Nyköping between archipelago, hiking trails and culture

Nyköping combines experiences in an island-studded archipelago with hiking trails and cultural attractions. The municipality’s natural landscapes range from coastal areas and lakes to forests and pastureland; at the same time, archaeological sites and historic buildings tell the story of the region’s past. When planning your trip, it is worth exploring the different highlights: spending time outdoors, discovering the landscape or experiencing culture in Nyköping.

Archipelago scenery and trails in the countryside

The municipality of Nyköping is known for its varied natural landscapes, high biodiversity and excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Its archipelago is largely undeveloped, rich in islands and of great value for nature and recreation. In the Stendörren area, you can swim, hike, take walks and explore the natural archipelago in your own boat. From the mainland, several suspension bridges lead to the nearest archipelago islands. At Naturum Stendörren, visitors can learn more about the Baltic Sea.

The Nynäs Nature Reserve also offers a variety of landscapes: it encompasses ancient natural forests, lakes, coastal areas and pastureland. The reserve stretches across the municipalities of Trosa and Nyköping and offers swimming spots, boat moorings and numerous coastal walking trails. There are shorter and longer hikes along the Sörmlandsleden trail, with shelters and barbecue areas along the way. Nynäs itself is a well-preserved manor estate with a 700-year history. Activities available there include swimming, fishing, paddling and cycling; there are also exhibitions and guided tours of the castle.

At Horsvik, a well-preserved coastal farmstead meets the archipelago landscape. Visitors can hike, swim and fish there. The area also has a diversity of plant and animal species typical of older cultural landscapes. The Horsvik canoe route is 37 kilometres long, can be spread over several days and passes several nature reserves with high natural values between Horsvik and Stendörren. Bus route 554 runs from Nyköping to Studsvik for Horsvik; from there, an approximately 800-metre footpath leads to the area.

You can reach Stendörren on bus route 554 from Nyköping or Trosa, getting off at the stop near Stendörren. From there, it is about a four-kilometre walk along a gravel road to the nature reserve. Bus services may change, so check the timetable before travelling.

Hiking and cycling around Nyköping

The Sörmlandsleden trail runs along the sea in places, through forests and over steep climbing crags. Two stages have different starting and ending points: Stage 45:1 runs for 12 kilometres from Nyköpingshus to Strandstugeviken through the municipality of Nyköping. Stage 36 runs for 11 kilometres from Nävsjön to Nävekvarn. The two routes therefore differ by only one kilometre; the main consideration when choosing between them is their respective endpoints. The Nyköping area also has suitable routes for day hikes and circular walks of around ten kilometres. Check stage details before your hike, as they may change.

If you prefer to get around by bicycle, there are around 120 kilometres of cycle paths in the town of Nyköping.

Archaeological traces and culture in the city

The Släbro rock-carving complex is the largest in the county and unique by Nordic standards. The archaeological area near Släbro includes rock carvings, burial grounds, runestones, holloways and a bridge structure. These diverse archaeological and landscape features make Släbro a special destination for anyone interested in early traces of human history.

Nyköpingshus was originally built as a medieval castle and converted into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. Today, the most visible features of Nyköpingshus are the white Kungstornet and the medieval walls. Kungstornet has three permanent exhibitions, guided tours and family activities throughout the year. In summer, Nyköpings Gästabud is performed as an open-air play in the castle courtyard; check performance dates before your trip.

The Sörmlands museum’s Museihuset is located in Nyköping’s western harbour, opposite Nyköpingshus. Nyköpings Teater offers another facet of the cultural scene: its historic setting hosts theatre, lectures, stand-up, dance and film screenings. Guided tours can be booked for Konstvandring i Nyköping. So, alongside historic sites, you can also enjoy stage performances and public art when planning your time in Nyköping.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Nävekvarn, Tystberga, Jönåker, Vrena, Nyköping, Västerljung, Trosa, Vingåker.

For the main travel overview: Södermanland.