Gamla Linköping (Old Linköping) is an open-air museum with a collection of some 90 buildings moved here from other parts of the city to represent Sweden in the second half of the 19th century. The houses, streets, signs, shops, gardens and other activities come together beautifully and everything here is authentic, even the policeman’s uniform.

The open-air museum consists of three parts: the town quarter, Vallaskogen - forest nature reserve and Valla Leisure Park. Vallaskogen exemplifies how a farmer would have used the forest in the second half of the 19th century, while Valla Leisure Park represents the surrounding countryside, and is packed with exciting learning activities.

There is something for the entire family here; for the kids there is a science museum and an old school showing how children were educated in the 1850s, as well as ‘Barnens bod’ where kids can sample the household work of yesteryear, as well try out games and toys from the period. For adults there is Swedish handicrafts shopping; including lacework, basket weave, textile and woodcarvings. And for the entire family there is the nearby Cloetta chocolate factory and chocolate exhibition. Try leaving without buying some chocolate!

The actual town of Linköping is a busy, bustling, southern Swedish town of some 140,000 people. It has a long history, dating back to the 12th century, and in more recent times as a regimental city and seat of learning.

The centre of Linköping has twice been voted Sweden’s best city centre for its relaxed atmosphere, some 200 shops and open-air markets and abundance of quality international and Swedish cuisine eateries. In and around Linköping are the Kinda canal, the Göta canal, lake Roxen and Rengen. For a fabulous day out, you can take boat trips and pleasure cruises on all of them.