Söderköping - Vadstena by bike, St Birgitta Ways East

Pilgrimage cycling Söderköping–Vadstena

Want to be among the first to try something new? Now there is the opportunity to combine cycling along the Göta Canal with the Saint Birgitta Ways pilgrimage trail all the way to Vadstena. This package is suitable for those who want to experience both nature, history and a personal journey – all at the same time.

For four days, you will travel on your own bike through beautiful landscapes, along the canal's towpaths and across lakes by bicycle boat. Along the way, you will pass churches where you can rest, reflect and feel the presence of history. Cycling along the Göta Canal offers constant variation with locks, boats and sights.

Pilgrimages have deep roots in Swedish history – during the Middle Ages, many made this type of journey. Today, the tradition lives on in a new form. Follow in the footsteps of Saint Birgitta, starting in Söderköping and finishing in Vadstena, where you will be awarded a diploma as proof of your completed journey.

Day 1: Söderköping – Norsholm (18 km + bike boat)

Let the journey begin in Söderköping, a charming town with plenty of accommodation and restaurants. Start with a visit to Sankt Laurentii Church where pilgrims can stamp their passport and take a moment for reflection.

Cycle along the canal to Norsholm. At Lake Asplången, a bike boat will be waiting to take you across the water (departure times vary depending on the season). Once there, check into your pre-booked accommodation.

Day 2: Norsholm – Vreta Kloster/Bergs Slussar (47 km)

Today's stage goes through varied nature south of Roxen, with small roads, forests and open landscapes. You will pass several smaller churches that are suitable for breaks.

There is much to discover in Linköping. Take a break at Linköping Cathedral – an impressive building with a calming atmosphere and the opportunity to stamp your pilgrim passport.

Then continue towards Vreta Kloster and Bergs slussar, where you will find several options for both food and accommodation. If you want to shorten the distance, you can take the boat across Roxen directly to Berg.

Day 3: Vreta Kloster/Bergs slussar – Motala (40 km)

Start the day with morning prayer at Vreta Kloster church – a tradition inspired by the Middle Ages. Then continue to Bergs slussar (Berg Locks) and experience the impressive lock staircase.

The journey continues along the Göta canal towards Borensberg. Just before the village lies the Hostel Glasbruket, a perfect stop for lunch or a dip in the Motala Ström (local river).

Towards Motala, you can choose the route south of Lake Boren to visit Birgittas udde (Cap Birgitta), the place where Saint Birgitta lived for part of her life. Here you can rest and reflect. Along the way, you will also pass Ekebyborna Church.

As you approach Motala, you will pass a memorial to Baltzar von Platen, the founder of the Göta Canal. According to tradition, you greet him by raising your hat.

Once in Motala, you will check in and can end the day with a visit to the pleasant harbor.

Day 4: Motala – Vadstena (18 km)

The last stage is shorter and gives you plenty of time to discover Vadstena.

Start with a visit to the Vadstena Pilgrimscentrum (Pilgrim Centre) where you will receive your diploma. Here you can also meet other pilgrims and take a break.

Continue to Klosterkyrkan (the Vadstena Abbey Church), where the relics of Saint Birgitta are kept. The church has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 14th century, and here you can participate in devotions or services to conclude your journey.

Vadstena has a wide range of accommodation options, from simple to more exclusive. Don't miss the Vadstena Klostermuseum (Abbey Museum) where you can delve into the history of Saint Birgitta.

From Vadstena it is easy to travel further by public transport.