Campus cities and our region

Linköping University's three main campuses are located in the region of Östergötland (East Sweden) in the cities of Linköping and Norrköping. The two cities are in the process of developing into one integrated urban region – Sweden’s fourth metropolitan area or the Twin Cities region.

Linköping and Norrköping are situated 200/160 km south-west of Stockholm in Östergötland, which has been trademarked in English as East Sweden by regional government. Our foundation campus is Campus Valla, which is located in Linköping, about three kilometres from the city centre. This is where the majority of students and researchers study and work.

The University Hospital Campus is also located in Linköping, at a hospital of national importance Linköping University Hospital. The University Hospital Campus houses the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Campus Norrköping is located in the centre of Norrköping and nearly a quarter of all LiU students study there. There is also a small campus in Stockholm, but no international programmes or courses are currently taught there.

LiU runs a free bus service for our students between the three campuses.

Picture of poppy. — Photographer: Teiksma Buseva

Why Östergötland?

Rich history

Östergötland is historically significant, with a heritage that dates back to the Viking Age. The region was once the political and religious center of Sweden.

Unique nature

The region is characterised by its diverse landscapes, from rolling plains and forests to the archipelago at the coast. Some of Sweden's most popular nature areas are located here.

Innovative

Östergötland is an important growth engine in Sweden and a region with advanced research and new innovations. Several international companies have their offices here.

Östergötland (East Sweden)

The fourth largest county in Sweden

Our region has about 450,000 inhabitants. The region offers not only famous tourist attractions, such as Kolmården Zoo (the largest zoo and safari park in the Nordic region), Göta canal and Astrid Lindgren’s World – but is also one of Sweden’s most interesting counties from a historical point of view.

There are numerous ancient fortresses, rune stones and prehistoric rock carvings in the area. Churches, castles and manors from the Middle Ages and later periods have also been well preserved. Not to mention the stunning landscape of pristine lakes and rivers, forests, and bright yellow and purple fields.

Read more about our county:

Visit Östergötland

East Sweden

One university, two cities

Linköping

Linköping, is one of Sweden’s oldest cities with a long cultural tradition. Over the past 50 years, Linköping has grown to become Sweden’s fifth-largest municipality, with 160,000 inhabitants. It is home to industries specialising in many different sectors, ranging from aircraft manufacturing to emerging technologies. Several international companies such as Saab, Ericsson, IFS, Autoliv, Sectra and Cloetta have offices in Linköping.

Despite its rapid growth, Linköping still has the charm of a small town. The city centre is easy to reach from Campus Valla, about a ten-minute bike ride, and the University Hospital Campus is located centrally. The inner city offers plenty of entertainment opportunities: theatre plays, museums, concerts and student skits locally called “spex”. Cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs located downtown will cater to all tastes.
Linköping is also ideally located and will make it easy for you to travel around Sweden.

Read more about what Linköping has to offer:
Visit Linköping, www.visitlinkoping.se/en/

Buildning by a river and a bridge — Campus Norrköping in the autumn. Photographer: Jenny Widén

Norrköping

Norrköping, home to about 141,000 people, has a history as an industrial centre dating back to the 17th century. The old industrial area on the waterfront of Motala River in the heart of Norrköping was once famous for its cotton and paper mills. Today it has been carefully restored into a unique area that hosts, among other things, Campus Norrköping and the student union building Trappan, where students usually study, eat and socialise. The campus and student housing are in the middle of Norrköping, at comfortable walking distance from shops, restaurants, clubs and bars, as well as the renowned Östgötateatern Sweden’s largest regional theatre.

The city is known internationally for its diverse music scene and has been recognised as one of UNESCO’s creative cities. The city hosts several free outdoor concerts and festivals every summer. Norrköping is also the only city besides Gothenburg to host a public tram network, which has been in use since 1904 and is a great way to get around.

Read more about what Norrköping has to offer:
Experience Norrköping, www.visit.norrkoping.se

Experience Östergötland without the need of a car

Hiking in Linköping

Both cities, Linköping and Norrköping, have a rich life for the outdoorsy type and the best thing is that you do not need a car to go hiking! Rather, the bus or a student’s favourite vehicle of transportation, the bike, is recommended.

The trails in Linköping that just need a bike to reach, are diverse in scenery and have everything from a beautiful walk around Stångån, to walking a trail in Tinnerö Eklandskap. The trails reachable by bus, offers a variety of experiences with opportunities for fika, visiting castles and wonderful landscapes.

Hiking in Norrköping

The trails in Norrköping consists of the beautiful landscape that exists in Östergötland. Take Campusbussen to Norrköping, rent a bike and go on a tour around the countryside, see old Swedish petroglyphs, visit beautiful castles, like Löfstad Slott or have a coffee and some fika.

Our campuses

Campus Valla

Valla is the oldest and largest campus of Linköping University with students from many programmes and research in many fields. Campus Valla is located about three kilometres from Linköping city centre.

Campus Norrköping

Campus Norrköping is centrally located next to the town’s old industrial precinct, alongside the Motala River. Old buildings have been filled with new contents, and the waterway adds an atmosphere to the area.

University Hospital Campus

The University Hospital Campus (US) is located within walking distance of Linköping town centre. Here you find education and research in medicine, healthcare, public health and biomedical engineering.

Student sitting on a couch watching in to the camera

Essential information

On this page you'll find all the important information about studying at Linköping University. Everything from what it is like to live in Sweden, to study information, FAQ and services.

Student life

There is a lot more to do as a student than attending lectures and studying. Here you can find out about your life as a student including leisure and sports, our campus cities and student associations at LiU.