. 

Getting there & around:

A 1.5-2 hr drive from Stockholm/Arlanda Airport, or just over an hour on the high-speed train from Stockholm Central.  

Within Norrköping, and throughout the region, ÖstgötaTrafiken runs buses, trams, and trains.  I can’t speak to the service or accessibility, as I was fortunate enough to have my friend drive us around. 

Suggested duration of stay: 1 day, if you’re just staying in Norrköping, but add another day or two, if you have access to a car and can get out and see more of the region. 

What I saw*: 

Nya Parken – Formerly Norrköpings Idrottspark, the “New Park” was built in 1903 and is home to the city’s main footy club (and 2015 Allsvenskan Champions) IFK Norrköping.

Waterfront/Industrial Landscape – All along the Motala River, former industrial buildings have been preserved and are now enjoying 2nd lives as pubs/restaurants, museums, and a concert hall (I was able to enjoy a drink with friends at the student pub/nightclub ‘Kårhuset Trappan’, which is part of the industrial landscape and has a patio on the river). 

Drottningatan (Queen’s Street) – main shopping street in the city centre.

Stegeborg – These castle ruins with its 13th century tower still in tact are located on an island, in the sound of Slätbaken Bay.  It’s outside of Norrköping, in the St. Anna parish of Söderköping (Östergötland).

Göta Canal – connecting the waterways of Sweden from Gothenburg (on the west coast) to Söderköping in the east.

Vadstena – a small town in Östergötland, located on the shores of Lake Vättern.  It is home to one of Sweden’s best-preserved castles of the Vasa Era (Vadstena Castle) and also the oldest city hall in the country (built in the 15th century).  Not sure about the accessibility, as we were short on time and didn’t go into either building.  We just enjoyed the green space by the lake and admired the castle from the outside.  

* My trip was back in 2001, so a few new attractions have popped up in Nörrkoping since (i.e. Visualization Centre C, Kolmården Wildlife Park, etc.).

Where I stayed:

‘Chez Ramstedt’ – Yeah, I crashed at my buddy’s place, while visiting his hometown (so don’t bother searching for it online ;). Rating: n/a