3 minute read
ÖDESHÖG
from Visit Vättern 2023
by Runtvattern
– We love the great outdoors!
Ödeshög is the perfect year-round destination for visitors who love spending time outdoors. Here you can hike, cycle, kayak, go cross-country skiing, ice bathing, camping and so much more.
Discover Omberg all year round
Omberg is a fantastic place to discover all year round. It offers everything from guided kayaking to hiking, MTB trips, zipline and courses for beginners. In the immediate vicinity are several comfortable accommodation options, cafés and restaurants. A stone’s throw from Omberg you will find Särtshöga Vingård, one of the northernmost vineyards in the world. A little further south is Ombergs Golf, which is known for being one of Sweden's best golf courses – ranked in 13th place. At the foot of Omberg is Ombergs Turisthotell, with its charming rooms and well-known restaurant, which is highly rated in the White Guide.
On Omberg, you are surrounded by history, fairy tales and legends. Not far from the mountain lie the ruins of Alvastra Abbey and the Rök Runestone, which offer both history and mystery. If you want to find out more about the legends, history and nature of Omberg, there are several exciting hiking packages and guided tours bookable through Wettersaga, Woods & Water and Ombergs Turisthotell.
Get close to nature
Visitors who want to explore the landscape on foot can take the Östgötaleden trail, with stunning views across the lake, the woods, rolling fields and hills. Did you know that the route between Ödeshög and Omberg has been named one of Sweden's 12 signature trails, often described as Sweden's most beautiful hiking trails?
And don’t miss all our nearby nature reserves. Ödeshög has as many as 15 nature reserves – each offering their own unique insights into the environment. Here you can discover primeval forests, giant spruce trees, limestone marshes, hidden and forgotten historical sites, deciduous forests and picturesque agricultural landscapes offering amazing biodiversity.
Lake Tåkern has the well-known and incredibly popular visitor centre Naturum Tåkern. Here there are activities for the whole family, including a bird watching tower, barbecue areas, a fairytale path, playground, guided hikes/ activities, exhibitions, a laboratory and much more besides.
Visit Ödeshög
Tourist Information
Visiting address, summer season:
Hästholmen harbour
Tel. 0144-351 67 tourism@odeshog.se www.visitodeshog.se
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @visitodeshog
Pilgrimages throughout Swedish history
Some of Scandinavia's most beautiful pilgrim trails, such as Birgittaleden, Franciskusleden and Klosterleden, lead through Jönköping, Gränna, Ödeshög and Vadstena, with Vadstena Abbey Church as their final destination. Along these trails, you can stop at some of our most beautiful historical sites, such as Alvastra Abbey ruin, Eriksgata, Narbäck, Holkaberg and Ellen Keys Strand
Cycling trips for everyone
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Ödeshög and the surrounding countryside. Choose from several beautiful and interesting cycle trails. For the more adventurous visitor – how about mountain biking or downhill at Omberg or Skönatorpet ? Maybe you’re gearing up for the Vätternrundan cycling event and want to try out a few of the longer cycling trails, such as the Round Vättern trail, the Vättern-Sommen trail, Vätternrundan or the Women's Vät ternrundan? Or why not bring your friends, family or partner along on a relaxing cycling trip across the Östgöta plain? Whatever you choose, there’s something here for everyone.
Hästholmen harbour
Summer is a busy time in Hästholmen harbour and the picturesque village. People gather here to enjoy the beautiful views and great food, to go swimming in Lake Vättern, try their luck at fishing or set off by kayak to explore Omberg’s caves and cliffs. Here you will also find 31:ans Glass och kök which has Sweden's best ice cream – if you ask us! – and Mustiga Mauri at Uppdrag Mat. Hästholmen harbour also played a major role in Swedish history. This was where the steamer SS Per Brahe sank during the night of 19 November 1918, with widely admired artists John and Ester Bauer on board. During the summer, you can find out more about the tragic event in the museum Vätternrummet, which is next door to the tourist information centre.
Explore our beautiful countryside
The Östgöta plain is known for its fertile agricultural land, bright yellow rapeseed fields, and for all the charming destinations and shops along the roads between the fields. Along the roads of Ödeshög you will find everything from farm shops, pick-your-own fields, flea markets, florists, fashion and interior design shops to various studios with local artists and craftspeople.
In the centre of Ödeshög there are a variety of shops offering everything from locally produced delicacies, underwear, electronics and shoes to second hand bargains and freshly caught fish from Vättern. Lysings konditori is the perfect spot for a coffee and a bite to eat. The bakery is known for its selection of gluten-free baked goods. And if you’re still hungry, there are also several restaurants to choose from.