About
In Gamla (old) Linköping open-air Museum, you can travel back in time and experience what Swedish life was like in a small town and in the countryside a hundred or more years ago. In the old town neighbourhood you will find wooden houses surrounded by back yards, beautiful gardens and cobblestone alleys. Here too are many exhibitions, shops and crafts, restaurants and cafés.
A short walk through the Valla woods nature reserve takes you to Valla Farm, the rural part of the museum, with farm animals and houses showing the history of the countryside. In the woods, there are plenty of forest paths and spaces for picnics, as well as an experiental trail where you learn more about Swedish animals and nature.
In Summertime, from the end of June to the beginning of August, history is particularly brought to life, with lots of activities for children and grown-ups every day. During the weeks before Christmas, you can experience true traditional Swedish Christmas spirit.
Fun for Kids
In Gamla Linköping, there is lots to do for children and their families. Explore the old town neighbourhood, visit our exhibitions, meet farm animals, buy old-fashioned sweets in the museum shop…
At Barnens bod, in the old town neighbourhood, children can play storekeeper and postmistress, or cook food on the little stove. They can also try old-fashioned toys and plays, like walking on stilts.
A short walk through Valla woods nature reserve takes you to Valla Farm, the rural part of the museum. Here you find horses, goats, rabbits end hens, a farming museum and a railway museum among other museums, as well as Linköping’s largest playground Lill-Valla, a miniature golf course, and a sledding hill. There is also a small play farm with wooden animals in almost natural size.
In the woods, there are plenty of forest paths and spaces for picnics, as well as an experiental trail, where you learn more about Swedish animals and nature.
Some of the family acitivities are available all year, some only in summer. During Summertime, from the end of June to the beginning of August, many daily events are arranged that are especially fun for children; see a puppet show, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or help out with everyday household jobs, like washing and cleaning at Bryggaregården, go to the old school, help the rope-maker make a rope, and much more.
Food & Shopping
Food & Drink
Fancy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat? In the old town neighbourhood and at Valla Farm there are several alternatives for those who want to buy something to eat or drink, serving everything from Swedish “fika” with home made icecream, waffles, cinnamon buns and cakes to sandwiches, salads, or “proper” food. Or why not bring your own picnic or have a barbeque? There are plenty of places where you can sit down and enjoy it! Please note that barbeques may be prohibited during dry periods because of the risk of fire.
Shopping
In the old town neighbourhood you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs for friends, family, or yourself. Our nice little shops offer a wide range of traditional handicraft as well as modern design products, home-made chocolate and locally produced food.
Seasonal Events
Summertime
In Summertime, from the end of June to the beginning of August, history is particularly brought to life, with lots of activities for children and grownups every day. For example, you can ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or help out with everyday household jobs, like washing and cleaning, go to school like in the old days, help the rope-maker make a rope, and much more. If you’re lucky, you might meet the vagabond, the schoolmistress and other characters from days gone by.
Christmas time
During the weeks before Christmas, you can experience true traditional Swedish Christmas spirit. The streets and houses are decorated with garlands, wreaths and lanterns, and in some of the houses, the tables are set with traditional Christmas food and decorations. On some weekends we arrange a big Christmas market, concerts and other activities.
Details
Opening Hours
Gamla Linköping is accessible every day, all year. The museum area is always open and most of the shops and the exhibitions are open almost every day. General opening hours during off-season are Tue-Sun 11.00-16.00 (closed on major holidays). Extended opening hours in museums, shops and for family activities during SummerTime (the summer peak season), from the end of June to the beginning of August.
Getting Here
Gamla Linköping is situated about 2 kilometres west of Linköping city centre. If you come by public transportation, several buses run from Linköping Resecentrum/railway station and stop just outside the museum. If you go by car, drive Drottninggatan or Malmslättsvägen alternatively the outer ring (y-ring), following the signs. From the E4 motorway, follow the signs ”Gamla Linköping” from exit number 111 (third exit southbound, first exit northbound).
There are several parking areas in and around Gamla Linköping, providing easy access to both the Town Quarters (Stadskvarteren) and Valla Farm (Valla gård). Follow the link below to get an overview of where you can park and how to handle payments at each location.
Accommodation
There is a B & B and a hostel within the museum area. There are also a number of hotels in the close vicinity and in Linköping city centre. There are also a few parking overnight possibilities for campers at Valla farm. For further information about accommodation, call +46(0)13121110.
FAQ
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee to visit the museum area. A fee is charged for some events and acivities, e.g. Fenomenmagasinet Science Centre, LasseMajas Deckarhus, and tours with the choo choo train.
When is it open?
The museum area is always open. Most of the shops and exhibitions are open daily 11.00-17.00 during SummerTime andTue-Sun 11.00-16.00 during off-season. However, opening hours may vary, and some are closed in January-February. Closed on major Swedish holidays.
For more information about opening hours, contact our visitor centre at Tunnbindaregatan 1, gamlalinkoping@linkoping.se, +46(0)13 12 11 10.
Are there guided tours in English?
Yes! Our guides are happy to tell you more about the museum, life in Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century and the stories of the houses and their previous owners.
There are two guided tours available in english “Introduction to Gamla Linköping open-air museum” and “Guided tour to museum homes Villa Lugnet and Solliden”. If you bring a group, you can always pre-book a guided tour for a fee.
Is there a cash machine?
No, unfortunately, there is no cash dispenser within the museum area. However, most of our shops and restaurants accept payment by major credit cards.
Can I stay overnight?
There is a B & B and a hostel within the museum area. There are also several hotels in Linköping city centre. For further information, call +46(0)13121110.
There are also a few overnight parking possibilities for campers at Valla farm.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, you can bring your dog, but it has to stay outside when you walk into a building (assistance dogs are allowed everywhere).
On hot summer days, water is offered to thirsty dogs outside the Visitor center at Tunnbindaregatan 8.
Is Gamla Linköping accessible with a wheelchair?
At Gamla Linköping, we work continuously to make it easier for those who have disabilities to visit us. Please contact us before your visit, so that we can help you get a better experience and tell you more about the existing possibilities.
On most of the streets in the old town neighbourhood, special walking lanes have been laid out, which are designed to help the disabled move around more easily. Certain buildings are completely handicap accessible, with accessible entrance, elevator and handicap toilets. Other buildings with museums and shops are accessible for wheelchairs using movable ramps.
Can I have a picnic?
Yes, you can have a picnic almost everywhere, but preferably in some of the dedicated picnic sites in the old town neighbourhood, at Valla farm, or in Valla Woods. If you decide to sit down in some of the gardens, you are free to do so, but please note that some of the houses have private tenants.
At Valla farm, there are two areas for barbeques. However, barbeques may be prohibited during hot and dry periods.
Can I smoke in Gamla Linköping?
Like many other public places in Sweden, Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum is a non-smoking area. However, you can smoke in our carpark, which is outside the actual museum area.