Things to do in Södermanland – 28 attractions and experiences

Text and photo: Peter Bergström

Updated May 2026 | What can you do in Södermanland? Castles, charming small towns, an archipelago, historical environments, hiking trails and several of Sweden's most interesting excursion destinations await you here. We have traveled around Sörmland ourselves and collected our best tips, sights and experiences from places we have visited. In this guide you will find our best tips and a ready-made itinerary for 2–4 days, perfect for those who want to plan a road trip through Södermanland.

Södermanland

Södermanland starts in the middle of Stockholm and heads south with lots of castles. We obviously have favorites and they are Trosa and Mariefred which are an idyll in Sweden when it comes to cute places.

1. Discover Mariefred

Mariefred is one of Södermanland's most beautiful small towns and an obvious stop on a journey through the countryside. Here you can stroll among cobblestone streets, small shops and cafes, while the mighty Gripsholm Castle rises on the shores of Lake Mälaren. The combination of small-town charm, royal history and waterfront location makes this one of the strongest sights in all of Södermanland.

2. Visit Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle is a fantastic castle and a major highlight in Södermanland. The castle is beautifully situated by the water and offers grand halls, historical environments and exciting royal history. Even if you only see the castle from the outside, it is well worth a stop to just stroll around in the beautiful surroundings. .

3. Ride the museum railway, Eastern Södermanland Railway

Mariefred also has the classic museum railway, where during the season you can ride a historic steam train between Mariefred and Läggesta. It is an experience that suits both adults and children and adds extra emotion to the visit. For many, this is a real nostalgia booster in Södermanland.

4. Discover Trosa – one of Sweden's coziest small towns

Trosa is a super cozy town and it is nice to stroll around along the canal and look at small boats and old wooden houses. There are also plenty of small cozy shops and nice restaurants. Check out Sweden's perhaps most charming library. Take a trip out to beautiful Sävö where pilots have lived since the 17th century. If you are traveling with a camper or caravan, there is also both parking and camping.

5. Take an excursion to the Trosa archipelago

Trosa not only has a cozy town center, but also proximity to the archipelago and the sea. If you have a little extra time, you can combine a visit to the town with swimming, boating or a quiet excursion to the coastal environments outside. It gives a nice mix of small town, sea and nature.

6. Discover Nyköping – Södermanland's classic coastal town

Nyköping is one of the most important stops in Södermanland and is perfect for those who want to combine history, city life and a seaside feel. There are old quarters, promenades along the water and several attractions within a short distance. The city also works very well as a base if you want to explore more parts of Sörmland.

7. Visit Nyköpingshus

Nyköpingshus is one of Södermanland's most famous historical sights and an obvious stop in Nyköping. The old castle carries dramatic Swedish history and gives a strong feeling of the Middle Ages and the time of great power. For those who like history, this is one of the province's most important attractions.

8. Hike in Stendörren Nature Reserve

Stendörren nature reserve is a magical coastal paradise that you find between Nyköping and Trosa. The water is crystal clear and shimmering green, and you get from island to island via cool suspension bridges. This is perhaps the most beautiful nature reserve we have ever visited! Stendörrens Nature Reserve is located on the east coast, about 100 kilometers south of Stockholm, and belongs to the municipality of Nyköping.

9. Visit Tullgarn Castle

Tullgarn Castle is one of Sweden's royal castles and a really nice stop in the northern part of Södermanland. Here you get an elegant castle environment, beautiful walking paths and a location near the sea that makes the place extra special. This is a perfect stop for those who want to combine history, nature and a classic Sörmland feel. Tullgarn is often highlighted as one of the natural stops on a road trip through Sörmland. 

10. Discover Taxinge Castle – the cake castle by Lake Mälaren

Taxinge Castle, or Taxinge-Näsby Castle, is located in a fantastically beautiful location by Lake Mälaren. The café is known for its pastries, which they go all out for, and is perhaps also known as the cake castle. We arrived here by camper in the afternoon and the weather was fantastic. It was a nice walk in the beautiful English castle park, which featured a cave, an Asian pagoda, a barn house and a small Italian park.

TIPS: Beautiful Kalkbro nature reserve only 30 minutes away.

11. Take a trip to Julita Farm and Gardens

Here you can experience how it was in the past and everything has been preserved. In the summer, Pettson and Findus are very popular with children on Julita farm. Usually many different exhibitions are shown, such as the Dairy Museum, Forsman's Workshop, the Brickworks, the Fire Station, Tractors with Pulls and the Manor Kitchen.

