Eskilstuna: Culture, Nature and Active Days

The Gyllenhielmska Trail runs from the Årby recreation area via the Sundbyholm guest harbour to Björsundsbron. Over its 34.1 kilometres, forests, rocky heights and fields alternate—a varied route for experiencing the landscape on foot.

The trail has four natural stages. You can start or end your hike near bus stops and car parks. This gives you different starting points for planning, without having to tackle the entire route as a single hike.

Nature Areas and Views

In the Hedlandet Nature Reserve, rocks, coniferous forest, farmland, pasture, deciduous woodland, wetlands and small mires come together in a mosaic landscape. Several paths lead through the reserve. From there, you can enjoy views of the Hyndevadsån, which connects Lake Hjälmaren with Lake Mälaren along its course.

Another nature experience awaits at Ekeby Wetland on the outskirts of Eskilstuna. Sweden’s largest constructed wetland covers 40 hectares and has eight large ponds. You can watch birds from the observation towers and explore the diverse plant life. The area is open to visitors around the clock all year round. Eskilstuna and Torshälla also have 24 nature reserves with a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Sundbyholm Beach on Lake Mälaren has a sandy beach, jetty, barbecue area, toilet and benches; there is also an accessible ramp. The site brings together a range of practical facilities for a day by the water.

Runes, Crafts and Industrial History

The Sigurdsristningen is one of Sweden’s most important prehistoric monuments and a unique 11th-century runic inscription among the prehistoric monuments and runic inscriptions of Södermanland. It depicts various episodes from the legend of Sigurd Fafnesbane; the text refers to the construction of a bridge over Ramsundet. Information boards, the IZI-Travel app or a bookable guided tour offer ways to learn about the inscription’s history. Bus route 18 stops at Mora vsk, about 500 metres from the Sigurdsristningen.

Rademachersmedjorna is one of the best-preserved 17th-century settings in Sweden and is now an open-air museum with craftspeople and shops. Admission is free, and it is accessible around the clock. At Jutemarks Smide, you can book an introductory blacksmithing experience—a hands-on way to explore the historic craft.

Swedish industrial history takes centre stage at the Munktell Museum, which presents 180 years of it. The visit also offers close encounters with vintage vehicles: visitors are welcome to climb on them, sit in them, touch them and play with them. The Eskilstuna City Museum on Faktoriholmarna in central Eskilstuna adds to the selection with historical exhibitions for adults and children.

Animal Experiences and Events

Parken Zoo combines animal exhibits with an amusement park. It features unique and endangered animal species, with animal presentations and feedings every day throughout the season. The amusement park offers rides and family experiences. If you’d like to get to know particular animals better, you can book special tours, for example with lemurs, otters and petting animals.

Sundbyholm is also an event venue: major annual events include the Breeders’ Crown. Elite-level trotting races, show jumping competitions and other events are also held there. If a particular event shapes your travel plans, check the relevant dates.

Cycling Routes with Different Highlights

The Banvallen Eskilstuna–Ärla–Eklången route is just under 20 kilometres long, paved and easy to ride. It runs through beautiful, lush countryside along the old railway line, which you can cycle or ride a horse along. The Torshälla–Vallby cycling tour is just under 40 kilometres long and starts and ends at Eskilstuna Central Station. It passes through one of Södermanland’s richest cultural landscapes in terms of history. The distances give you a concrete comparison, while the routes differ in their stated highlights: Banvallen is characterised by its surface and scenery, and Torshälla–Vallby by the region’s cultural and historical richness.

Farm shops are also part of Eskilstuna’s local character. They offer freshly picked strawberries, freshly extracted honey and freshly baked sourdough bread—a further way to shape your stay alongside nature, culture and activities.

Discover more destinations: Eskilstuna, Näshulta, Ärla, Kvicksund, Stora Sundby, Västra Näshulta, Oxelösund, Katrineholm.

See the overview of the wider region: Södermanland.