Strängnäs between castles, churches and cycle paths

Strängnäs can be explored through history and activity. Östra Södermanlands Järnväg, or ÖSlJ for short, is Sweden’s oldest heritage railway and was founded in 1959.

Culture and history

Construction of Gripsholms slott began in 1537 under Gustav Vasa. Its attractions include Sweden’s national portrait collection. Gustav III’s theatre at Gripsholms slott is one of the best-preserved 18th-century theatres in Europe.

Those who wish to view historic sites according to their period of construction, use or presentation will find different forms of cultural interpretation side by side here. Mälsåkers slott is open to visitors in summer; a café is also open there during this period. The castle acquired its present design in the 17th century, particularly in the 1670s, when the side wings were among the elements expanded. The history of Mälsåkers slott extends from Sweden’s era as a great power in the 17th century to Norwegian military training during the Second World War.

Skottvångs gruva has been known since the 16th century and operated until 1920. Arsenalen includes a figure museum with thousands of hand-painted pewter figures, as well as a soldiers’ cottage illustrating historic battles, soldiers’ lives and the daily life of a conscripted soldier with his family. Arsenalen’s children’s area includes a full-size tank, soldiers’ clothing and a playroom.

Nature and cycle paths

Hjorthagen is located by Gripsholms slott and is protected both as a state-listed historic site and as a nature reserve. The area includes old oaks, lime trees, pines and spruces, as well as open meadows.

The Mälardalsleden cycle path passes through Strängnäs and Mariefred. Four signposted cycle routes start at Östabadet in Stallarholmen. Åkers Styckebruk lies on Lake Visnaren and borders the Åkers Bergslag mining district. The various landscape and cycling connections can be compared according to route, surroundings and thematic focus.

Churches and places of worship

Strängnäs Cathedral has origins dating back to the 13th century. It contains two altar screens made in Brussels for the high choir, as well as the tomb monument and burial regalia of Charles IX. In summer, the cathedral offers 30-minute guided tours every day.

VÃ¥rfruberga Abbey has stood at its present location since 1289. Below the abbey there is a bathing area, and the surrounding area offers good opportunities for a picnic. Every year in early summer, a pilgrimage service is held at VÃ¥rfruberga Abbey.

Kärnbo church ruin was built towards the end of the 12th century. Several services, baptisms and weddings are held in the church ruin every year. Överselö kyrka 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.

Summer activities and travel

Grassagården is one of the few surviving Swedish burgher courtyards in its original location. In summer, guided tours of the preserved residential area are offered. Also in summer, traditional city tours and dramatised versions featuring historical figures take place in Strängnäs.

In summer, boat services operate from Stockholm to Mariefred and from Västerås to Strängnäs and Mariefred. 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.

For the general travel overview: Södermanland.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Mariefred Strängnäs.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Nyköping, Gnesta, Flen.