No matter where you come from, as you approach Linköping your path is lined by billowing cornfields and the sweet smelling scent of Östergötland soil. From miles away you can see the tower of the Cathedral rise above the plain. The Cathedral is one of the finest buildings in Scandinavia and was once ruled by the famous Bishop Brask.
A historical past
Linköping - Sweden's fifth city with approximately 140 000 inhabitants, has a long history as County Town, as a regimental city and a city of learning. The Castle now accommodates the home and entertainment premises of the County Governor. There is also the excellent Castle and Cathedral Museum. Next to the Castle and the Cathedral there is also the old church Latin School for Boys (now a parish hall) which was the starting point of Linköping, the city of learning. Later on came the yellow Grammar School building close by, now converted into Linköping City Hall.
Our time-honoured regiments are now disbanded, but the buildings have been preserved and are still in use today.
A High-tech city
Linköping stands for world-class high-tech, not least in the IT field. This development boomed when Saab located its aircraft manufacture here in 1937. The City is well prepared as regards premises and land for new business and has a strategic position with its own airport and good communications with the outside world. Well-educated inhabitants in a growing city are another asset. The university, the college of technology and the university hospital have contributed a great deal to the development of a large number of "hived-off companies". Right next to the university is the Mjärdevi Science Park, where many computer and electronics companies have been set up. A similar development is in progress at the university hospital, where a number of small firms are now emerging with a focus on medical technology.
Countryside, culture, amusements & shopping
The City of Linköping offers visitors and inhabitants beauty, excitement and other great experiences. We have a living, well-preserved city centre with many shops, cafés, restaurants and dance halls. Film, theatre, music and exhibitions can be enjoyed all round the year. Not forgetting the student orchestra festival! On the outskirts there are hypermarkets that are visited from far and near - Ikea and Biltema, among others.
Linköping offers many oasis’s. There are parks, sports grounds, churches, castles, play grounds, country walks and swimming baths. You can also enjoy the Diocese and County Library, the world famous Old Linköping with Valla Recreation Area, the Air Force Museum, the County Museum.
And make sure to make time for Göta Canal and Kinda Canal. The old locks and the beautiful surroundings are well worth a visit.