Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Linköping
013 / Pop 145,000
Most famous for its mighty medieval cathedral, Linköping fancies itself as Norrköping's
more upmarket rival. Its most infamous claim to fame is the 'bloodbath of Linköping'.
Following the Battle of Stångebro (1598), many of King Sigismund's defeated Catholic
army were executed here, leaving Duke Karl and his Protestant forces in full control of
Sweden.
While quite the modern, industrial city today (manufacturer Saab is the major employ-
er), pockets of its past survive in its churches, castle and museums and in the picture-per-
fect streets around Hunnebergsgatan and Storgatan.
Sights & Activities
Gamla Linköping & Valla Fritidsområde
HISTORIC SITE
(
www.gamlalinkoping.info
; )
Located 2km west of the city, this is one of the biggest living-museum villages in Sweden.
It's a gorgeous combo of cobbled streets, picket-fenced gardens and around 90 19th-cen-
tury houses. Take bus 12 or 19 (Skr25).
Just 300m through the forest is Valla Fritidsområde, a recreation area with domestic an-
imals, a children's playground, mini golf, small museums and vintage abodes.
Highlights at Gamla Linköping include about a dozen themed museums (most free, with
various opening times), an artisan shop, horse and carriage rides and even a small chocol-
ate factory.
Domkyrka
CHURCH
Made from blocks of handcarved limestone, the enormous Domkyrka was the country's
largest and most expensive church in the Middle Ages. Its foundations were laid around
1250 and its 107m spire and vast interior still impress. Inside, the contemporary stained-