12. Visit Nynäs Castle

Nynäs Castle is one of the finest castle visits in Södermanland, especially for those who like cultural environments combined with nature. The castle area is beautiful, well-preserved and surrounded by greenery and open landscapes. It feels like a truly classic Sörmland stop and is perfect for a road trip.

13. Discover nature and culture at Nynäs Nature Reserve

Around Nynäs Castle there are also nature reserves, paths and beautiful environments that make you want to stay longer. Here you can combine castles, nature and quiet walks in one stop. This makes Nynäs one of the most complete excursion destinations in Södermanland, and Visit Sörmland themselves highlight Nynäs Castle and Nature Reserve as one of the province's natural and cultural destinations. 

14. Find Mälsåker Castle

Mälsåker Castle is a beautiful castle in Södermanland and at the same time a bit more of an excursion tip for those of you who like to find places that not everyone else stops at. The castle is wonderfully beautiful by the water and there is also a small English park here. In the summers, exhibitions, events and "coziness and fun" are organized. The Viking city of Birka is only twenty kilometers from Selaön in Sörmland.

15. Discover Strängnäs Cathedral

Strängnäs is one of Södermanland's most historic small towns and the cathedral is the town's main attraction. Here you get a beautiful church building, cobblestone streets, views of Lake Mälaren and a town centre that feels both genuine and atmospheric. For those who like history, small town charm and classic Swedish urban environments, Strängnäs is a very nice stop.

16. Stroll in Strängnäs – a charming small town in Sörmland

It's not just the cathedral that does Strängnäs worth a visit. The town itself offers cozy neighborhoods, small cafes, beautiful views of the water and a calm feeling that is perfect for a half-day or longer stop. Strängnäs is the kind of place where you like to just walk without stress and let the surroundings do the work.

17. Pay a visit to Eskilstuna

Eskilstuna is Södermanland's largest city and a good stop for those who want a little more city life on their trip. Here you can combine historical environments, industrial culture, shopping, restaurants and family-friendly excursion destinations in the same day. Don't miss the Old Town, Munktellstaden, Rademachersmedjorna and cozy Torshälla if you want to see more sides of the city.

18. Visit the historic Rademachersmedjorna

The Rademachersmedjorna in Eskilstuna is an open-air museum and the buildings date back to the 17th century. The forges were founded by Reinhold Rademacher in 1659 with the help of Charles X Gustav, and the forges are Eskilstuna's oldest buildings.

19. Let the kids run wild at Parken Zoo

Parken Zoo is a popular stop in Eskilstuna, especially for families with children. There is a zoo, play areas, activities and much more here that makes it easy to spend a whole day. If you are traveling with children, this is one of the most obvious stops in Södermanland.

20. See Femöre and Femöre Fort

Femöre in Oxelösund is one of the best stops for those who want nice sea views and a simple nature experience. There are paths, coastal environments and the feeling of being really close to the sea. Femörefortet is a more unusual destination that is usually appreciated by those who like the Cold War, history and slightly more unique sights.

21. Discover Vilsta Outdoor Recreation Area in Eskilstuna

Vilsta outdoor recreation area is a really good stop for those who want nature, exercise and family activities near Eskilstuna. There are walking and exercise trails, a swimming area, camping and plenty of space for play and movement. If you are traveling with a camper, children or just want a slightly quieter break from the city and attractions, this is a very good complement in Södermanland.

22. Hike a section of the Sörmlandsleden trail

The Sörmlandsleden is one of Sweden's most famous hiking trails and an obvious tip for those who like nature and outdoor activities. You don't have to go far or take a whole hiking holiday to get something out of the trail - a shorter section is often enough to get nice forests, lakes, views and peace. It's a perfect way to experience the more natural side of Södermanland.

23. Experience Brevens bruk and Boo Castle Park

Boo Castle is a beautiful terracotta-coloured palace that reminds one of a fairytale castle. Not far from here you can also visit fine The use of letters and see lotsof deer. For our part, it then ended with a castle and campsite in Vingåker.

24. Experience nature and wildlife at Öster Malma Slott

Öster Malma Castle is an exciting stop for those who want to combine nature, wildlife and a different experience in Södermanland. Here you have the opportunity to get closer to Swedish nature and get a feel for the landscape in a slightly different way than just through cities and castles. It is a popular stop for both adults and children.

