The Omberg is situated in Östergötland on the shore of Lake Vättern. This mountain is Sweden's most species-rich forest landscape with many rare natural environments. The bold beech forest on the slope of Vättern, the giant oaks in the pasture landscape and the colourful mowing meadows are just three examples.
A mile-long steep bank characterizes the mountain to a large extent. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic view from Hjässan - Omberg's highest point -, walk among giant oaks and more than 100 years old fir trees or be enchanted by beautiful orchids in Omberg's limestone moors.
Directly east of the famous Omberg and Lake Vättern, the bird lake Tåkern is located in the southwest of Östergötland. It is one of Europe's most important breeding and resting places for many bird species. Up to 270 species were counted here, and about 120 species have their breeding places here. The Tåkern and its surroundings are designated as a nature reserve (54 km²) and are listed as a so-called Ramsar area according to the European Convention on Wetlands.
Lake Tåkern invites you to a visit both during the breeding season and at the time of bird migration. The best periods for a visit are May/June as well as September/October. There are four visiting areas on the lake - Glänås, Väversunda, Svälinge and Hov - with lookout towers and hiding places, parking, picnic tables and litter bins. In Glänås the naturum Tåkern invites you to visit an exhibition about Tåkern's nature, guided tours and other activities. There are trails with footpaths in Glänås and Svälinge.
The Tåkern is also important for the extraction of reeds for thatched roofs. The quality is highly valued. After harvesting, the reeds are usually put out to dry in Väversunda, then bundled and transported mainly to Denmark.
Im this phantastic landscape you will find different accomodations, close to sights, nature and excellet food.
Certain accomodations can be combined with guided tours, nature experiences, spa and other activities. See accommodation packages (in Swedish).
Winter rest 1 November to 1 April.
Accommodation "Kommendanten" (2- and 4-bed rooms with self-catering) is yet open 1 November - 1 January. Book via email.
A greeting from Omberg: Touristhotel in Alvastra (1892-1897), (Collection Ödeshögs hembygdsbok)
The narrow-gauge railway between Vadstena and Ödeshög was opened in 1888. This was the beginning of tourism on the Omberg: in 1892 Omberg's Turisthotell in Alvastra was opened, in 1914 Gyllenhammars Pensionat in Borghamn and in 1934 the Youth hostel in Stocklycke.
Thanks to the railway connection it had become easy for the inhabitants of nearby cities to reach the Omberg.
The photo shows the original building, which was erected in 1892-93 by local residents. The visitors spent their time here, among other things, with walks in nature and rowing boat trips on the Vättern. In order not to get lost, they were accompanied by young guides who were familiar with the area. Behind Omberg's tourist hotel one can still come across stairs that had been built for the purpose of making it easier for hotel guests to access nature.
In 1897 the hotel was extended. It was expected that there would be a larger number of travellers and guests in this beautiful area than before, because the Linköping-Fogelstadbahn was opened. In the beginning the hotel was run by the Swedish Tourists Society.
The current tourist hotel dates back to 1914, after the old hotel was destroyed by fire in 1912.
Learn more about Ombergs Turisthotell.
