Holiday apartment in Nyköping: Archipelago, trails and history

Nyköping combines diverse natural landscapes with high biodiversity and a wide range of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities all year round. The sparsely developed archipelago landscape, with its numerous islands and significant natural and recreational value, is particularly characteristic of the area. Between the coast, forests, lakes and historic sites, visitors encounter very different impressions – from peaceful walks to longer hiking and paddling routes.

Nature and the archipelago

In Stendörren Nature Reserve, the trail leads from the mainland across several suspension bridges to the nearest archipelago islands. The area offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, walking and travelling by private boat in a natural archipelago setting. At Naturum Stendörren, visitors can also learn more about the Baltic Sea. It is possible to travel by bus route 554 from Nyköping or Trosa to a stop near Stendörren; from there, an approximately 4-kilometre footpath along a gravel road leads to the nature reserve.

Nynäs Nature Reserve also showcases several aspects of the landscape. It includes ancient natural forests, lakes, coastal areas and pastureland. The area extends across the municipalities of Trosa and Nyköping and has bathing spots, boat berths and numerous coastal walking trails. Nynäs is also a well-preserved manor estate with a 700-year history. Activities mentioned there include swimming, fishing, paddling and cycling.

Horsvik Nature Reserve is home to a well-preserved coastal farmstead in the archipelago. Hiking, swimming and fishing are possible there. The area also has a diversity of plant and animal species typical of older cultural landscapes. Horsvik can be reached by bus route 554 from Nyköping to Studsvik; from there, an approximately 800-metre footpath leads to the area. The 37-kilometre Horsvik canoe route runs between Horsvik and Stendörren. It can be spread over several days and passes several nature reserves with significant natural value.

Hiking and active trails

Sörmlandsleden provides access to the Nyköping area with routes for day hikes and circular trails of around 10 kilometres. In some sections, the trail runs along the sea, through forests and over steep climbing rocks. Stage 45:1 runs for 12 kilometres from Nyköpingshus to Strandstugeviken through Nyköping Municipality. Stage 36 runs for 11 kilometres from Nävsjön to Nävekvarn. In the Nynäs area, Sörmlandsleden offers both shorter and longer hikes; shelters and barbecue areas can be found along the trails.

For cyclists, the urban area of Nyköping has around 120 kilometres of cycle paths. In addition to the coastal and forest trails of Sörmlandsleden, this provides a separate network within the urban area. The various types of routes therefore range from distinctive coastal sections and forest passages to circular trails, cycle paths and a canoe route designed to take several days.

Culture and history

Nyköpingshus was originally built as a medieval castle and was converted into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. Today, the main visible remains of the complex are the white Kungstornet and medieval walls. Kungstornet houses three permanent exhibitions, guided tours and family activities throughout the year. In summer, Nyköpings Gästabud is performed as an open-air theatre in the courtyard of Nyköpingshus.

Opposite Nyköpingshus, in the western harbour of Nyköping, is Museihuset, part of Sörmlands museum. Another cultural venue is Nyköpings Teater, which offers a historic atmosphere for theatre, lectures, stand-up, dance and film screenings. Guided tours can be booked for Konstvandring i Nyköping. Nynäs complements this offering with exhibitions and guided tours of the palace.

A particularly distinctive historical trace can be found near Släbro. The rock-carving complex there is the largest in the county and unique in a Nordic context. The archaeological area includes rock carvings, burial grounds, rune stones, hollow ways and a bridge structure.

Discover more places

Find more places and destination pages under Nävekvarn, Tystberga, Jönåker, Vrena, Nyköping and Västerljung. Related destinations are Trosa and Strängnäs.

For the overarching travel overview: Södermanland.