Beautiful landscape along the Omberg trail

Signature Trail Omberg

On the shores of Lake Vättern in Östergötland lies Omberg, a biodiverse forest landscape with dramatic cliffs, giant oaks, and hay meadows. Our Signature Trail follows part of the 1,500-kilometer-long Östgötaleden and takes you around Omberg and its surrounding area. It is a majestic landscape filled with historical sites and natural treasures.

Signature trail Omberg is one of STF’s signature trails.

Signature trail Omberg in short

  1. Length: 38 km
  2. Number of stages/hiking days: 3
  3. Length of stages: 10-14 km per day (2-5 hours of hiking per day)
  4. Water/food along the trail: Grocery stores: Ödeshög and Borghamn. Restaurants: Ödeshög, Hästholmen, Stocklycke Hostel, Ombergs Turisthotell, Ombergs Golf and Resort, and Borghamn Strand.
  5. Accommodation during the hike: STF Ödeshög Hembygdsgård & Hostel , Stocklycke Hostel, Borghamn Strand and Ombergs Turisthotell. Hästholmen Västergård (campsites). In Hästholmen, there is basic camping and cabin rentals. Shelters are available on Omberg.
  6. Map and more information: Östgötaleden (link in swedish)

Map of Signature trail Omberg

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 Östgötaleden and Omberg

Around Omberg, the Östgötaleden trail passes through a mix of forest and cultural landscapes, as well as along the shores of Lake Vättern. Omberg offers remnants of ancient fortresses, the Alvastra monastery ruins, and mythical tales of Queen Omma who rules over the mountain. The area is rich in natural values, including the Ecopark with beech forests, oak landscapes, and hay meadows. In spring and summer, you are greeted by a stunning display of flowers, from rolling fields of blue and white anemones to meadows filled with orchids. You can enjoy several breathtaking viewpoints, including from Hjässan – the highest point of Omberg. On Omberg, there are several alternative hiking trails to choose from. Feel free to take a detour on one of the many well-marked loops, read the signs, and learn something new. The Signature trail follows the orange markers and signs of the Östgötaleden trail.

See and do along the trail

Along the trail, there are several swimming spots, so don’t forget to bring your swimwear. During the summer, there are guided tours on certain days of the week at Ellen Key’s home Strand, beautifully situated by Lake Vättern and Omberg’s Ecopark. On Omberg, you can enjoy the fantastic view from Hjässan, the highest point of Omberg. Don’t miss the Alvastra Monastery Ruins near Omberg. Near Stocklycke, there’s a Zipline and other fun activities for the whole family. For more sights and activities in the area, you can visit the local tourist information: Visit Ödeshög and Info Vadstena.

Transport to the trail

Train to Mjölby, then a bus to Ödeshög with Östgötatrafiken. Along the route, there are local transport stops at Stocklycke Hostel, Borghamn Strand, and Ombergs Turisthotell, where you can order transportation. After completing your hike, you can book local transport from Ombergs Turisthotell to Ödeshög, and from there take a bus to Mjölby.

Read more tips on how to easily access the Signature Trail and nearby accommodations using public transport: ostgotaleden.se/signaturledomberg.

Trail markers

Orange-colored markers on trees, posts, and rocks.


Sections of Signature trail Omberg

Below are descriptions of the different sections of Signature Trail Omberg with distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

Of course, it is perfectly fine to hike in the opposite direction from how the sections are presented.

Section 1: Ödeshög–Omberg/Stocklycke

13.3 kilometers, 3-4 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Stocklycke Hostel/Ombergs Turisthotell (Non-STF accommodation)

This is one of the most beautiful sections in Östergötland! The trail largely follows Lake Vättern, offering views of the lake and Omberg. You will pass the Stora Lund Nature Reserve, where there are picnic areas and swimming spots. Food and drinks can be purchased in Ödeshög, and in Hästholmen, about halfway along the route, there is food service available. From Ödeshög, the trail follows a paved road for a few kilometers. After that, you’ll walk on trails and small gravel roads. Most of the section is easy to hike, but through the Stora Lund Nature Reserve, the trail crosses rocky outcrops where hiking is more demanding. It can also be slippery in wet weather. At the foot of Omberg lies Ellen Key’s beautiful home, Strand, with its garden. The hike continues through the scenic landscape of the Bokskogen Nature Reserve, which holds Östergötland’s largest beech forest. Some parts pass close to cliffs, requiring caution. At Stocklycke Harbor, there are shelters, a barbecue area, and toilets. Swimming is also possible here. Stocklycke Hostel is located right next to the trail.

Section 2: Stocklycke–Borghamn Strand

10.4 kilometers, 2-3 hours of hiking.
Accommodation:
Borghamn Strand

If you start your hike at Stocklycke, don’t miss the opportunity to make a detour to Hjässan, the highest point of Omberg. There, you can enjoy miles of views over Lake Vättern and the beautiful Östgötaslätten! The hike northwards then follows part of the long escarpment along Lake Vättern through the Omberg Ecopark. Traces of the Ice Age shape the landscape, and the section is sometimes hilly and rocky. As a simpler alternative, you can choose a one-way road for part of the route. In several places, you have the opportunity to make a detour through the ravines down to the shore of Lake Vättern. At Älvarums Udde, there are shelters, a barbecue area, and toilets. You can also take the chance to cool off in Vättern. The trail then continues through beech forests and impressive giant oaks until you reach Västra Väggar, where the view over Vättern is magnificent. There is a picnic area and toilets here. The ancient fort of Queen Omma marks the end of the section just before the finish at Borghamn Strand. Remember to bring water and food for the journey.

Section 3: Borghamn Strand–Alvastra

14.3 kilometers, 3-4 hours of hiking.
Accommodation:
Ombergs Turisthotell

This section runs along the eastern side of Omberg and offers expansive views over the Östgötaslätten and the famous bird lake Tåkern. The route follows trails and a short stretch of gravel road. It is an easy hike through pastures, hay meadows, and beech forests. You pass several beautiful viewpoints, the first at Marberget. It is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view over the southern parts of Omberg. At the foot of the mountain are giant oaks, and 125 meters below the viewpoint is Lake Vättern. The next view of the plains is from Makersbergen, where there is a high shelter with a fire pit and a great view over Dagsmosse. You can refill water at several natural springs. Toilets are available at Höje Lilläng. The hike continues on forest trails leading down to the Alvastra Monastery Ruins and Ombergs Turisthotell.

Tip! Stay the first or last night at:
STF Ödeshög Hostel
STF Mjölby Hostel
STF Vadstena Hostel

Learn more about individual sections along the Östgötaleden Trail.


Accomodations along the trail

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STF Mjölby Hostel

Östergötland
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STF Vadstena Hostel

Östergötland

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