Nykyrka: Church, Nature Trails and Regional History
Accommodation in Nykyrka
When planning your trip to Nykyrka, the history of the area and nearby natural attractions take centre stage. Västra Ny Church tells the story of the medieval past and gave Nykyrka its name; hiking trails and nature reserves offer a different focus.
The Church and Earlier Traces of the Region
Västra Ny Church and its surrounding cemetery are located in Nykyrka. The church was built in the second half of the 13th century. The place name also refers to the church: it gave Nykyrka its name. Services are held in the church every other Sunday and on important Christian holidays. If you plan to attend a service, check the congregation’s current calendar before your trip.
Several Stone Age stone cists in Västra Nykyrka and the surrounding area reveal an older layer of history. The church and the archaeological evidence offer different points of interest for travellers interested in the region’s history.
Nubbekullen and Regional Culture
Nearby Nubbekullen is the Malmström family home and is open to the public through the Västra Ny local heritage association. It houses a museum with several thousand household objects and a smaller collection of paintings by August Malmström. The garden has places to sit under a pear tree and in a gazebo by the car park; you can enjoy food you have brought with you there. Check the local arrangements before your visit.
Kavlebäck, north of Nykyrka, also has a connection to local crafts: Drejat av Barbro sells everyday items made from clay or stoneware. Alongside historic sites, these contemporary craft products offer another point of interest for travellers.
Compare Trails and Nature Attractions
Nearby HĂĄleberget Nature Reserve has a 2.1 km orange-marked hiking trail. Access is from National Road 50 between Motala and Nykyrka, via the road towards Kolmetorp and then the signposted route. Check local road conditions before setting out.
To reach Tokanäset, take the public road from National Road 50 north of Nykyrka. There is no car park there, so the final stretch is best covered on foot or by bicycle. The practical directions to Tokanäset therefore differ from the route described for Håleberget.
Another option is the nearby Östgötaleden Övralid rundt loop trail. It is about 2.4 km long and has viewpoints overlooking Lake Vättern. By contrast, the nearby section of the Östgötaleden between Medevi and Övralid is 9 km long and marked in orange. The loop is considerably shorter, so these distances give you a concrete basis for choosing between a circular route and a longer marked trail. The nearby trail in Håleberget is a similar length to the loop, at 2.1 km.
Berries, a Café and Getting Your Bearings in the Area
At Rosendal, Nykyrka 309, berries grown outdoors are available for picking and for sale. The farm operates seasonally, and the selection varies depending on the berry season. If you would like to include a visit in your trip, take the season into account.
Farfarstugan Café, next to Övralid, serves waffles and generous salads. The café operates seasonally; check whether it will be open when you visit. There is also an active village shop in the area. A barbecue area is next to the ice hockey rink. These places add practical points of reference for your stay to the selection of cultural and nature attractions.
Discover more destinations: Borensberg, Tjällmo, Motala, Bona.
Go to the main travel overview: Motala.
