Östergötland
Östergötland, Province in southeastern Sweden
Description
Östergötland is a historic province in southeastern Sweden stretching between Lake Vättern and the Baltic Sea, marked by farmland, wooded hills, and several lakes. The area is crossed by the Motala River system, which links different bodies of water and shapes the terrain.
History
The province was already mentioned in Jordanes' Getica in the 6th century and developed during the Viking Age into a territory with its own laws. Later it was integrated into the united Kingdom of Sweden and lost its separate political status.
Culture
The name comes from Old Norse and means the Eastern Gaulands, while the area has been shaped for centuries by the connection between farming and waterways. Visitors today notice the flat fields and farmhouses spread between forest and water, defining the daily rhythm of many who live here.
Practical
Linköping and Norrköping are the largest cities and serve as starting points for trips into the rural areas and lake landscapes of the province. Many smaller towns are accessible by country roads and offer access to walking paths and waterways.
Did you know?
In the municipality of Ödeshög stands the Rök stone, a runestone over 10 feet (3 meters) tall from the 9th century with the longest known runic inscription. The text contains puzzling passages about Norse mythology and historical events that remain partly undeciphered today.
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Brahehus
77.1 km
Rök Runestone
51.4 km
Kolmården Wildlife Park
56.2 km
Ericsberg Castle
72.2 km
Vadstena Abbey
42.9 km
Rumskulla oak
75.8 km
Wildfire
56.2 km
Karlsborg Fortress
65 km
Linköping Cathedral
727 m
Arvidsjaur Municipality
2.3 km
Vadstena Castle
43.4 km
Alvastra Abbey
58 km
Stegeborg Castle
56.8 km
Vreta Abbey
9.7 km
Löfstad Castle
28.4 km
Museum of Work
37.6 km
Sommen
50.7 km
Ekenäs Castle
19.1 km
Idrottsparken
37 km
Ydre Municipality
65 km
Swedish Air Force Museum
6 km
Stjärnorp Castle
13.3 km
Medevi
48.2 km
Sturefors Castle
13.4 km
Swedish Maritime Administration
38.6 km
Stjernsund Castle
62.8 km
Övralid
45 km
Tiveden national park
67.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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