1. South
A 34 km long trail runs from Valdemarsvik through the parishes of Tryserum and Östra Ed to Åsvik Manor. This trail passes sights such as the former copper mine at Härad, the unique flood-meadows by the Kattedal inlet and the remains of the old Kattedal brickyard. The 14th Century castle ruin at Fogelvik is always worth a visit, especially in spring when there is a profusion of flowers.

The trail branches three kilometres before Åsvik. The eastern branch leads through Licknevarpefjärden nature reserve to Kvädö nature reserve, which combines fine grazing lands and coastal vistas. Alternatively, you can continue south to Åsvikelandet nature reserve, with its untouched nature and kilometres between houses – an El Dorado for those who love solitude and the sea.

From Åsvikelandet, a bridge leads further out to sea, to Torrö nature reserve. There was a pilot station here until 1882. Between 1857 and 1930 there was a pilots’ look-out station on a hill by the channel. The municipality has recently erected a replica on the original foundations. The building serves as a rest stop and overnight shelter. A locked section of the building may be used for a small price, while part of it is open for general use.

2. East
A 27 km trail leads from Valdemarsvik to Fyrudden (Lighthouse Point). The first 21 km to Gryt run through a varied forest and farming landscape. At Vikeboda on the shore of Valdemarsviken (the Valdemar inlet) there is a 48 metre high hill, Hammarsten, where a historical beacon still stands. It is a hard climb, but the view is rewarding.

Another good view can be found at a hill south of Högved, from which the lighthouse on Häradsskär, 16.5 km away, is easily seen in good conditions. From Gryt to Fyrudden the trail runs along the coast with views of the archipelago. Busses run from Fyrudden via Gryt and the village of Hosum (halfway along the trail) back to Valdemarsvik.

3. West
If you wish to walk all the way to Åtvidaberg, it’s an 80 km trip. Fallingeberg farm near the municipal boundary is 9 km from Valdemarsvik. At Fallingeberg, the trail splits into three loops of five, seven and nine kilometres. It passes Brantsbo farm and mill and the remains of Älgerum village, abandoned since the Black Death in 1350.

There are several vantage points across the boundary to Åtvidaberg municipal, offering fantastic views over the lake Yxningen. This lake, which lies on the municipal boundary, is Östergötland’s eighth largest, with numerous islands reminiscent of the coastal archipelago.

Another branch of the trail leads north from Fallingeberg to Gusum, and on to a camping and bathing site on the lake.

4. North
The embankment of an old narrow-gauge railway, used from 1906–1966, is used up to Gusum. This 10 km section is also a local cycle route, and is wheelchair-friendly. Shortly before Gusum the trail turns aside, under the E22 highway and along the lake Byngaren, then follows the stream Byngsboån north to the lake Strolången. Shortly before Forsum farm the trail branches, eastward to Stegeborg in Söderköping municipality and northwest to Söderköping itself. Just before the municipal boundary the trail passes Jätteberget (Giant Hill), which offers a breathtaking view.

5. Western Tryserum parish
A new 35 km trail, of the same quality as Östgötaleden, opened here in 2006. It follows the old royal road in parts, and runs through scenic farmland and past several small lakes. There are a number of good vantage points.