Linköping - Vreta kloster, Birgittaleden, St. Birgitta Ways

This part of Östgötaleden follows the pedestrian and bicycle paths from Berg towards central Linköping. Along the trail you can see both a fine cultural environment and a fine natural environment. One passes Vreta monastery which was built around the 12th century by King Inge the Elder (Inge Stenkilsson) and Queen Helena. On this part of the trail you also pass Svartån.

The Linköping Cathedral is the perfect place to enhance the pilgrim experience. Don’t miss the Birgitta Chapel and the beautiful bronze sculpture of a sleeping pilgrim. The priest or deacon will gladly send you off with a blessing if they are not busy.

From Linköping Cathedral, you can choose between two routes:

The first route follows the Stångån/Kinda Canal, then through an area with industry and shopping centers, before joining the cycle path towards Vreta Abbey. This route is mostly on asphalt. This rout follow the regional hiking rout Östgötaleden.

More information about the trail can be found on the Östgötaleden website.

The second route goes via Skäggetorp and Tift, initially through an urban environment and then mostly on gravel roads, concluding with an asphalt cycle path. Kaga Church is a perfect rest stop with beautiful paintings and a small museum. The road after Kaga is narrow and winding, so be cautious of traffic. Once you’re on the cycle path towards Vreta Abbey, you can continue at a good pace. (Here the two different routs meet)

(May 2025)