Söderköping

TL;DR: Söderköping is a picturesque medieval town where the famous Göta Canal meets the Baltic Sea. Think cobblestone streets, world-class ice cream, historic locks, and Instagram-worthy views – all wrapped up in an authentic Swedish summer town vibe that’ll make you want to move here permanently.

Picture this: you’re strolling down cobblestone streets that have welcomed travelers for over 800 years, watching massive boats glide through ancient locks while you’re savoring what locals swear is Sweden’s best ice cream. Welcome to Söderköping, the charming town that perfectly captures everything magical about Swedish summer life.

Why Söderköping Should Be Your Next Obsession

Nestled in Östergötland County along Sweden’s stunning east coast, Söderköping isn’t just another pretty face – it’s where history, culture, and pure Swedish hygge collide in the most delightful way. The town has a rich history, dating back to medieval times, and there are several well-preserved historical buildings and sites to explore, such as the town hall, the old marketplace, and the Söderköping Canal.

This isn’t your typical tourist trap. Söderköping is where Swedes themselves come to unwind, making it the perfect place to experience authentic Swedish culture without fighting crowds of tour buses.

Getting There (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Coordinates: 58°29′N 16°19′E

From Stockholm: Take the train from Stockholm Centralstation to Norrköping Centralstation (about 1 hour 19 minutes), then hop on a local bus to Söderköping (20 minutes). Total journey time? Around 2 hours – perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

From Norrköping: The bus ride was short and only took twenty minutes to get to the central station. Bus service runs regularly, making it super convenient.

Pro Tip: The bus ride from Norrköping is absolutely gorgeous – you’ll pass through rolling countryside and see farms, large fields, and the beautiful colors on the trees.

The Ice Cream That Started It All

Let’s be real – many people first hear about Söderköping because of ice cream. The original mission when visiting Söderköping was plain and simple: eat copious amounts delicious, decadent ice cream. The legendary Smultronstället isn’t your average ice cream parlor. This wasn’t your typical two-scoops-of-chocolate kind of ice cream shop. They had a massive menu with pictures of the most amazing looking combinations of flavors, fruits, chocolates… basically anything delicious you could think of and a little bit more.

Trust us when we say this place alone is worth the trip. The portions are generous, the flavors are creative, and the waterfront setting makes every scoop taste like summer vacation.

Must-See Attractions That’ll Blow Your Mind

1. The Göta Canal Experience

Göta Canal has 58 locks and thousands of boats pass through them during the season. Watching boats navigate these historic locks is surprisingly mesmerizing – it’s like watching a perfectly choreographed dance between water, machinery, and human skill.

Experience Options:

• Day Cruises: More common today, however, is to go on a day or evening tour, and experience canal magic for a few hours.
• Mini Trips: The ticket includes a round trip journey between Mem and Söderköping, as well as three overnight stays in one of the guest harbours.
• Canal Cycling: Göta Kanalleden is Sweden’s newest national cycling route, and has been awarded ‘European Cycle Route of the Year’ 2025. MORE READ..

2. St. Laurentii Church (S:t Laurentii Kyrka)

Our first stop was St Laurentii Kyrka, a large church built in 1497. This isn’t just any old church – it’s a stunning example of medieval architecture that has watched over the town for over 500 years. Pretty little 500+ year old church, mix between old gravestones and new furnuture/organ.

3. Ramunderberget Observation Deck

Here’s where things get Instagram-worthy. Great view over Söderköping! If you feel strong you should really walk the stairs up this hill to enjoy the view. The climb is worth every step – you’ll get panoramic views over the entire town and surrounding countryside. The hike to the observation deck was worth it once we finally got to the top and got to see a spectacular view 70 meters above the city.

Local Secret: Once we were done hiking we discovered there were a set of stairs that we could’ve taken to lead us up to the observation deck instead of the long detour that we originally took. Take the stairs – your legs will thank you!

4. Stegeborg Castle Ruins

Stegeborg Castle is a ruined castle in St Anna parish, Stegeborg, located on an island in a narrow sound at the bay of Slatbaken. The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 13th century This castle was built to guard the waterway leading to Söderköping. The castle was constructed during the early Middle Ages and was built to guard the inlet to Söderköping.

How to Get There: We took the ferry from the north which was highly appricated by our children though it only last a couple of minutes. The short ferry ride adds to the adventure!

Where to Stay (From Budget to Boutique)

Budget-Friendly:

• STF Vandrarhem Söderköping/Mangelgården: “Mysigt ställe och allt vad man kan förvänta sig på ett vandrarhem.” (Cozy place with everything you’d expect from a hostel)
• Skeppsdockans Camping & Vandrarhem: Perfect for families, with free Wi-Fi and parking

Mid-Range:

• Söderköpings Brunn: If you’re longing for a classic canal hotel, Göta Hotell in Borensberg, Söderköpings Brunn or Kanalhotellet in Karlsborg are a few suggestions.

