Berg, Östergötland – Exploring Sweden

There are quite a few small places here in Sweden that most people living in this country seem to know about. Berg is one of these, even though it might not be Berg itself that people have heard about. Rather, everybody is familiar with the canal that passes the locality.

Berg is a part of Linköping municipality in Östergötland and it has around 1300 inhabitants. It might be small, but it is still worth a visit. Most Swedes have probably heard about the locks in the canal and it is one of those small places that are nice to visit during the summer. It is a typical small Swedish town -don’t expect too much action! However, you will find that nature has a calming effect and that history is ever present in the form of old churches and other attractions. It is easily combined with other destinations in the area, such as Linköping or Vadstena.

A Short History of Berg

Berg lies where the mighty Vreta Abbey once stood. The Abbey, whose last nuns died in 1582, was the first nunnery in Sweden and the church is still actually active.

Berg’s importance grew once the canal Göta Kanal was built between 1810 and 1832. It is still probably one of the largest building projects in Swedish history. The canal, 190,5 kilometers long in total, connects the Swedish east coast with lake Vänern. From lake Vänern, there are further water connections to the Swedish west coast.

Three Things To Do In Berg

Göta Kanal

This is the main attraction for visitors to the area. The canal – mentioned in the short history section – has several locks in Berg. From there it continues westwards from lake Roxen towards lake Boren. The combination of locks here is the longest along the whole canal. It is possible to take a cruise along the canal or just to enjoy the surroundings or sit down to view the boats going up and down the canal.

Lake Roxen

This is one of the larger lakes in the region. It provides good opportunities to enjoy a day swimming or to go out on the lake with a boat.

Vreta Kloster

Just south of Berg you find Vreta Kloster or the Vreta Abbey in English. The Vreta Abbey was the first nunnery in Sweden and it was in use from the 12th century until 1582. Of all the buildings that belonged to the Abbey, only two are still standing. It is the church itself that is still in use and a barn. This is an area where history is still very much present, among the sunflower fields and the lakes.

Going to Berg?

Do you want to travel to Berg? Here are a few options for going there:

• Car: Berg is close to Linköping, you drive there on Road E4, heading either south from Stockholm or north from Helsingborg.
• Bus: There are local buses connecting Berg with Linköping. There are several long-distance buses to take to Linköping and then continue with the local buses from there.
• Train: The closest train station is probably the one in Linköping. If taking the train to Linköping it is then possible to continue with the local buses.
• Flights: There are a few regular flights to the airport in Linköping. As above it will require a connection with the local buses to Berg.

The driving distance to Berg from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:

• Stockholm – 207 kilometers (1 h 58 min)
• Gothenburg – 277 kilometers (2 h 36 min)
• Malmö – 418 kilometers (3 h 47 min)
• Luleå – 1104 kilometers (10 h 43 min)
• Linköping – 11 kilometers (15 min)

Explore More of Östergötland and Sweden