Things to do in Norrköping - 16 attractions and experiences

What to see and do in Norrköping? Norrköping is an exciting city that offers a wonderful environment and many different activities and experiences. Here are our top tips on what to see and do in Norrköping!

Norrköping

The most characteristic feature of Norrköping is perhaps the Industrial Landscape, with its historic buildings and rushing water. We have visited the city several times - both in employment and on holiday - and our last visit was last autumn with the camper van.

Norrköping is located in the centre of Bråviken on both sides of the Motala stream, which flows through the city. From Norrköping it is just over four kilometres to Linköping and just over 16 kilometres to Stockholm.

What can you do in Norrköping?

So what can you see and do in Norrköping? There is a lot to discover, we can say. We have collected our best tips here in a list.

1. walk in Carl Johan's park

Carl Johans Park in Norrköping is a classic park from the turn of the century. The park was designed in 1860 by city architect C Th Malm and features large chestnut trees, flowers, a statue of Karl XIV and a fountain called "Dolphin Fountain". There is also a famous cactus plantation.

2. take a look at the cactus plantations

Every year 25,000 cacti are planted in Carl Johan Park, a tradition that has been going on since 1926. The cacti together form a specific motif, and the motif varies from year to year.

3. see Hedvig's church

Hedvig's Church, named after Queen Hedvig Eleonora, was inaugurated in 1673 for the German-speaking population of Norrköping. The church was badly damaged when Russian troops stormed the city during the so-called 'Russian ravages' in 1719, but it was rebuilt. At the same time, the church was remodelled so that it could also be used as a state hall.

The church has since been renovated on a few more occasions. If you peek inside today, you can look for the German pulpit, the baptismal font that used to be in Stegeborg Castle Chapel and the altarpiece depicting the risen Christ meeting with Thomas the Doubting, which was painted in 1791.

4. Fascinated by the industrial landscape

Perhaps the most typical and fascinating part of Norrköping is the Industrial Landscape. The gateway to the area is the Holmen Tower from the 1750s, which is painted in 'Norrköping yellow'. The colour came about when the architect travelled to Paris and was inspired by the French, who mixed yellow paint in the mill.

Industrilandskapet is a historical site that tells the story of an era in Norrköping's history. Here you can see the Louis De Geer Concert & Congress, located in a former paper factory, and the buildings "Strykjärnet" and "Strykbrädan".

We ourselves were particularly fascinated by the water, which roars and rushes everywhere and gives Norrköping a very special character.

5. Visit the Museum of Labour

The Labour Museum is located in the middle of the Industrial Landscape, in a yellow and very special building called Strykjärnet. The museum offers many interactive elements that revolve around labour and culture in industrial society. Personally, we felt that the museum might be better suited to those accompanied by children or teenagers.

6. Learn about the city's history at Norrköping City Museum.

Norrköping City Museum is also located in Industrilandskapet, a minute's walk from the Labour Museum. Here you can learn more about Norrköping's history, from ancient times to the time of the Great Power. The museum organises various exhibitions, tours, city walks and lectures.

7. Calm down at Visualisation Centre C

Another exciting place to visit in the Industrial Landscape is Visualisation Centre C. This is a digital science centre with interactive exhibitions and a 'dome', a dome-shaped cinema with films shown in 360 degrees.

Viewing the exhibitions is completely free of charge. If you want to watch a film in the dome - which is the centre's main attraction - you have to make a reservation. There are lots of different films to choose from, for all ages.

8. Admire St Matthew's Church

There were originally two parishes in Norrköping: St Olai and St Hedvig. With industrialisation, the city grew and in 1885 Matteus Parish was added. St Matthew's Church was consecrated in 1892 by Bishop C.A. Cornelius.

The church is built in neo-Gothic style and designed by the architect Hugo Zettervall. The building gives a powerful impression where it rises with its 64 metre high tower, which by the way is Norrköping's highest point. When we were here, the church was undergoing a renovation, which meant it was closed, but it is possible that it will open in 2022.

9. Experience the Knäppingsborg neighbourhood

A nice thing to do in Norrköping is to visit the charming neighbourhood of Knäppingsborg. The neighbourhood was built in the 18th century, but the area actually has an even older history and is named after a Danish Viking named Knäppe.