Unique Options:

• Giant Mushroom or Treehouse: Travelling with children? Then we highly recommend a magical overnight stay in a giant toadstool or a tree stump! Yes, you read that right – Sweden does accommodation differently!

Food Scene That Goes Beyond Ice Cream

While ice cream might be the star, Söderköping’s food scene has plenty more to offer. The town is also known for its traditional Swedish cuisine, especially the local delicacy called “isterband” (a type of sausage).

Must-Try Spots:

• Jannes Hembageri: After happening upon a few closed cafes, we settled upon Jannes Hembageri where we took a coffee and a pastry. Perfect for traditional Swedish fika
• Canal-side restaurants: Göta Canal is dotted with picturesque little restaurants perfect for a ‘fika’ break.

Best Time to Visit (Timing Is Everything)

Summer (May-September): This is when Söderköping truly comes alive. Söderköping is a popular tourist destination during the summer months due to its picturesque location and cultural attractions. The canal is fully operational, all restaurants are open, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Shoulder Season (March-May): If you’re a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Söderköping between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest.

Important Note: Söderköping is a seasonal town which means most of their shops and restaurants are open during the warm months instead of the colder fall months. Plan accordingly!

Perfect Day Itinerary

Morning (9:00 AM):

• Start with coffee and pastry at Jannes Hembageri
• Explore St. Laurentii Church
• Wander the historic town center

Midday (12:00 PM):

• Climb Ramunderberget for those killer views
• Lunch at a canal-side restaurant

Afternoon (2:00 PM):

• Take a canal boat tour or watch the locks in action
• Visit Stegeborg Castle (if time permits)

Evening (5:00 PM):

• The main event: ice cream at Smultronstället
• Sunset stroll along the canal

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

St. Anna Archipelago: This beautiful archipelago is located just off the coast of Söderköping and is a great place to spend a day exploring. There are plenty of islands to visit, hiking trails to tackle, and picturesque fishing villages to discover.

Norrköping: This nearby city is just a short drive from Söderköping and offers plenty of things to see and do. Visit the fascinating Industrial Landscape Museum, stroll through the picturesque Karl Johans Park, or admire the art at the Norrköping Art Museum.

Kolmården Wildlife Park: Kolmården Wildlife Park (Swedish: Kolmårdens djurpark) is a zoo that opened in 1965 overlooking Bråviken bay in Sweden. It is the largest zoo in Scandinavia – perfect for families!

Practical Tips for the Modern Traveler

Safety: Söderköping, like most of Sweden, is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Crime rates in Söderköping are relatively low, and violent crime is rare.

Language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Don’t be shy about asking for help!

Payment: Sweden is largely cashless – bring your cards and mobile payment options.

Weather: Even in summer, pack layers. We travelled in June and definitely needed layers and rain jackets – sometimes on the boat it was really chilly

Who Should Visit Söderköping?

Perfect For:

• Couples seeking a romantic getaway
• Families with kids (ice cream + boats = happy children)
• History buffs fascinated by medieval towns
• Canal enthusiasts and boat lovers
• Anyone wanting an authentic Swedish experience

Maybe Not Ideal For:

• Those seeking nightlife and party scenes
• Winter sports enthusiasts (it’s all about summer here)
• Travelers who need everything open year-round

Transportation Within Town

The beauty of Söderköping is its walkability. Everything is within easy walking distance, and half the charm is wandering the medieval streets. For longer distances or if you’re staying outside town, local buses connect the main attractions.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Vallonmassing crafts hand made interior decorations in brass and other noble metals. Welcome to our workshop to experience a timeless craftmanship. Look for local crafts, traditional Swedish designs, and canal-themed memorabilia.

Final Thoughts: Why Söderköping Will Steal Your Heart

Söderköping represents everything wonderful about slow travel and authentic experiences. It’s a place where you can watch the world go by from a canal-side café, where locals still stop to chat, and where the biggest decision of your day might be choosing between chocolate or strawberry ice cream.

This isn’t just a destination – it’s a feeling. It’s the embodiment of Swedish summer, the perfect blend of history and relaxation, and a gentle reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences happen in places you’ve never heard of.

Whether you’re here for a day trip from Stockholm or planning a longer Swedish adventure, Söderköping offers something precious in our fast-paced world: the chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and fall in love with the simple pleasures of life.

Ready to experience Sweden’s most charming canal town? Söderköping is waiting to welcome you with open arms, historic charm, and quite possibly the best ice cream of your life.