The best hiking routes in Östergötland County

Östergötland County presents a landscape of stark contrasts, divided between the flat agricultural plains of the central belt and the dense, rocky coniferous forests to the north and south. Walkers should not expect dramatic mountain peaks or deep gorges here; instead, the terrain is characterized by gently rolling glacial ridges, quiet woodland paths, and vast lake shorelines. Underfoot, you will mostly encounter a mix of soft pine needle paths, gravel forestry tracks, and occasional wooden boardwalks crossing wetter sections.

For those drawn to open water and birdlife, Tåkerns naturreservat offers a distinct lakeside experience on the plains. Here, the walking is flat and focused around reed beds and shallow waters, where extensive wooden boardwalks allow you to traverse the marshy margins without sinking into the clay. In contrast, the forested areas of the county provide enclosed, canopy-covered trails over mossy granite bedrock, where the path is shaped by exposed tree roots and small glacial boulders.

Late May is a particularly defining time to visit the lakeside reserves like Tåkerns naturreservat, when the spring bird migration fills the reeds with activity, though these well-known spots can be busier on weekends. The forest trails remain quieter, offering a more solitary walk through managed timberlands and older nature reserves. Choosing where to walk in this county is a matter of deciding between the wide, horizontal perspective of the lake plains and the enclosed, quiet shelter of the southern and northern woodlands.