Discover Nature, Trails and Culture in Katrineholm

At Näsnaren stands Tornstugan, with a seven-metre-high observation tower. Katrineholm also offers hiking trails, nature reserves, art venues and historic parks—a range of attractions that brings together nature observation, outdoor activities and cultural history.

Nature and birdwatching

Katrineholm’s nature map lists hiking trails, swimming spots, nature reserves, outdoor fitness facilities, playgrounds, ski trails and other nature and excursion destinations in the municipality. At Tornstugan by Näsnaren, there is a nature exhibition and materials for outdoor environmental education, including identification guides and equipment for observing insects. The trail to Tornstugan is about 600 metres long, wide and level. Alongside the new bird tower, there is a raised viewing platform that people with reduced mobility can easily access.

Birdlife is also part of the municipality’s natural character: the relatively rare species black-throated diver and great northern diver are found in considerable numbers in Katrineholm. Vattentornets Nature Park lies in eastern Katrineholm and consists of established mixed woodland with many paths and walking and cycling connections. Skirtorpssjön Nature Reserve has trails and a fitness loop; the Sörmlandsleden trail also passes through the reserve.

Trails, terrain and excursions

For a hike, the Krämbolsleden offers two different distances: the trail is about five kilometres long and has an accessible loop of approximately 3.2 kilometres. It passes three wetlands, grazing areas and fauna depots. Krämbolsskogen covers 66 hectares, is mainly spruce forest and belongs to the Municipality of Katrineholm. In the Forssjö outdoor recreation area, an approximately 3.5-kilometre hiking trail passes Jättens handfat, Jättens tvålkopp and Glysas källare.

The landscape in the Forssjö outdoor recreation area is partly shaped by a glacial gravel ridge with kettle holes and erratic boulders. The largest water-filled kettle hole is called Jättens handfat (Skirtorpssjön); two others are named Jättens tvålkopp and Glysas källare. For running, Elljusspår Forssjö has illuminated routes of 2.5 or five kilometres. A much longer tour covers about 25 kilometres and takes one to two days. It passes the historic museum Julita gård and manor buildings by the lakeshore.

You can also explore the surroundings on the water: from the beach at Fiskeboda, you can paddle by canoe, SUP or kayak around Lillön, Väsbyön and Tåkenön. The distances mentioned offer different time scales—from the approximately 3.5-kilometre hiking trail to the one- or two-day tour.

Culture, history and seasonal ideas

Guided tours of Ericsbergs Slott showcase the Baroque chapel and palace park, as well as the orangery, carriage museum and old greenhouses. A full-scale replica of the famous Hampton Court Maze stands in the park. The garden dates back to the 17th century, when the grounds were laid out as a Baroque park. The maze and park are open to visitors on weekdays, except public holidays. As access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Julita gård preserves a country estate setting from the early 20th century, with buildings, interiors, gardens and a play area. The grounds of the manor park are open year-round and can be used for walks; access arrangements may change. Julita Skans is Arthur Bäckström’s open-air museum and includes the Skansen Museum, the Skansen houses and Skansen Church. Access to the interiors is seasonal.

Katrineholms konsthall exhibits contemporary art by national and international artists; each exhibition is accompanied by activities that offer deeper insight. Kulturhuset Ängeln in central Katrineholm is a meeting place for literature, art and cultural experiences. A seasonal ice rink on Stortorget invites children and adults to go skating. Vattenlekparken in Katrineholm is accessible to wheelchair users and offers a shaded play area and a barbecue area. Its opening details are seasonal and may change.

Stora Djulö was first mentioned in 1334 under the name Djula. Stage 27:1 of the Sörmlandsleden begins at Stora Djulö in Katrineholm and passes the manor building in the park. Stora Djulö Herrgård has a manor-house café and an ice cream café; seasonal service details may change. Katrineholm is also a hub where several railway lines meet. The tourist information centre is at Stortorget in Torghuset, near the train and bus station, and offers personal visitor advice as well as a selection of handicrafts and locally made products.

Discover more destinations: Björkvik, Valla, Forsa, Katrineholm, Sköldinge, Eskilstuna, Trosa, Vingåker.

For the main travel overview: Södermanland.