Södermanland County Travel Guide
Explore the best of Södermanland County with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover inspiration for your next adventure, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink recommendations, safety tips, and more.
- Introduction to Södermanland County
- List of Places to Visit in Södermanland County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Södermanland County
- Best Things to Do in Södermanland County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Södermanland County
- Food and Drink Scene of Södermanland County
- Where to Stay in Södermanland County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hostels
- Hotels
- Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Södermanland County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Prästost Cheese
- Handicrafts
- Local Culture and Customs of Södermanland County
- Midsummer Celebrations
- Swedish Fika
- Best Time to Visit Södermanland County
- Do’s and Don’ts of Södermanland County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Södermanland County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Södermanland County
- Where to Go Next from Södermanland County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Södermanland County
Located in the heart of Sweden, Södermanland County is a beautiful and diverse region perfect for those seeking an authentic Scandinavian experience. With a mixture of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and buzzing towns and cities, there is something to suit all types of travelers.
List of Places to Visit in Södermanland County
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
For history buffs, Södermanland County is a treasure trove of fascinating landmarks and museums. Here are some of the top places to visit:
Gripsholm Castle
Located in the charming town of Mariefred, Gripsholm Castle is an iconic attraction of Södermanland County. The castle boasts a rich history spanning over 400 years and is home to the Swedish National Portrait Gallery.
The Tuna Church
The Tuna Church is a unique piece of architectural history and a significant character of the local community dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can observe the fascinating interior of the church, including medieval scriptures and wall paintings.
Strängnäs Cathedral
Located in the town of Strängnäs, this cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral boasts plenty of cultural significance and is said to be the place where the Swedish kings were coronated.
Natural Attractions of Södermanland County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
For adventure seekers, Södermanland County is a paradise of natural marvels that are sure to take your breath away. Here are some of the top places to visit:
Tyresta National Park
Tyresta National Park is one of the largest natural reserves in Sweden, with over 47 square km of varied terrain. The park is home to lush forests, serene lakes, and stunning rock formations.
Gnesta Strömma Canal
The Gnesta Strömma Canal stretches over a distance of 5 kilometers, from the town of Gnesta to Lake Sillen. The area boasts some of the most picturesque and tranquil landscapes of the region and is a great spot for hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Malmköping Train Museum
The Train Museum in Malmköping, located in the southern part of Södermanland County, is an engaging cultural attraction with a rich history. Visitors can discover the journey of the Swedish rail system from the 19th century to the present day.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Södermanland County
Södermanland County is blessed with great hiking and biking routes that offer stunning scenic views of the countryside. Some of the top trails include:
Sörmlandsleden
The Sörmlandleden trail offers over 1,000 km of scenic routes that cross the county of Södermanland. The trail has many starting points, and hikers can take on various segments of the path depending on their skill level.
The Trosa Archipelago Trail
The Trosa Archipelago Trail is an easy route that stretches over a distance of 2.7 miles and runs through the Trosa Archipelago. The trail offers a combination of coastal terrains and dense forests.
Best Things to Do in Södermanland County: Activities and Tours
Those seeking exciting activities or guided tours in Södermanland County can explore the following:
Tour of the Södermanland Coastal Archipelago
Take a boat tour of the Södermanland Coastal Archipelago and discover the hidden gems of the region, including idyllic islands, unspoiled natural reserves, and authentic fishing villages.
The Gripsholm Castle Tour
Take a guided tour of the iconic Gripsholm Castle and explore the fascinating history and architecture of the 16th-century national monument.
Week-Long Itinerary for Södermanland County
For those seeking an immersive trip to Södermanland County, a week-long itinerary is a perfect idea. Here is an example of how you can spend your week in the region:
| Day | Location |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Stockholm City Tour |
| Day 2 | Trosa Archipelago Trail |
| Day 3 | Gripsholm Castle Tour |
| Day 4 | Tyresta National Park Hike |
| Day 5 | Tuna Church Visit |
| Day 6 | Gnesta Strömma Canal Cycling |
| Day 7 | Malmköping Train Museum Visit |
Food and Drink Scene of Södermanland County
Must-Try Dishes
Södermanland County is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes freshwater fish, game meat, and locally sourced vegetables. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Laxpudding
Laxpudding is a typical dish of Södermanland cuisine made from layers of salmon, potatoes, and eggs.
Gubbröra
Gubbröra is a traditional Swedish dish made from potatoes, cream, onions, and anchovies. The dish is typically served as a side with bread and butter.
