The Östgötaleden trail

The Östgötaleden trail offers around 1,500 kilometers of hiking paths throughout Östergötland, making it one of the longest trail systems in Sweden. It is not a single trail from point A to B, but rather a network of various routes, some of which connect to one another. The trail takes you through wilderness, oak landscapes, rolling plains, and moss-covered forests, as well as along coastal paths with stunning archipelago views. In many areas, Östgötaleden passes through or near nature reserves, ensuring wonderful nature experiences. In short, it's a long trail with plenty to offer.

Below is a description of the Motala–Linköping route, a 66-kilometer hike along sparkling waters. At the end of each day, a hostel is available for overnight stays.

Motala–Linköping (along Östgötaleden) in short

  1. Length: 66 km
  2. Number of stages/hiking days: 3
  3. Length of stages: 14–27 km (4–8 hours of hiking per day)
  4. Water/food along the trail: Cafés, grocery stores, and restaurants are available along the route, and both small and large towns are passed. Be sure to check what is available before each hiking day.
  5. Accommodation during the hike: Hostels.
  6. Here is a map

Map of the Östgötaleden trail

The marked trail for Östgötaleden is not available yet. This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).

Discover the Östgötaleden trail

Along the stretch from Motala to Linköping, hikers are treated to a mix of experiences. The flatlands by the southern shore of Lake Boren, the Göta Canal, and the lively city atmosphere are just a few highlights. Some sections are long, but the terrain is easy to walk. The route is also ideal for cycling, as it follows roads and gravel paths.

The Östgötaleden trail also has a separate branch near Medevi Brunn Hotell, with trails running both inland and along the sparkling waters of Lake Vättern.

From Vadstena and STF Vadstena Hostel, there is another branch of the trail that runs south along Lake Vättern, heading toward Omberg.



See and do along the trail

Just south of Borensberg and right by the trail is Brunneby Musteri, which features a farm shop and restaurant. They have been processing berries and fruits here for over 70 years, and you can, for example, buy refreshing apple juice.

Don’t miss

One of Östgötaleden’s branches stretches westward toward Lake Vättern, from Boxholm to Omberg – this is one of STF’s 12 signature trails, known as the signature trail Omberg.

Near STF Vårdnäs Stiftsgård, you’ll find a section of Östgötaleden called Rängen Runt. It’s a hike around Lake Stora Rängen of about 45 kilometers, which can easily be divided into several stages.

Transport to the trail

There are train connections to Motala. After finishing your hike, you can take a train from Linköping back to Motala, which takes around 40 minutes.

Trail markers

The trail is marked with orange markings on trail posts and trees.


Hiking tips for Östgötaleden

Here you can read about the hike between Motala and Linköping, which is part of Östgötaleden. Distance, accommodation options, and other hiking information are presented per section. If you want more details about each section, you can find them on Visitostergötland.se.

Of course, it’s also possible to hike in the opposite direction than the order suggested in these tips.

Section 1: Motala–Borensberg

27 kilometers, 8 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: STF Borensberg Glasbruket

The trail starts in Marieberg in Motala, but you can join it at various points as it winds around the southern parts of the city, near Motalaviken and Motala ström. At Vedemö, the Birgitta Trail joins, a pilgrimage route that takes you to Birgittas udde, offering beautiful views over Lake Boren. This section mostly follows gravel roads with views of the agricultural landscape. Östgötaleden passes right by STF Borensberg Glasbruket, the endpoint of this section.

Section 2: Borensberg–Berg/Freja Hostel

20+5 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Freja Hostel (Not an STF hostel)

From Borensberg, Östgötaleden runs along the Göta Canal all the way to Berg. This easy-to-hike stretch offers diverse surroundings. Your entertainment during the walk includes locks and boats along the canal. Cafés and restaurants are nearby, but it’s a long day, so packing some extra snacks might be wise. In Berg, you’ll leave Östgötaleden to reach Freja Hostel for the night, an additional 5-kilometer walk.

Section 3: Berg–Linköping

14 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: STF Linköping Hostel

You’ll start the day by heading back to Östgötaleden. Along the way, you’ll pass the Svartåmynningen nature reserve near the shore of Lake Roxen. In spring and autumn, you can spot numerous migratory birds here, with about 200 species recorded in the vast coastal meadows. A few kilometers after the reserve, you’ll enter the outskirts of Linköping. The trail goes right through the city, passing a short distance from STF Linköping Hostel.

Accomodation along the Östgötaleden trail

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STF Borkhult Lapphem

Östergötland
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STF Vadstena Hostel

Östergötland

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