Today, the neighbourhood is filled with cosy restaurants, charming cafés and small exciting shops selling arts, crafts, delicacies and gifts. It also hosts occasional cultural events such as exhibitions, theatre performances and troubadour evenings.

10. Check out the ruins of Johannisborg Castle.

The ruins of Johannisborg Castle today are little more than a lone tower in a field, but in fact this relatively unassuming building bears the memory of something much bigger and more powerful.

In 1613, construction of Johannisborg Castle began on behalf of Duke Johan of Östergötland, as a residence and protection for Norrköping. Unfortunately, the construction took a long time and by the time the castle was completed in 1639, the Duke and Duchess were already dead.

When the Russians ravaged Norrköping in 1719, the castle was burned down, as was much of the town. Stone and bricks from the castle were used for other buildings, but the gate tower was saved. In 1935, Johannisborg was designated a listed building.

11. Check out the rock carvings at Himmelstalund

Norrköping can boast of being the city in the world with the most rock carvings within its city limits. Within a limited area around Motala ström there are no less than 7000 rock carvings, making this one of Sweden's largest and most important rock carving areas.

To see rock carvings, head to Himmelstalund on the western outskirts of Norrköping. There are plenty of large and small painted carvings, including ships, people, the soles of feet and weapons, along with information signs. The carvings are from the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC. It's quite staggering when you try to imagine what life might have been like back then!

12. play water golf

In Himmelstalund there are not only rock carvings, but also "aqua golf". In this sport you have to hit the ball over the water and hit the basket on one of the rafts placed in the water. We were here at the wrong time of year, but this sport seems a bit exciting and challenging!

13. Discover Löfstad Castle

Löfstad Castle, located just southwest of Norrköping, dates back to the 17th century when it was built by Count Axel Lillie. After being damaged in a major fire in 1750, the castle was rebuilt and given the appearance it has today. Over the years, the de la Gardie and von Fersen families have lived here. The last owner was Emelie Piper, who lived in the castle until her death in 1926.

The castle is now owned by the Östergötland Museum and is preserved as it looked in Emelie Piper's time. The castle organises guided tours and various exhibitions. There is also a nice little castle shop where you can buy gifts, an inn, a commercial garden and an English park.

14. Enjoy nature in the Arkösund archipelago

If you drive from Norrköping and straight out towards the east coast, you come to the Arkösund archipelago. Here you can enjoy nature with cliffs and sandy beaches, and there are also guest harbours, campsites and restaurants. There are also opportunities for fishing, rib boat tours and much more.

15. Meet wild animals at Kolmården

Kolmården, located on the northern side of Bråviken, boasts the largest zoo in the Nordic region. Here you can meet wild animals, go on safari, experience rides in Marine World or try the exciting Wildfire roller coaster. For younger children there is Teddy's World.

16. Take a trip to Söderköping.

Located just 20 minutes south of Norrköping by car, Söderköping is a very charming little town, especially in the summer. In Söderköping you can see locks in the Göta Canal in the centre of the city.

You can also enjoy ice cream at the immensely popular Smultronstället, stroll through the cosy Drothemskvartern or climb Ramunderberget for the views. Also nearby are the ruins of Stegeborg Castle and Mem, which serves as the Baltic Sea gateway to the Göta Canal.

More things to do in Norrköping for those who like food and shopping

There is of course also a lot to do in Norrköping for those who like food and shopping. Unfortunately, we have not had time to try so many restaurants ourselves, but here are some tips.

• Colouring farm is a cosy café by the Motala stream (Värdshusgatan 8).
• Galleria Domino is a shopping centre with clothing stores and restaurants. (Repslagaregatan 12)
• The restaurants in Knäppingsborg offers a cosy atmosphere (Skolgatan 1B).

More things to do in Norrköping for culture and history lovers

There is also more to see and do in Norrköping when it comes to culture and history.

