Signaturled Omberg, St Birgitta Ways South

IN BRIEF

Total length: 51 km

Number of sections/Hiking days: 2-3

Length of sections: 11-26 km/day (4-8 hours of hiking per day)

Places for food and accommodation: Pilgrim-friendly accommodation and places to eat can be found on the digital map guide below.

More information: The Ödeshög-Vadstena route is on the Östgotaleden landscape trail.

SECTIONS

Section 1: Ödeshög - Stocklycke 13.3 km (Östgötaleden).

Section 2: Stocklycke - Borghamn 10.4-16 km (length depending on the western or eastern route on Omberg) (Östgötaleden).

Section 3: Borghamn - Nässja 15.5 km (Östgötaleden)

Section 4: Nässja - Vadstena 9.1 km (Östgötaleden)

Ödeshög - Stocklycke, 13.3 km

Difficulty: Red - demanding

Trail markings: Saint Birgitta Ways symbol/Östgötaleden orange markings

St Birgitta Ways has the same route as Östgötaleden all the way to Vadstena. This stage offers fantastic views and goes through a nature reserve all the way to Hästholmen harbour at the foot of Omberg.

This section is fabulously beautiful, but demanding as it is hilly in places and can be slippery on the rocks in wet weather. The trail goes through pastures that are kept open with grazing animals. There are many nice rest areas, lunch is served at Ombergs Golf Resort.

Don't miss the Alvastra monastery ruins at the foot of Omberg. Saint Birgitta often visited the monastery and lived here for part of her life. Feel free to sit here and reflect on Birgitta's prayer: "Lord show me the way and make me willing to walk it". Which path do you want to take in life?

You will also pass Ellen Keys Strand, well worth a visit. The trail continues through the beech forest with steep sections down towards Lake Vättern.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: If you start in Ödeshög, we recommend that you take the detour via Orrnäs and follow the trail via the shore of Lake Vättern where it is so beautiful. At Orrnäs there is a cultural trail that shows how water power was used in the past in several stages.

GRAZING ANIMALS MAY OCCUR.

Stocklycke - Borghamn, 16.0 km

Difficulty: Red - demanding

Trail markings: Saint Birgitta Way symbol/Östgötaleden orange markings

Today you will experience Omberg, a popular excursion destination, due to its richly varied nature and fine views of Lake Vättern.

Ekopark Omberg has many circular trails with different themes if you feel like it, see information boards. A detour up to Hjässan, Omberg's highest point with a view for miles is recommended.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE 1: The west side of Omberg which is more demanding with some steep sections and views of Lake Vättern.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE 2: The east side of Omberg which is easier to hike and with views of the plain and the bird lake Tåkern.

Both are real gems. If you choose the western route, don't miss the Western Walls and perhaps a swim at the pebble beach of Älvarums udde, where there is also a shelter. The eastern route has a shorter detour to the Mariadöttrarnas monastery, well worth a visit. Here you can participate in prayers of the season, similar to those in the time of Saint Birgitta.

Borghamn - Nässja, 15.5 km

Difficulty level: Green - easy

Trail markings: Saint Birgitta Way symbol/Östgötaleden orange markings

From Borghamn you hike north along quiet country roads, open landscapes and cute church villages, all the while close to Lake Vättern and several swimming opportunities. Be sure to visit the church in Örberga from the 12th century and the stone museum right next to it. Here you hike the same paths that Saint Birgitta did. In Nässja there is the opportunity to stay overnight in a simple pilgrim accommodation, visit the cute church and see the ancient site of Nässja Domarring.

If you want and have the energy, you can continue all the way to Vadstena.

Nässja - Vadstena, 9.1 km

Difficulty: Green - easy

Trail markings: Saint Birgitta Way symbol/Orange markings of the Östgötland Trail

The last section towards the medieval pilgrimage destination is on a low-traffic asphalt road that winds through the cornfields. You have Vadstena in sight almost the entire time, the destination is approaching. The last stretch towards Vadstena is lined with signs with quotes from Saint Birgitta, which evoke thoughts about life here and now.

In Vadstena, the Abbey Church awaits, built entirely according to Saint Birgitta's plan. Her relics rest in the church. Every evening, all pilgrims are welcomed in a pilgrimage mass and you are welcome to participate in prayers three times a day.

At Pilgrimscentrum (the Pilgrim Center) next to the church, you can land in a welcoming atmosphere where pilgrims from all over the world meet. Here you can get your last stamp, sign your pilgrim certificate and tell about your experiences.

There is a lot to do in Vadstena. Don't miss a visit to the Sancta Birgitta Monastery Museum next to the church. There is the coffin of Saint Birgitta and her prayer room. Here she prayed many times: "Lord, show me your way and make me willing to walk it"

(Updated EH/April 2026)