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Things to do in Linköping: Gamla Linköping and Berg

Things to do in Linköping: the Gamla Linköping open-air museum, the countryside beyond, and the Berg locks.

Linköping gives you a good mix of wooden-house history, aviation and countryside. Gamla Linköping is the place to start, with old streets and gardens that lead on towards farm and woodland. Berg adds a different kind of history at the Göta Canal, while the cathedral and Air Force Museum give you indoor options. Here are six places worth making time for.

1. Gamla Linköping

The wooden houses here were moved from other parts of Linköping, creating a town district of cobbled streets, courtyards and historic gardens. Go into the museum settings to see how people lived and worked, then leave time for the outdoor spaces. You can also continue towards Valla farm and Vallaskogen for the countryside side of the museum.

Good to know

  • The grounds are always open and entry is free, but some activities and attractions charge separately.
  • Museum interiors, shops and cafés have their own hours. Check the ones you want to visit rather than relying on the grounds being open.
  • It’s about 2 km west of the city centre. Buses stop at Gamla Linköping, and parking is available for a fee.

2. Berg locks on the Göta Canal

Berg is a separate outing outside the city, and the engineering is worth seeing even without a boat ride. The Carl Johan staircase has seven connected locks, taking boats between Lake Roxen and the guest harbour. Seeing the chambers together makes the scale of the canal much easier to understand.

Good to know

  • The seven-lock staircase is part of a larger group: Berg has eleven locks in total.
  • For a longer outing, follow the canal path towards Ljungsbro; the towpath also suits cycling.
  • If watching boats is your priority, check current canal traffic information before travelling rather than counting on a passage at your arrival.

3. Flygvapenmuseum (Swedish Air Force Museum)

This is the place for Linköping's aviation story, with historic military aircraft and exhibitions about the people and technology behind them. The recovered DC-3 adds a very different, Cold War chapter. Families can also head to the Flight Lab for hands-on experiments.

Good to know

  • Adults pay admission; children and young people up to and including age 18 enter free. Check current prices and hours on the museum website.
  • The JAS 39 Gripen E simulator is for ages 10 and above and needs advance booking.
  • Restaurant Aviatören serves lunch and fika, so you can make this a longer museum visit.

4. Linköping Cathedral

The cathedral's tall tower is a useful landmark as you explore the centre. Inside, look for the medieval stone figures and the Golgata glass sculpture rather than rushing straight back outside. It's a good stop if you enjoy seeing old architecture alongside more recent art.

Good to know

  • The cathedral normally opens daily, but funerals and some school programmes prevent sightseeing. Check the church calendar and opening information.
  • Free guided tours are offered in summer and around Christmas; check the calendar for times and language.
  • The main west entrance has step-free access and automatic doors; an accessible toilet is available.

5. Trädgårdsföreningen

This central park is an easy place to take a break between city sights. Walk among the trees and planted areas, bring a picnic or stop for fika. It works well as a small part of your day rather than another attraction to work your way through.

Good to know

  • The municipality’s park page links to the cafés and other businesses; check their own opening hours before planning a meal.
  • Check municipal works notices before visiting: the park has had a redevelopment project affecting the playground, drainage and stage.

6. Tinnerö nature reserve

Head to Tinnerö when you want the countryside rather than another building. The landscape combines oak pastures, woods and bird-rich wetlands, with cows and sheep helping keep the grazing land open. Choose a walk around one of the wetland areas for a manageable first visit.

Good to know

  • Smedstad dammar, Frökärret and Rosenkällasjön have parking, picnic tables and birdwatching opportunities.
  • You can reach the reserve on foot or by bicycle using crossings beneath or over Haningeleden and Lambohovsleden.
  • Use the municipality’s reserve information to choose a trail and entrance before setting off; several trails cross the area.

Quick tips

  • Give Gamla Linköping time for both the town streets and the countryside beyond, rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
  • Plan Berg as its own excursion, and keep the Air Force Museum for a day when you want more time indoors.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Linköping on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Linköping in summer Gamla Linköping: plan your visit Göta Canal: Berg locks Swedish Air Force Museum Visit Linköping Cathedral Trädgårdsföreningen Tinnerö nature reserve