Travel Guide to Norrkoping, Sweden

A major industrial center of Sweden, Norrkoping is sometimes called the "Swedish Manchester". The reason for this is in the fact the city was growing rapidly during the period of industrialization. Today the city is home to the largest plants in the country. Norrkoping has also become a rather well-known tourist destination. The first settlements on the city’s territory appeared in the 12th century. The local people were mostly involved into land cultivation and fishing. Norrkoping received the status of the city in the beginning of the 14th century.

In the middle ages the city became widely known for its textile industry; today Norrkoping is the second largest city in terms of production in the country. The industrial area occupies the center of the city. Along the coast of the Motala River you will find numerous old factories and mills. Nowadays they are fully converted into museums that exhibit the collections of machinery and equipment, as well as products by the local craftsmen. The weaving mill complex, in which is now founded the City Museum, is one of the most notable sights. Its exhibitions will reveal you the story of one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the city - Luis de Girs, who has played a major role during the economic boom.

There are also a couple of museums devoted to the industrial theme. These are Museum of Labor and Mill Museum. In the beginning of the 19th century quite a large community of Jews lived in Norrkoping. Today only several objects like the synagogue located on Brabogatan Street remind of those times. Contemporary art lovers should definitely make a tour to the Museum of Art, in which are conducted large art exhibitions, and where they will find a large exposition of sculptures.

You can explore the city and its neighborhoods from an observation area, which was opened in the building of the Town Hall. Vacationers with children should definitely visit the local zoo, which is the largest in Scandinavia.