25. See Sigurd's Carving and Sundbyholm

In the nature reserve by the castle you will find The Sigurd carving from the 11th century and is one of Sweden's most famous ancient remains on the Ramundsån River. Here is also the Ridö-Sundbyholm archipelago with 160 islands in Lake Mälaren. Sundbyholm Castle has a history as a monastery estate and royal estate.

Today you can come here for hotel accommodation, conferences and weddings, but you can also come here to visit Sundbyholm's guest harbour. In the 1890s, Prince Eugen painted his famous painting “The Old Castle” right here.

26. Be impressed by Stora Sundby Castle – a fairytale castle and a beautiful castle park

Stora Sundby Castle looks almost like something out of a fairy tale, with battlements, towers and a dramatic location by Lake Hjälmaren. The castle is privately owned, but you can visit the castle park and walk in the beautiful deer enclosure. This is a really nice stop in western Sörmland, especially if you like castles, history and slightly different environments. Wow, what a fantastic place!

• 4 large towers symbolising the seasons
• 12 smaller towers symbolising the months of the year
• 52 rooms symbolising the weeks of the year
• 365 windows symbolising the days of the year

27. Take a summer trip to Malmköping

Malmköping is a charming little town that is a good place to stop off for a quieter trip through Södermanland. It has a small town feel, history and a classic Swedish summer atmosphere that makes it a nice place for a short trip. It may not be the biggest draw of the region, but as part of a larger road trip it works really well.

28. Sunbathe and swim in Södermanland

Of course there are cosy and beautiful beaches where you can swim and sunbathe even if you are not on a coast. Here are some tips for sunbathing and swimming in Södermanland.

• Klämmingsbergsbadet 5 km north of Gnesta.
• Sparreholmsbadet is located east of Sparreholm.
• Lytterstabadet in Vingåker on Lake Tisnaren
• Jogersöbadet in Oxelösund
• Veckelnbadet outside Sköldinge
• Läppebadet in Vingåker

READ MORE: Here you will find all our reports about Södermanland.

Where can you park your campervan in Södermanland?

You can camp in many places and several campsites have cabins for the whole family. The campsites are always well located by a beach and here are some tips.

• Gålö sea baths and camping, Skälåkersvägen 11, Haninge
• Malmköping swimming and camping, Förrådsgatan 15, Malmköping
• Hjälmaregården in Vingåker, Hjälmaregårdsvägen 1, Vingåker
• Jogersö camping in Oxelösund, Jogersövägen 15, Oxelösund
• Trosa sea baths and camping, Rävuddsvägen 42, Trosa

READ MORE: More tips about camping sites and campsites in Södermanland

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Södermanland

What is Södermanland known for?

Södermanland is known for its castles, charming small towns, archipelago and many natural experiences. Here you will find classic excursion destinations such as Gripsholm Castle, Mariefred, Trosa, Nyköping, Tullgarn Castle and Stendörren Nature Reserve. The landscape is also popular for road trips because it is easy to combine culture, coast and nature on the same trip.

What shouldn't be missed in Södermanland?

Some of the most famous sights in Södermanland are Gripsholm Castle, Mariefred, Trosa, Nyköpingshus, Stendörrens Nature Reserve, Tullgarn Castle and Julita Farm. If you have more time, Strängnäs, Taxinge Castle, Nynäs Castle and Oxelösund are also very nice stops.

When is the best time to travel to Södermanland?

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the best times to experience Södermanland. Then the small towns are at their finest, the archipelago is attractive, the castles and gardens come into their own and the nature is perfect for hiking and excursions. Summer is best for the coast and archipelago, while spring and early autumn are often perfect for road trips.

How many days do you need in Södermanland?

Two days is enough to see some of the most famous sights, but three to four days is much better if you want to get a more complete experience of the landscape. This will give you time to combine small towns, castles, the coast, nature and some quieter stops along the way. Södermanland is very suitable for a long weekend by car or camper.

Are parts of Stockholm counted as Södermanland?

Yes, historically parts of Stockholm County are located in the province of Södermanland. But when most people search for things to do in Södermanland, they usually mean the province outside Stockholm city – such as Mariefred, Trosa, Nyköping, Stendörren, Oxelösund and other classic excursion destinations in Sörmland. Therefore, this guide focuses on the most relevant sights in Sörmland outside central Stockholm.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that we have visited and that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Uppland
• Things to do in Narke
• Things to do in Östergötland
• Things to do in Västmanland
• Holidays in Sweden