Mariefred Strängnäs

The towns of Strängnäs and Mariefred, on the southern shore of Lake Mälaren, which flows into the Baltic Sea, are both closely linked to Sweden’s history. Strängnäs and Mariefred lie about 20 kilometres apart, not far from the Swedish capital and Baltic port city of Stockholm. Just under an hour’s drive from the Baltic coast, the two towns embody very different periods of Swedish history, each of great significance. Strängnäs was founded in the 12th century and soon became the seat of a bishopric; Strängnäs Cathedral still defines the townscape today. Gustav Vasa was elected here in 1523 as the first king of an independent Swedish kingdom. The date, 6 June, is still Sweden’s national day. Gyllenhjelmsgatan in Strängnäs, which dates from this period, is considered one of Sweden’s most beautiful streets. It is home to the Tin Figure Museum, one of the most internationally renowned of its kind, with numerous dioramas. From Strängnäs, a scenic road crosses Lake Mälaren northwards to Enköping, passing over numerous islands along the way.

Mariefred, on Lake Mälaren, gained historical significance in two different eras. Visitors can reach Mariefred not only via a short access road from the E20 (Stockholm–Örebro–Gothenburg), but also by taking the well-known heritage railway from the nearby town of Läggesta. Holidaymakers can also travel to Mariefred by boat across Lake Mälaren from Stockholm. Gripsholm Castle stands directly on the shore of Lake Mälaren in Mariefred. Gustav Vasa had it built in the 16th century, one of many castles constructed in a similar style. Two centuries later, King Gustav III moved in with his entire court. Many rooms from that period have been preserved in their original condition or restored, bringing the era vividly to life for visitors. The castle contains a small theatre, which is still used for performances today. Its collection of portrait paintings is among the most valuable of its kind in Northern Europe. This tradition is continued by Grafikens Hus (the House of Graphics) on the castle grounds. Various runestones line the way to the castle gate, and the entire setting conveys a sense of historical authenticity.

The town of Mariefred, with its church and many wooden houses, exudes the charm of bygone centuries. Mariefred has gained more recent significance, especially for German tourists, because the German writer Kurt Tucholsky is buried in the town cemetery. It was here that he wrote his internationally renowned love story, “Schloss Gripsholm.”

The broad shores of Lake Mälaren around Strängnäs and Mariefred, dotted with countless small islands, make an ideal destination for a Baltic holiday surrounded by nature and history, close to the Swedish capital and Baltic port city of Stockholm.

You can book your holiday home in Södermanland directly.