Looking for things to do in Söderköping? This charming town in Östergötland combines medieval streets, the Göta canal, green walking trails and easy access to the coast. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, Söderköping offers a relaxed mix of history, nature, food and family-friendly experiences.
1. Walk through Söderköping’s historic town centre
One of the best ways to experience Söderköping is simply to explore it on foot. The town centre has a gentle, old-fashioned atmosphere, with narrow streets, wooden buildings, small squares and historic churches. Söderköping was an important medieval trading town, and traces of that history are still visible in the layout of the town.
Begin your walk around the central streets near Storån, the small river that flows through Söderköping. From here, you can wander past colourful houses, independent shops and cafés before continuing towards the older parts of town. The compact centre makes it easy to see many of the main Söderköping attractions within a few hours.
Look out for details such as traditional wooden façades, old courtyards and information signs explaining the town’s development. The centre is especially atmospheric in summer, when outdoor seating and canal boats bring extra life to the streets.
2. See the churches of medieval Söderköping
St Laurentii Church
St Laurentii Church, also known as Sankt Laurentii kyrka, is one of the most important historic buildings in Söderköping. The church dates back to the medieval period and reflects the town’s former importance as a commercial and religious centre.
Its architecture and interior details offer a glimpse into Söderköping’s past. If the church is open during your visit, take time to look inside quietly. Opening times can vary, particularly outside the main tourist season, so check locally before making it a central part of your itinerary.
Drothems Church
Drothems Church is another significant medieval landmark. Located close to the historic centre, it has a distinctive brick exterior and a peaceful setting. The church is associated with one of Söderköping’s oldest areas and provides useful context for understanding how the town grew during the Middle Ages.
Visiting both churches is one of the more rewarding things to do in Söderköping for travellers interested in architecture, local history and Swedish heritage. Together, they help show why Söderköping is often considered one of the country’s most appealing small historic towns.
3. Follow the Göta canal through Söderköping
The Göta canal is among the most popular Söderköping attractions. This famous waterway crosses Sweden from the east coast towards Gothenburg, and Söderköping is one of its most attractive towns. The canal reaches the town centre, making it easy to combine a canal visit with sightseeing, shopping and lunch.
Walk along the towpath and watch boats pass through the locks. During the boating season, the canal becomes a lively meeting place, with cyclists, walkers, holidaymakers and boat crews sharing the route. The pace is deliberately slow, which makes it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Bring a camera for views of the canal, bridges and nearby buildings. Early morning and evening are often the calmest times to visit, while the middle of the day has more activity and open cafés. If you are travelling with children, watching a boat move through the locks can be a simple but memorable experience.
4. Take a boat trip or cycle beside the canal
Depending on the season, you may be able to join a canal cruise from Söderköping or watch scheduled boats arrive and depart. A boat trip offers a different perspective on the waterway and the surrounding countryside. Check current timetables before your visit, since services are seasonal and may change from year to year.
Cycling is another excellent way to enjoy the Göta canal. The towpath is popular with leisure cyclists, although some sections can have different surfaces and conditions. You can make a short ride around Söderköping or plan a longer route towards nearby canal communities such as Mem.
Bring water, sun protection and a light jacket. Weather near the water can change quickly, and cafés or shops may be limited once you leave the town centre.
5. Climb Ramunderberget for views over the town
Ramunderberget rises beside Söderköping and is one of the town’s best natural viewpoints. Several paths lead through the wooded area, and the hill provides a welcome change from the streets and canal. From higher points, you can look across Söderköping, the surrounding landscape and parts of the Göta canal.
The climb is manageable for many visitors, but some paths are uneven and can be slippery after rain. Wear suitable shoes if you plan to explore beyond the easiest routes. The area is popular for walking, running and quiet breaks in nature.
Ramunderberget is particularly attractive in autumn, when the forest changes colour. In summer, visit in the morning or later in the afternoon if you prefer cooler temperatures and softer light for photographs.
6. Enjoy a famous ice cream at Smultronstället
One of the most well-known things to do in Söderköping is visit Smultronstället, an ice cream restaurant beside the Göta canal. It is famous for large, creatively decorated ice cream desserts and has become a popular stop for visitors of all ages.
Portions can be generous, so check the menu carefully before ordering. During sunny summer days, queues are common, but many visitors consider the experience part of a Söderköping visit. The location near the canal also makes it easy to combine an ice cream stop with a walk through town.
Smultronstället is generally most associated with the warmer months. Opening hours and seasonal dates can vary, so confirm details before travelling, especially if you are visiting outside summer.
7. Visit the town’s museums and local exhibitions
Söderköping has several smaller museums, heritage displays and temporary exhibitions that explore local life. These venues can be especially useful on a rainy day or for travellers who want more background on the town’s medieval history, crafts and canal culture.
Local cultural institutions sometimes organise guided walks, historical events and seasonal programmes. These may focus on subjects such as Söderköping’s role as a trading town, life along the canal or the stories connected with local buildings.
Because opening hours are not always daily, check the latest information from the municipality or local tourism office. A museum visit can also help you discover lesser-known Söderköping activities beyond the most photographed locations.
8. Explore the medieval streets on a guided walk
A guided walking tour is a good choice if you want to understand more than you would from sightseeing alone. Local guides can explain how trade, churches, waterways and regional politics shaped Söderköping over the centuries.
Some tours focus on medieval history, while others include local stories, architecture or food. In summer, special events may be arranged around historic themes. Ask about the language of the tour if you are visiting from abroad, since not every guided activity is available in English.
