Discover Nykil: Church, Trails and Nature

Nykil offers several clearly distinct points of interest for planning a trip: the architectural and church history of Nykil Church, activities on the Nykil exercise trail, and nearby Skullebo Nature Reserve. If you are looking for accommodation in Nykil, you can tailor your stay to cultural history, exercise or the landscape. The attractions also differ in scale: a church with datable historical layers, a 1.3-kilometre trail and a nature reserve in the surrounding area.

Church and distinct historical layers

Nykil Church was built between 1784 and 1786 and designed in the Gustavian style. Under Chapter 4 of Sweden’s Cultural Heritage Act, it is protected as a church heritage site. Its rood cross dates to the 14th century. The construction period, architectural classification and protected status thus provide different historical reference points; the rood cross adds a considerably older period. An even earlier historical layer concerns the oldest known church in Nykil, which was probably built in the 13th century. This date predates the construction of Nykil Church between 1784 and 1786 and points to a different phase in church history.

Exercise trail and surrounding landscape

The Nykil exercise trail is 1.3 km long and surfaced with wood chips. There is a barbecue area along the trail, as well as a rest area with a fire pit. Its length and wood-chip surface define the character of the trail; the two areas add opportunities for barbecuing and taking a break. Access is via Regional Road 616, south of Nykil, in the direction of Vittsäter. When driving towards Vittsäter, the turnoff is about 200 metres south of the settlement, on the right-hand side. Both the road number and the approximate distance from the settlement help with directions.

Skullebo is in the area around Nykil, between Nykil and Rimforsa. The nature reserve includes valuable wetlands and old-growth forest; the Östgötaleden trail runs through the area. Skullebo offers a different kind of connection with nature than the exercise trail: there, a 1.3 km-long route is the defining feature; here, the reserve, wetlands, old-growth forest and the Östgötaleden trail running through the area are the characteristic points of interest. Those planning to enjoy nature and exercise can weigh up trail length and landscape character.

Seasonal activities and local history

The Nykil Activities Association organises activities at the ice rink in central Nykil in both summer and winter. The association also has an interest group for road cycling. The range of seasonal activities at the ice rink and the interest in road cycling offer two different glimpses of local club life.

Dalby local heritage centre served as the base for the Nykil Local Heritage Association’s activities in 2025. That same year, it ran a study circle throughout the year to document and mark crofts and cottages in the parish of Nykil. This focus shifts attention from church architecture to rural local history and expands the cultural picture of Nykil to include the settlement patterns of the parish.

Discover more destinations: Berg, Sturefors, Ulrika, Linköping, Roxenbaden, Linghem, Ljungsbro, Bestorp.

Go to the main travel overview: Linköping.