Holiday apartment in Strängnäs – culture, churches and castles

The cultural history of Strängnäs can be seen clearly in its castles, churches, museums and historic sites. Construction of Gripsholm Castle began in 1537 under Gustav Vasa. One of the castle’s attractions is Sweden’s national portrait collection. It is also home to Gustav III’s theatre, one of the best-preserved 18th-century theatres in Europe.

Culture and history

Hjorthagen is also located near Gripsholm Castle. The area is protected both as a national heritage site and as a nature reserve. Hjorthagen includes old oaks, lime trees, pines and spruces, as well as open meadows. This means that historic preservation and a diverse landscape exist side by side within the same area described here.

Mälsåker Castle is open to visitors in summer, and a café is also open there during this period. The castle acquired its present appearance in the 17th century, particularly in the 1670s, when the side wings were expanded, among other changes. Its eventful history extends from Sweden’s period as a great power in the 17th century to Norwegian military training during the Second World War.

Strängnäs Cathedral has its origins in the 13th century. The high choir contains two altar screens made in Brussels. The cathedral also preserves the tomb monument and burial regalia of Charles IX. In summer, 30-minute guided tours are offered there every day.

Arsenalen combines military-historical displays with engaging exhibits. The figure museum contains thousands of hand-painted tin soldiers. A soldiers’ cottage illustrates historic battles, soldiers’ lives and the everyday life of an enlisted soldier with his family. The children’s area includes a full-size tank, soldiers’ clothing and a playroom.

Industrial history is also represented. Skottvång Mine has been known since the 16th century and operated until 1920. The Östra Södermanlands Järnväg, or ÖSlJ for short, is Sweden’s oldest heritage railway and was founded in 1959.

Nature and landscape

In addition to its protected historical associations, Hjorthagen encompasses old groups of oaks, lime trees, pines and spruces, as well as open meadows. These landscape features are part of the area’s distinctive character described here and complement the castle history with a clearly scenic aspect.

Cycle paths and connections

The Mälardalsleden cycle route passes through Strängnäs and Mariefred. Another specific starting point is located at Östabadet in Stallarholmen: four signposted cycling routes start from there. The two details describe different options for cyclists without combining them into a single route.

In summer, boat connections are available from Stockholm to Mariefred and from Västerås to Strängnäs and Mariefred. By rail, the train journey from Stockholm Central Station to Strängnäs takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The centre can be reached on foot from the station in a short time.

Places and living traditions

The lake Visnaren is located in Åkers Styckebruk, which also borders the Åkers Bergslag mining district. Grassagården is one of the few surviving Swedish burgher farms in its original location. In summer, guided tours of the preserved residential area are offered there. In Strängnäs, traditional town tours and dramatised versions featuring historical characters take place in summer.

Vårfruberga Abbey has stood at its present location since 1289. There is a bathing area below the abbey, and the surrounding area offers good opportunities for a picnic. Every year in early summer, a pilgrimage service is held at the abbey. In this way, the historic site is combined with seasonal religious events and the explicitly mentioned opportunities in the immediate surroundings.

Kärnbo Church Ruin was built towards the end of the 12th century. Several services, baptisms and weddings are held in the ruin every year. Överselö Church was built between the end of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century. It preserves limestone colonnettes with foliage-decorated capitals, which can still be viewed inside the tower.

The linked local pages invite you to continue exploring the destination.

To the overarching travel overview: Södermanland.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Flen, Oxelösund, Enstaberga, Nyköping.