Pilkällan Sya

## Overview Pilkällan Sya is a public drinking spring located near the village of Sya in Östergötland, Sweden, at coordinates 58.3297°N, 15.2227°E. The name "Pilkällan" translates roughly to "The Willow Spring" in Swedish, suggesting a historic association with willow trees growing near the water source — a common feature of natural springs in the Swedish countryside where moisture-loving trees thrive around year-round water flow. Sya is a small rural community situated south of Mjölby in the fertile agricultural plains of Östergötland. The region is known for its rich history dating back to the Viking Age and earlier, with numerous ancient monuments and runestones scattered across the landscape. Natural springs like Pilkällan have historically served as vital freshwater sources for local communities in this part of Sweden, and many have been used for centuries. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike. As with any natural water source, conditions can change over time, so visitors should be aware that water quality may vary. ## Directions 1. From Mjölby, head south on Route 32 toward Sya. 2. Follow signs toward the village of Sya, located approximately 5–7 km south of Mjölby. 3. The spring is situated near the village at GPS coordinates **58.3297, 15.2227**. Using a GPS device or smartphone navigation app with these coordinates is recommended, as the spring may not be prominently signposted. 4. Look for a natural spring area near any willow trees or traditional spring markers — Swedish public springs are sometimes indicated by a small sign or a simple stone enclosure. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Visitors are encouraged to use the GPS coordinates directly for the most accurate navigation.* ## What to Expect Pilkällan Sya is a traditional Swedish countryside spring in the Östergötland flatlands. The surrounding landscape is characterized by open agricultural fields, scattered deciduous trees, and the gentle terrain typical of this part of southern Sweden. As a public drinking spring ("allmän drickskälla"), it has been maintained for community use. Visitors can expect a modest, natural spring setup — possibly with a simple pipe, stone basin, or other traditional collection point. The flow and accessibility may vary with the seasons; Swedish springs tend to have their strongest flow during spring snowmelt and can sometimes slow during dry summer months. The area around Sya offers pleasant walking and cycling opportunities through the Swedish countryside. If you're visiting the Mjölby area, Pilkällan makes for a worthwhile stop to experience a piece of traditional rural Swedish life and sample water from a source that has likely served the local community for generations.