Guides

Things to do in Linköping in summer: gardens and the canal

Summer in Linköping: Gamla Linköping's gardens and the canal at Berg, without counting on a boat.

Summer in Linköping is a good excuse to spend more time outside: in the gardens behind Gamla Linköping's wooden houses, beside the locks at Berg or out among the oaks at Tinnerö. You don't need a boat ticket to enjoy the canal, and the gardens are worth visiting in their own right. These four outings leave room for walks, fika and a slower day.

1. Gamla Linköping’s historic gardens

Look behind the street fronts and you'll find gardens showing how people grew plants for both food and pleasure. There are modest household plots, more formal gardens, an allotment cottage and a herb garden. It's a lovely way to explore the open-air museum in summer, moving between the wooden houses and the spaces people used outside them.

Good to know

  • The historic gardens have free entry and are open year-round.
  • Täppan is an experience garden designed with accessibility in mind.
  • Check the programme for garden-themed tours and events. Private garden tours for groups can be booked during the warmer part of the year.
  • The wider museum grounds are free, but interiors, cafés and shops have separate hours, and some activities charge admission.

2. Berg locks and the canal path

At Berg, seven connected chambers form the Carl Johan lock staircase between Lake Roxen and the guest harbour. Come to watch the waterway at work, but leave time for a walk even if no boat is passing. The canal path lets you turn a lock visit into a longer summer outing without boarding anything.

Good to know

  • The staircase raises or lowers boats by 18.8 metres; there are eleven locks across the wider Berg site.
  • Follow the flat gravel canal route towards Ljungsbro, continuing towards Borensberg if you want a longer walk or cycle.
  • If you want to see lock operations, check current canal information before your trip. Keep the walk as part of the plan rather than depending on a boat appearing.

3. Trädgårdsföreningen

For garden time closer to the centre, make room for Trädgårdsföreningen. Its trees and planted areas give you a quieter break from the city streets, with places to eat and have coffee. Bring a picnic if you'd rather keep the stop simple.

Good to know

  • Use the municipal park page to find café operators and check their opening hours separately.
  • Check the current redevelopment notice before promising children a playground visit: works have involved the playground, drainage and stage.

4. Tinnerö’s oak landscape

Tinnerö gives you a countryside outing of oak pastures, woodland and wetlands at the edge of Linköping. The grazing cows and sheep are part of how this landscape stays open. Pick one wetland area for a picnic and birdwatching, or use the trails for a longer walk.

Good to know

  • Smedstad dammar, Frökärret and Rosenkällasjön have picnic tables, parking and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Walking and cycling approaches use underpasses and bridges across Haningeleden and Lambohovsleden.
  • Choose your trail and entry point using the municipality’s reserve information before leaving; the reserve has several walking routes.

Quick tips

  • Use Gamla Linköping for a garden-led visit, then save Berg for a separate canal outing if you want a longer walk.
  • Build the canal day around the shore path, with any passing boats as a bonus rather than the whole plan.
  • Check park works and café hours before setting off; open grounds do not mean every facility is available.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Linköping on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Linköping (all year) Gamla Linköping’s historic gardens Gamla Linköping: opening hours Göta Canal: Berg locks Canal walks and other nature outings Trädgårdsföreningen Tinnerö nature reserve