• Culture Night is a cultural event organised every year.
• Louis De Geer Concert & Congress is a magnificent congress centre in Industrilandskapet (Dalsgatan 15).
• Norrköping Art Museum has a large collection of modernism and contemporary art. (Kristinaplatsen)
• Norrköping Light Festival is an annual festival of light installations and artworks.
• Tramway Museum sometimes shows older trams (Stohagsgatan 3D).
• Ållonö Castle is a beautiful 17th century castle, although it is privately owned and not open to the public.

More things to do in Norrköping for nature lovers

Are you most comfortable in nature? Then you'll find some more suggestions for things to do in Norrköping here:

• Getåravinen is a natural area where you can hike (Getå Gunnarstorp 1, Åby).
• Folkparken is a large park in the city centre with adventure golf and boule courts (Dragsgatan 15).
• Kärleksparken is a park by the Motala stream, with sofas and plantings (Västgötegatan 25).
• Marble Mill Nature Reserve offers beautiful scenery by Bråviken and the 9.7-kilometre Marble Mill Trail.
• Riverside parks is a park where Lekbäcken flows, with the possibility of city fishing for salmon and trout (Gamla Rådstugugatan 10).
• The hills is located on the Motala stream and has a three kilometre long walking path.
• Eel Lake is a popular area for swimming, hiking, fishing, climbing and skating.

More to do in Norrköping with children

Here are some more tips for things to do in Norrköping with children or teenagers.

• Bråvik line organises RIB boat tours in the Östergötland archipelago, including Bråviken and the Arkösund archipelago.
• Bus factories is a large indoor playground (Ståthögavägen 48).
• Event Centre Knock 'em Down has various activities such as bowling, shuffleboard and billiards. (Hagebygatan 147)
• Norrköping Adventure Golf offers a 12-hole course in Folkparken.
• Sörsjön Adventure Park offers high-altitude tracks and cable cars (Sörsjöns camping, Åby).

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Norrköping. If you want to stay in the beautiful central station, you can, for example, stay in the Central station hostel.

We have travelled by motorhome, but only parked in Norrköping and never stayed overnight. There doesn't seem to be a lot of parking spaces, but Norrköping campsite is located in Himmelstalund, reasonably close to the town. Some write that you can also stay in Lindö guest harbour with a motorhome, but we have not been able to confirm this information.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

From Norrköping it is not too far to Finspång with Finspång Castle. It is also not too far to Linköping, where you will find the Air Force Museum and the open-air museum Gamla Linköping. Just next to Linköping you will also find Vreta Abbey. If you go north instead, you can go to Nyköping, with the historically interesting Nyköpingshus. We can also recommend the lovely Femöre near Oxelösund.

Even more to see and do in Norrköping?

Have you visited Norrköping? Tell us about your experience! Maybe you have even more tips on things to see and do in Norrköping?

Facts about Norrköping

• Landscape: Östergötland
• County: County of Östergötland
• District: Sankt Olai, Matteus, Hedvig, Sankt Johannes, Östra Eneby, Borg, Vrinnevi, Tingstad, Styrstad and Kvillinge.
• Residents: More than 144 000 (2021)
• Public works in the city: The Swedish Civil Aviation Administration, the Swedish Migration Board, the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and SMHI.
• Read more: You can find more information at the municipality's website.

History of Norrköping

• 1384: Norrköping was granted city rights.
• 1567: The city was destroyed by the Danes during the Nordic Seven Years' War.

17th to 18th century

• 17th century: Norrköping experienced its first heyday when Dutch businessman Louis De Geer moved in. He founded several industries, such as paper mills, arms factories, clothing factories and shipyards.
• 1655: The city was hit by a severe fire.
• 1719: The city was destroyed during the Russian ravages of the Great Northern War.
• 1758: Norrköpings Tidningar, Sweden's oldest existing newspaper, was founded.

19th century to present

• 1830s: The textile industry grew in Norrköping and at that time the city accounted for 70 per cent of Sweden's clothing production.
• 1960s: The textile industry was phased out and other industries emerged, such as Philips, which produced radios and televisions.
• 1970s: Five government agencies moved to Norrköping: the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration, the Swedish Migration Board, the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and SMHI.
• 2000s: Norrköping developed as a university town, together with Linköping.