Page 147 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

SWEDEN AREA B Y AREA  145

EASTERN GÖTALAND

The three provinces of Östergötland, Småland and Öland, which make
up Eastern Götaland, each retain their own distinctive character.
Östergötland is the agricultural heart of Sweden, Småland is the
centre of glassmaking and Öland attracts sun-seekers and nature
lovers. They are all popular tourist areas typified by their little red
cottages and historical sights, quiet lakes and great coastlines.

In north Östergötland, the major towns of of people during the famine of the 19th
Norrköping and Linköping are almost part century. However, Småland has had its
of Greater Stockholm. Once beyond the success stories: it is the ideal location for
steep hills of Kolmården, which form the one of its major industries, glassworking,
northern border, flat agricultural land which relies on timber and water. The
extends as far as the eye can see. Besides landscape has also been immortalized
being the granary of Sweden, this is in the books of Astrid Lindgren, who was
historical soil – it was here that the royal born in the province and turned the
Folkung dynasty had its roots and it was place where she grew up into a
here that Birgitta Gudmarsson (St Bridget) playground for her popular children’s
advised the political and religious leaders characters, Emil and Pippi Longstocking.
of the 14th century. The region’s archipelago is a favourite
The hills north of Gränna and the ruins with boat-lovers, stretching south from
of Brahehus castle mark the beginning of the Sankta Annas islands in Östergötland
Småland. For a long time Småland formed through the Kalmarsund between
the border with Denmark and it was from Småland and Öland. Thanks to Ölandsbron
this region that Nils Dacke led a peasants’ bridge, the long narrow island of Öland is
revolt in the 16th century. The land is easily accessible. Holiday-makers are
poorer and stonier than Östergötland drawn to its sandy beaches, while
with small farms and crofters. Mass botanists head for the Alvar plain and
emigration drained the area of thousands ornithologists for Ottenby bird station.

The peaceful Göta Canal at Borensberg
Sailing boats in Västervik harbour, Småland

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