Local Beverages
Södermanland County is known for its locally brewed craft beer and cider. Some of the top beverages to try include:
Oppigårds Brewpub
Oppigårds Brewpub is a favorite spot among beer lovers and offers an extensive selection of locally brewed beers and ales.
Brännlands Cider
Brännlands Cider is a local craft cider famous for its authentic taste and quality ingredients sourced from the Södermanland region.
Where to Stay in Södermanland County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hostels
Trosa Vandrarhem is an ideal place to stay for travelers on a budget. The hostel offers clean and comfortable accommodation, with easy access to the town of Trosa and the Archipelago trail.
Hotels
The Gripsholm Hotel is a beautiful property next to the iconic Gripsholm Castle and is perfect for those seeking a luxurious experience. The hotel offers spacious, well-appointed rooms and a fantastic in-house restaurant.
Guesthouses
Rönnebergagården Guesthouse is a charming property in the heart of Södermanland County, surrounded by lush forests and scenic lakes. The guesthouse offers excellent accommodation and hosts local cultural activities such as Swedish folk music and dance events.
What to Buy in Södermanland County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Södermanland County is known for its neighboring food products, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. Some of the top items include:
Prästost Cheese
Prästost Cheese is a traditional cheese of Södermanland cuisine made from cow’s milk, with a hint of caraway and matured to create a rich, aromatic flavor.
Handicrafts
Södermanland County is renowned for its craftsmanship of objects made from wood, glass, and ceramics. Guests can explore local artisan stores and purchase unique handmade souvenirs to bring home.
Local Culture and Customs of Södermanland County
Visitors to Södermanland County can experience some of the unique cultural practices and customs of the region. Some of the most notable customs include:
Midsummer Celebrations
The Midsummer Celebrations in Södermanland County take place every June and are a significant event in the local community. The celebrations include traditional dances, feasting, and raising a Maypole adorned with flowers.
Swedish Fika
Swedish Fika is a social custom of enjoying a coffee break together with a delicious pastry. Södermanland County is renowned for its beautiful cafes that serve traditional Scandinavian coffee and cakes.
Best Time to Visit Södermanland County
The best time to visit Södermanland County is between May and September when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the natural reserves, parks, and trails offer a delightful experience.
Do’s and Don’ts of Södermanland County
Do:
- Try local cuisine such as fresh fish, game meat, and Prästost cheese
- Enjoy Midsummer celebrations with locals
- Explore local cultural practices such as Swedish Fika
- Take a boat tour or hike to visit the stunning Archipelago Trail
Don’t:
- Be loud in public places
- Smoke in restricted areas
- Swim in lakes or reservoirs without checking for safety regulations
Safety and Health
Safety in Södermanland County
Södermanland County is generally a safe region for travelers. However, visitors should be cautious while hiking, biking, or exploring natural attractions. Always follow safety regulations and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
Health in Södermanland County
Södermanland County has a well-established healthcare system, and visitors with health issues can access medical care at clinics and hospitals across the region.
Getting to Södermanland County: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to Södermanland County is easy with several transportation options available for visitors. Here are some of the best ways to travel to the region:
Airports Near Södermanland County
The closest airport to Södermanland County is Stockholm-Skavsta Airport, located in Nyköping. The airport is well connected to major European cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Bus Stations Near Södermanland County
There are several bus stations located throughout Södermanland County, making it easy to travel between towns and cities. The bus is an excellent mode of transportation for travelers seeking a budget-friendly option.
Other Options
Visitors to Södermanland County can also travel by train or car, depending on their preference and travel itinerary. Renting a car is a popular option for those wanting to explore the region independently.
How to Get Around in Södermanland County
Getting around in Södermanland County is easy, with several transportation options available for visitors. These include buses, trains, taxis, and rental cars. Biking and hiking are also popular ways to explore the region, with many scenic trails and routes available for visitors to discover.
Where to Go Next from Södermanland County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
For travelers looking to explore more of Sweden after their visit to Södermanland County, here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:
Stockholm
Less than an hour away from Södermanland County is the vibrant Swedish capital of Stockholm. Visitors can explore the picturesque Old Town and learn about the fascinating Swedish history and culture at one of Stockholm’s many museums.
Gotland Island
For those seeking an authentic island experience, Gotland Island is a great destination to visit after exploring Södermanland County. The island features picturesque towns, historic landmarks, and stunning natural reserves.
Conclusion
Södermanland County is a beautiful region with a rich cultural and historical legacy. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a first-time traveler, Södermanland County has something to offer everyone. With intriguing museums, breathtaking natural vistas, unique cuisine, and charming accommodations, a visit to this Swedish County is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
