Ödeshög

We love outdoor recreation!

Ödeshög is the perfect destination for visitors who love spending time in nature during all four seasons. You can hike, cycle, paddle a kayak, go cross-country skiing, go ice bathing, camping and much more.

Discover Omberg all year round

Omberg is a fantastic place for discovery and offers everything from guided kayaking, hiking, MTB trips, zipline and courses for beginners. Woods & Water of Sweden also rents out mountain bikes. In the immediate vicinity are several charming accommodation facilities, cafés and restaurants. Just a stone’s throw from Mount Omberg is Särtshöga Vineyard, one of the world's northernmost wineries. Visit 31's Glass & Kök for a taste of Sweden's most delicious ice cream (according to Mauri at Uppdrag Mat). At the foot of Mount Omberg is Omberg Turisthotell, recommended by White Guide Nordic. In Ödeshög, you are surrounded by history, tales, and legends. Alvastra Abbey Ruins and the Rök runestone is not far away, both of which offer history and mystery. If you’d like to learn more about the tales, history, and nature of Mount Omberg, there are several hiking packages and guided tours to book through Wettersaga, Woods & Waters, and Ombergs Turisthotell.

Get close to nature

Visitors who want to explore nature on foot can take the Östgötaleden trail, leading to stunning views along the lake, through the woods, rolling fields and mountains. Did you know that the route between Ödeshög and Mount Omberg has been named one of Sweden's 12 signature trails, often described as Sweden's most beautiful hiking trails?

Be sure to visit the nearby nature reserve. Ödeshög has as many as 15 nature reserves – all with their own unique and valuable nature. Here you can explore primeval forests, giant spruce trees, limestone marshes, hidden and forgotten historical sites, deciduous forests, and picturesque agricultural landscapes with amazing biodiversity. Lake Tåkern has the well-known and incredibly popular visitor centre, Naturum Tåkern. This has activities for the whole family, including a bird watching tower, barbecue grills, fairy tale path, nature playground, guided tours and activities, an exhibition, laboratory and much more.

Visit Ödeshög Tourist Information

Visiting address in summer season: Hästholmen Harbour

Phone: +46 142-351 67

tourism@odeshog.se www.visitodeshog.se Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @visitodeshog

Pilgrimages throughout Swedish history

Some of the Nordic region's most beautiful pilgrim trails, Birgittaleden, Franciskusleden and Klosterleden, lead through Jönköping, Gränna, Ödeshög and Vadstena, with Vadstena Abbey Church as their final destination. Along the trails, you can stop at some of our lovely, historical sites, such as Alvastra Cloister Ruins, Eriksgata, Narbäck & Holkaberg, and the Ellen Keys Strand manor.

Cycling trips for everyone

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Ödeshög and its surrounding nature. Choose among several beautiful and interesting cycling paths. For the more adventurous visitor – how about mountain biking and downhill biking at Mount Omberg or Skönatorpet? Maybe you’re gearing up for the Vätternrundan cycling event and want to test a few of the larger cycling trails, such as the Runt-Vättern trail, Vättern-Sommen trail, Vätternrundan or Tjejvätternrundan. Or why not bring your friends, family or partner along on a relaxing cycling trip along the Östgötaslätten fields? No matter what you prefer, there is something here for everyone.

Hästholmen Harbour and "det stora folknöjet"

Summer is a busy time in the town of Hästholmen and its harbour. People gather from all around to enjoy the lovely views and good meals, go swimming in Lake Vättern, test their luck at fishing, or explore Mount Omberg’s caves and scarps by kayak.

Hästholmen Harbour also had a major role in Swedish history. This was where the S/S Per Brahe steamship sank during the night of 19 November 1918, with the much beloved artist couple, John and Ester Bauer on board. On the weekend of 23–24 July, Hästholmen celebrates the centennial of the Per Brahe’s salvaging, known as ‘Det Stora Folknöjet’. This will be a huge event filled with various activities, such as markets, a moped exhibition, lectures and a new inauguration of the Vätternrummet Museum.

Explore our beautiful countryside

Östgötaslätten is known for its fertile agricultural land, bright yellow rapeseed fields, and for all the charming destinations and shops along roads between the fields. Our countryside offers unique farm shops, locally produced products and u-pick sites, flea markets, florists, fashion and interior design shops, and studios with local artists and craftspersons.

Ödeshög has a broad range of shops that sell everything from fashion and shoes, second-hand items, fresh-caught fish from Lake Vättern, locally produced and locally sourced foods, and arts and crafts by local artists. Ödeshög also has grocery stores, a liquor store and pharmacy. Lysings konditori is the perfect spot for a coffee and a bite to eat. The bakery is known for its variety of gluten-free baked goods. Still hungry? There are several restaurants to choose from.

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