If no tour is running, you can create your own route by visiting the churches, walking along Storån, crossing the canal and continuing towards the oldest streets. Allow time to pause rather than rushing between landmarks. Söderköping is a town that rewards slow exploration.
9. Take a peaceful walk along Storån
Storån adds to Söderköping’s calm character and offers a pleasant route through the town. The waterway passes historic buildings and green spaces, creating several opportunities for photographs and quiet breaks.
A walk along the river works well as a shorter alternative to the longer trails around Ramunderberget. It is also convenient for families and anyone who wants to stay close to cafés, restaurants and the town centre. Look for benches where you can sit and watch the water, especially in the early evening.
Combine a river walk with the canal and historic centre for an easy half-day itinerary. This route covers several of the most accessible Söderköping attractions without requiring a car.
10. Discover the countryside around Söderköping
The area around Söderköping is made up of forests, farmland, waterways and small rural communities. If you have more than a day, consider renting a bicycle or driving into the surrounding countryside to experience a quieter side of Östergötland.
Short walks and picnic stops are easy to arrange, although you should plan ahead if you want facilities such as toilets or cafés. Swedish countryside access rules allow people to enjoy nature responsibly, but it is important to respect private land, close gates and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Spring and summer bring long daylight hours, while autumn offers colourful forests and crisp walking conditions. Even a brief excursion outside the centre can add variety to a weekend in Söderköping.
11. Make a trip to Mem and the Baltic coast
Mem is located near the eastern end of the Göta canal, not far from Söderköping. The small harbour community is associated with the canal’s eastern entrance and provides a scenic destination for a short excursion.
Mem is best suited to visitors who enjoy quiet waterfront places, cycling and canal history rather than a long list of attractions. You can combine a visit with a canal walk, a picnic or a drive through the surrounding landscape.
For a broader coastal experience, continue towards the inlets and islands around the Baltic Sea. The geography becomes more open and maritime as you approach the coast, offering a contrast to Söderköping’s inland streets and wooded hills.
12. Explore the St Anna archipelago
The St Anna archipelago is one of the most impressive natural areas within reach of Söderköping. It consists of islands, rocky shores, sheltered bays and small coastal communities. The area is popular for kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing and island walks.
Planning is important because transport connections, boat tours and services can be seasonal. Some islands have limited facilities, so bring food, water and suitable outdoor clothing if you are travelling independently.
A day in the archipelago is one of the best Söderköping activities for travellers who want to combine a historic town visit with Sweden’s coastal scenery. If you have limited time, choose one accessible area or a guided boat trip rather than trying to see too much in a single day.
13. Visit Stegeborg Castle and the surrounding area
Stegeborg Castle is a popular excursion from Söderköping. The medieval castle ruins stand in a striking position beside the water, making the site interesting for both history enthusiasts and photographers.
Explore the remains, learn about the castle’s role in Swedish history and enjoy views across the surrounding inlet. The area may also offer seasonal cafés, restaurants or events, but availability changes throughout the year.
Stegeborg works well as part of a car-based day trip that includes coastal roads and other sights in the Söderköping region. Check travel times and opening information in advance, particularly outside the summer season.
14. Try local cafés and Swedish food
Food is an important part of a visit to Söderköping. The town has cafés where you can enjoy Swedish pastries, coffee and light meals, as well as restaurants serving seasonal dishes and familiar Swedish favourites.
Look for opportunities to try a traditional fika, the Swedish custom of taking time for coffee and something sweet. Cinnamon buns, cardamom pastries and cakes are common choices, but local menus may also include sandwiches, soups and desserts made with seasonal ingredients.
In summer, outdoor seating near the canal or river is particularly appealing. If you are visiting during a busy weekend, book ahead for dinner or arrive early, since smaller restaurants can fill quickly.
15. Plan a family-friendly day in Söderköping
Söderköping is a convenient destination for families because many activities are close together. A typical family day could include a walk through the historic centre, a visit to the canal locks, lunch near the water and an ice cream at Smultronstället.
Older children may enjoy climbing Ramunderberget, cycling beside the canal or taking a boat trip. Younger children often appreciate the open spaces, boats and colourful town environment, although supervision is important near the water and on uneven trails.
If the weather is changeable, combine outdoor activities with a museum or café visit. Having a flexible plan makes it easier to enjoy Söderköping without trying to fit every attraction into one day.
How to plan your visit to Söderköping
Best time to visit
Summer is the busiest season, with open cafés, canal boats, outdoor events and the fullest range of activities. Late spring and early autumn can be quieter while still offering good conditions for walking and sightseeing. Winter is peaceful, but some attractions and businesses have shorter opening hours.
How to get around
The central Söderköping attractions are easy to reach on foot. A bicycle is useful for exploring the Göta canal and nearby countryside, while a car gives you more flexibility for trips to Stegeborg, Mem and the archipelago. Public transport options exist, but rural connections may be less frequent, especially at weekends.
How long to stay
A day is enough to see the historic centre, walk beside the canal and enjoy a meal or ice cream. Two or three days allow time for Ramunderberget, a canal excursion and one or two trips into the surrounding countryside. Stay longer if you want to explore the St Anna archipelago at a slower pace.
Why Söderköping deserves a place on your Sweden itinerary
Söderköping brings together several experiences that are easy to enjoy in one compact destination. You can walk medieval streets in the morning, watch boats on the Göta canal at midday, hike through forest in the afternoon and finish with a relaxed Swedish dinner.
Its historic character, accessible nature and position near the coast make it more than a quick stop between larger cities. From well-known Söderköping attractions to simple pleasures such as a riverside walk or a traditional fika, the town offers plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.