Things to do in Norrköping: industrial landscape and museum

1. Industrilandskapet

Start beside Motala ström, where old factory buildings crowd around the water. The former industrial district now holds museums, university buildings and a concert hall in an old paper mill. Walk through it before going indoors: the bridges and changing views help you see how the city fits together.

Good to know

• Download the industrial-landscape brochure from Visit Norrköping to help you find your way.
• Look for Holmentornet, the yellow tower that marks the entrance to the district.
• Arbetets museum, the city museum and Visualiseringscenter C are all in this area, so you can build your day around one walk.

2. Arbetets museum

The iron-shaped Strykjärnet building is the landmark you will probably recognise first. Inside, the focus is on people’s stories of work and everyday life, rather than a collection of industrial objects. It gives the impressive factory setting a human side, with documentary photography and exhibitions that connect past and present.

Good to know

• Admission is free. Check the museum’s current opening hours before setting off.
• Find it on Laxholmen, surrounded by Motala ström.
• With children, look up Lilla Arbetets and Kreativa verkstan before your visit.
• There is a café and a restaurant in the building if you want to stop for food or fika.

3. Norrköpings stadsmuseum

Stay in the industrial district for a closer look at Norrköping itself. The city museum occupies former textile factories, a dye works and a tavern, and explores the city’s history and textile heritage. It is a useful companion to Arbetets museum: one looks at working lives more broadly, while this one brings you back to the streets outside.

Good to know

• Entry to the museum and exhibitions is free; walks and group tours can cost extra.
• Regular opening is Tuesday to Sunday, with a later evening on Thursday. Check holiday exceptions.
• The visitor entrance is on Holmbrogränd, beside Motala ström.

4. Visualiseringscenter C

For a change from industrial history, step into a science centre where research becomes something you can explore. The interactive learning environments let you get involved, while the Wisdome theatre takes subjects such as space and the human body onto a dome-shaped screen. It is a good choice if your group would rather try things than read exhibition panels.

Good to know

• The exhibitions are free; Wisdome shows have separate tickets. Check the programme and book the show you want.
• Find it at Kungsgatan 54, about a 15-minute walk from the travel centre.
• There are lifts to all floors and a small lunch room with a microwave for your own food.

5. Norrköpings konstmuseum

Head to Kristinaplatsen for Swedish modern and contemporary art. The museum combines its collection with changing exhibitions, so it offers a different sort of afternoon from the factories and working-life stories. With children, check what is happening in Ateljé Krumeluren, the museum’s creative studio.

Good to know

• Galleries 1 and 2 have free admission; temporary exhibitions normally have an admission charge. See current concessions on the museum website.
• The museum is normally closed on Mondays. Summer opening hours differ from the rest of the year.
• Find it at Kristinaplatsen 6, at the top of Drottninggatan.

6. Åbackarna

Follow the water into a greener part of Norrköping. Åbackarna links the centre with Himmelstalund through riverside woodland, with places to pause and look across Motala ström. Along the way you can find Rhododendrondalen and Färgargården, where an old dye works adds another chapter to the city’s industrial story.

Good to know

• The walking route is about 3 km between Dragsbron and Riksbron; choose a shorter stretch if you prefer.
• Färgargården has a garden and a summer café serving waffles, ice cream and coffee.
• Treat the café as seasonal and check its current opening before relying on it for a stop.

Quick tips

• A simple day: walk through Industrilandskapet, visit Arbetets museum, then choose the city museum or Visualiseringscenter C for the afternoon.
• Check museum hours before planning a Monday: the city museum and art museum are normally closed.
• Want company? Check upcoming events in Norrköping on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

• Melodifestivalen 2027 Genrep 5 March 2027 at 18:00 UTC Himmelstalundshallen
• Melodifestivalen 2027 Genrep matiné 6 March 2027 at 13:00 UTC Himmelstalundshallen
• Melodifestivalen 2027 Deltävling 5 6 March 2027 at 19:00 UTC Himmelstalundshallen