Krokek is a locality in Norrköping Municipality in the county of Östergötland. It lies along the northern shores of the bay Bråviken, which connects the area with the Baltic Sea. The locality is not only home to around 570 inhabitants, but just a few kilometers to the east is the Kolmården Wildlife Park. The name Kolmården is often used for Krokek as well. One example is the railway station in the center of the locality. The name Kolmården comes from the name of the densely forested rocky ridge that separates the historical provinces of Södermanland and Östergötland as well as the lands of Svealand and Götaland.
A Short History of Krokek
The name Krokek has its origins in an old oak that once marked the border between the provinces of Södermanland and Östergötland. Some people believe that this oak was lost in a storm as late as 1902. The oak was located at what is today the ruins of a former convent.
Historically Krokek has acted as an important point along what is known as the Eriksgata. This is the tour that a newly-elected Swedish king traveled during the Middle Ages. It was in Krokek that the people of Östergötland replaced the people of Södermanland as the protectors of the new king.
Krokek Municipality was established in 1863. Within the municipality, the community of Kolmården was established in 1936. When Krokek Municipality and Kvarsebo Municipality were merged in 1952 the new grand municipality was named after Kolmården.
The Krokek Railway Station opened in 1915. It connected Krokek with Norrköping and Nyköping. After a break in operations, the station was re-opened in 2000 and rebranded as Kolmården.
Things to Do and See
Krokek might be best known for the Kolmården Wildlife Park which is a few kilometers to the east. For Krokek it is the shores along Bråviken that attracts visitors during the summer months. For others, it might be the relaxing atmosphere at the local pizzeria that you are looking for.
Kolmården Sandviken
At the northern shores of the bay Bråviken, is the area of Sandviken. This is where you will find many of the local summer activities. There is a small marina. but also a wooden deck where you can enjoy the sun and the view of the bay. Here are also historical buildings relating to the former industrial activities. This is today the crafts village and the many summer visitors can enjoy some food or ice cream at the restaurant.
Svintuna Kvarn
Svintuna Kvarn is an old mill that is located along the steam Svintunaån. Its history goes back to at least the 14th century, but the current building is newer. It is believed to have been built in the 19th century and was in operation up until 1968. The mill is today looked after by the nonprofit organization Lions Club Kolmården. They do not only try to keep the mill operational, but they also operate an accordion museum in the building.
Krokeks Kyrka
The church was inaugurated in 1896. It replaced an older church at Krokeks Konvent that burned down in 1889. The church is today a part of the Kolmården Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Uttersbergs Kastal
Uttersbergs Kastal can be found on the outskirts of Krokek. It is a ruin of a medieval defensive tower dating back to the 12th century.
Råsslabadet
Råsslabadet is the local indoor swimming pool. It consists of one swimming pool and lies within the boundary of the local school Råsslaskolan.
How to Get to Krokek
- Flights: The nearest airport is Norrköping Airport (NRK) 31 kilometers southwest. Sweden’s largest airport, Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), is 183 kilometers northeast.
- Car: Krokek lies along Road E4 just to the northeast of Norrköping.
- Bus: Buses from Östgötatrafiken connect Krokek with the surrounding area.
- Train: The local train station goes by the name Kolmården and has trains between Norrköping and Stockholm.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 146 kilometers (1 h 30 min)
- Gothenburg – 329 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
- Malmö – 473 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Linköping – 60 kilometers (45 min)
- Kiruna – 1376 kilometers (14 h 20 min)
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