Sightseeing in Norrkoping - what to see. Complete travel guide

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. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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.

Travelers who visit the city in the spring should definitely go for a walk in Carl Johan's park Its main attraction is a huge flower bed made up of cacti and agaves, every year this flower bed is decorated in a new unique style. In the picturesque park, you can see many interesting plants, not typical for Scandinavia. A walk through it promises to be no less fascinating than visiting the botanical garden.

The national park located in one of the quietest and most remote city districts attracts many travelers as well. In this park, you will find an old Church of St. Matthew, which is an outstanding architectural landmark in the Neo-Gothic style. The construction of this church lasted five years until 1892, the church is currently surrounded by beautiful landscaping.

Go to the German Square, if you want to see one of the oldest religious buildings in the city - St. Hedwig's Church, which is locally known as the "German Church". In 1613 this church was built by German emigrants of Norrköping. Prince John gave them permission to build their own church, the walls of which currently keep many interesting unique artifacts.

An original architectural landmark is the Church of St. Olaf erected in the early 18th century. According to historical data, the very first churches on its site were built during the Middle Ages. Religious monuments were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Today the elegant church with a beautifully decorated façade appears before tourists in the same form in which it was at the time of its foundation.

In the immediate vicinity of the city is the famous amusement park called Kolmården, a visit to which would be interesting not only for travelers with children. The territory of this vast park includes many interesting recreation areas: there are a beautiful zoo and a dolphinarium - the very first one opened in Sweden. Most entertainment for visitors to the park is available in the warm season. It is equipped with sports grounds, many playgrounds and all kinds of rides for children of all ages. In the warm season, the park often holds interesting activities and entertaining events.