Eskilstuna Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Eskilstuna, Sweden.


Introduction to Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna is a charming city located in the heart of Södermanland County in Sweden. The city has a rich history and culture, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep travelers entertained. Eskilstuna is known for its charming old town, exciting museums, and stunning outdoor landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Sweden, you shouldn’t skip Eskilstuna.

List of Places to Visit in Eskilstuna

Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Eskilstuna:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in the history and culture of Eskilstuna, visit these places:

  • Eskilstuna Museum: This museum tells the story of Eskilstuna’s industrial history, from the Viking era to the present day.
  • Munktell Museum: Located at the historic Munktell factory, this museum showcases the history of Swedish engineering and industry.
  • Rademachersmedjorna: This historic workshop in the city center is a great place to learn about traditional crafts and the history of blacksmithing.

Natural Attractions of Eskilstuna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The outdoor landscapes of Eskilstuna are picturesque and perfect for outdoor adventures:

  • Vilsta Nature Reserve: A scenic natural area with plenty of walking trails, a lake, and picnic areas.
  • Sundbyholm Castle: A beautiful castle with stunning gardens and parkland surrounding it.
  • Tingsholmsälven Nature Reserve: This is the perfect place for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna is known for its picturesque surroundings, making it a perfect destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails:

  • Eskilstunaån: Follow the river from the city center to Vilsta Nature Reserve.
  • Hällby Hills: A popular hiking destination for nature lovers.
  • The Mälaren route: This is a long-distance biking route that runs from Eskilstuna to Stockholm.

Best Things to Do in Eskilstuna: Activities and Tours

Explore these exciting things to do in Eskilstuna:

  • Eskilstuna Zoo: A perfect place to spend a day with family, observing animals from different parts of the world.
  • Parken Zoo: This is a popular amusement park with a wide range of activities and rides that are perfect for all age groups.
  • Eskilstuna Art Museum: This museum showcases contemporary art and exhibitions that are often hosted by local artists.
  • Guided Tours: Explore the city and its surroundings with local guides who have excellent knowledge about Eskilstuna’s history, culture, and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eskilstuna

Here is a proposed itinerary for a week-long trip to Eskilstuna:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city center and visit museums like Eskilstuna Museum and Rademachersmedjorna
Day 2 Visit beautiful parks and gardens like Sundbyholm Castle and Klosters Kyrka
Day 3 Plan a trip to Vilsta Nature Reserve for hiking, biking, and picnics
Day 4 Visit Tingsholmsälven Nature Reserve for kayaking and fishing.
Day 5 Explore Guided tours, visiting places like Old Town, Munktell, and other culturally important sites
Day 6 Enjoy family time and amusements at Parken Zoo
Day 7 Visit Eskilstuna Art Museum or plan a trip to nearby towns to explore the area.

Food and Drink Scene of Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna’s food and drink scene is vibrant and diverse, with plenty of options to suit any palate. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lingonberry juice: It’s a sweet and tart sour drink that goes well with most meals served in Eskilstuna.
  • Pyttipanna: A traditional Swedish dish consisting of diced potatoes, onion, and meat; usually served as a breakfast dish in Eskilstuna.
  • Kanelbullar: A Swedish pastry/bun that is spiced with cinnamon and sugar; perfect for a sweet snack.

Local Beverages

  • Brennvin: This is a popular Swedish liquor that is distilled from potatoes and has a slightly sweet and bitter taste.
  • O’Learys Sport Pub & Restaurant: This is a popular spot for sports lovers, serving beer and drinks along with food.

Where to Stay in Eskilstuna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eskilstuna has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Elite Stadshotellet Eskilstuna: A charming and elegant hotel located in the city center.
  • Comfort Hotel Eskilstuna: A modern budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and great service.
  • Sundbyholms Slott: A beautiful castle that rents rooms, and offers great amenities.

What to Buy in Eskilstuna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eskilstuna is known for its traditional crafts and souvenirs. Here are some of the things that you can bring back home:

  • Knives from Mora: A traditional Swedish knife that is known for its high quality and craftsmanship.
  • Lund Classic: A traditional Swedish snus with a distinct taste
  • Swedish art: You can explore local arts and souvenirs from Eskilstuna Art Museum and Rademachersmedjorna.

Local Culture and Customs of Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna has a rich cultural heritage, and its customs are very much influenced by Sweden’s traditional ways. Some customs may include:

  • Celebrating Jul (Christmas): Christmas in Eskilstuna is a big celebration with traditional meals and customs that are unique to the area.
  • Midsummer: This is a Swedish festival that takes place every year, where people gather, dance and celebrate the summer season.

Best Time to Visit Eskilstuna

The best time to visit Eskilstuna is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the outdoor landscapes are picturesque. Summers in Eskilstuna are mild, with maximum temperatures hovering around 21-22 degrees Celsius. Winters in Eskilstuna can be chilly, with minimum temperatures around -5 degrees Celsius, so it’s best to avoid the winter season if you’re looking for outdoor adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eskilstuna

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Eskilstuna:

Do:

  • Try to learn a few Swedish words and phrases
  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Tip 10% in restaurants

Don’t:

  • Avoid talking too loudly in public transport
  • Don’t be too aggressive or assertive

Safety and Health

Safety in Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna is a safe city, and violent crime is relatively low. However, it’s best to take precautions like locking your doors and avoiding walking alone at night in remote areas.

Health in Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna has a well-developed health care system, and visitors can access quality health care facilities in case of emergencies.

Getting to Eskilstuna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can arrive in Eskilstuna via different modes of transport, including:

Airports Near Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna doesn’t have its own airport, and visitors can use nearby airports like:

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN): 107 km
  • Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO): 56 km

Bus Stations Near Eskilstuna

Visitors can arrive in Eskilstuna via bus, with the main station situated in the city center

Other Options

Visitors can travel via trains, with Eskilstuna being a major train station in Sweden.

How to Get Around in Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna is easy to navigate, with good public transport options. Visitors can use buses, taxis or rent a car to move around the city easily.

Where to Go Next from Eskilstuna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can use Eskilstuna as a base to explore nearby regions, including:

  • Stockholm: The capital city of Sweden, accessible via trains and buses.
  • Södertälje: A city located south of Stockholm that is famous for the Torekällberget Open-air museum and its rich history.

Conclusion

Eskilstuna is a picturesque city with plenty of attractions and activities to keep travelers entertained. From its cultural heritage and traditional crafts to its stunning outdoor landscapes and charming city center, Eskilstuna is a must-visit destination for anyone planning to explore Sweden’s diverse cultural heritage.