Södertälje: Canal, History and Nature

Between Canal, Urban History and Nature

Those who want to combine maritime culture, urban history and green spaces in one destination can discover Södertälje from several perspectives. The town offers historic buildings in the centre, pedestrian access to Kanalholmen, an open-air museum providing insights into 19th-century Sörmland and specific places to go for walks. When planning your trip, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider which of these aspects should shape your stay: history and shipping, open-air areas or historic everyday life.

Historic Places in the Centre

A prominent starting point is Sankta Ragnhilds kyrka in the centre of Södertälje. The medieval church was probably built in the 12th century and thus represents the town’s long history. Torekällberget offers a different historical perspective. The open-air museum is also located in the centre of Södertälje and takes visitors back to 19th-century Sörmland.

The Torekällberget museum area includes, among other things, a café, a pottery, a general store and a shop. At the farm and the torp at Torekällberget, visitors can see rabbits, goats, sheep, cows and horses. This area thus combines a historic setting with vivid insights into crafts, trade and animal husbandry.

Wendela Hebbes Hus also adds to Södertälje’s historical profile. From 1863 to 1888, the house was the summer villa of journalist and writer Wendela Hebbe. Those interested in personal life stories and the cultural history of the town will find a distinct focus here alongside the church and open-air museum.

Shipping and Kanalholmen

Södertälje’s maritime side is particularly visible aboard the S/S Ejdern. The steamship was launched on 14 May 1880 and is one of the oldest preserved steamships in Sweden of the passenger-ship type typical of the archipelago. In 2026, the S/S Ejdern is scheduled to offer, among other things, Saturday trips to Birka/Adelsö as well as trips to Farstanäs and Stockholm.

Another specific waterside location is Kanalholmen. Two new bridges give visitors pedestrian access to the island; previously, it could only be reached by water. Kanalholmen also has a new promenade, new lighting and seating. This makes it possible to enjoy the area as a walk with a clear connection to the canal and the island.

Open Spaces and Interactive Experiences

Kusens backe is located close to the town centre. It has walking paths, an outdoor gym, lawns and picnic benches. The site complements the historic and maritime destinations with a freely accessible outdoor area offering opportunities for walking, relaxing and spending time in nature.

The outdoor park at Tom Tits Experiment also offers its own way to experience Södertälje. Its facilities include a plant maze. Together with the outdoor areas of Kanalholmen and Kusens backe, this creates a selection that combines urban history, shipping, exercise and experimental experiences, without all the destinations having the same character.

If you would then like to compare other places at the same destination level, you can also include Järna, Hölö and Mölnbo in your research.

For the higher-level travel overview: Södertälje.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Södertälje Trosa.