Oxelösund: Coastal trails, swimming spots and maritime history

In Oxelösund, the city meets the Baltic Sea archipelago. Coastal scenery, island trails and maritime history offer different ways to shape your stay: on Femöre, the nature reserve, walking loops and rocky swimming spots take centre stage; in Gamla Oxelösund, trails and museums tell stories of life by the sea. You can tailor your plans to the experiences that interest you most.

Nature and coastal trails

Femöre is a nature reserve and is suitable for visitors year-round. Most of the peninsula and the surrounding sea are part of the protected area. On Femöre, a roughly 6-kilometre circular route of the Sörmlandsleden runs through the area. Near the bathing steps on the west and south sides, you can swim from the rocks; conditions for doing so depend on the season. Check local access information before your trip.

Another trail option is the roughly 5-kilometre Våtmarken circular route, which is easy to walk. Route conditions and markings may change. At the Brannäs Våtmark wetland, highlights include abundant birdlife, a birdwatching tower and a barbecue area. You can also swim from the rocks there. Nature and visitor facilities may be affected by the season.

Jogersö is home to Sörmland’s largest seaside swimming area, with a sandy beach. Its bathing area includes jetties, a diving tower and an accessible ramp. Facility availability may change. This offers a beach option with different amenities alongside the rocky swimming spots on Femöre.

Swimming, paddling and seasonal activities

At Jogersö beach, Oxelösund Adventure Park rents out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Guided kayak tours through the archipelago are also available, and no previous experience is required. A kayaking course covers technique, launching the kayak and safety skills. Activities may be available only seasonally, so check the latest information if you plan to book a tour.

Jogersö also has a 2.5-kilometre illuminated exercise trail. When there is enough snow, it is used as a ski slope in winter. This adds a weather-dependent cold-season option to the beach and water activities.

Furön can be reached by boat from Gamla Oxelösund; the trip depends on local arrangements and the weather. Along the Furön route, right by the water, there is a shelter with a fire pit, a swimming spot and a toilet. Maintenance or seasonal conditions may affect the facilities. Archipelago boat trips depart from the Oxelösund guest harbour pier and go to Beten and Äspskär. Scheduled and private trips may vary by season, so it is a good idea to check the latest sailing information when planning.

Maritime history and sights

Femörefortet is a Cold War museum in a large underground facility beneath the Femöre nature reserve. Entry to the fort requires a guided tour; the outdoor gun emplacements can be visited freely. As visitor arrangements may change, check the latest tour information in advance.

The Sjöfartsmuseet covers pilotage from the 17th century to the present day, the history of the harbour and 80 years of shipping company history built on ore transport. The grounds are home to Sweden’s first motorised pilot boat and a small lighthouse. Kulturstigen is a blue-marked walking trail through Gamla Oxelösund. Signs tell the story of life in the past and how some of the older houses were built.

The Skärgårdsmuseet in Gamla Oxelösund is open in summer and features an annually updated exhibition about the Eriksson fishing family at Grantorpet. The museum also includes a boathouse with old traditional boats. Churches, too, offer insights into different eras: S:t Botvids kyrka is a concrete church from 1957, designed by Rolf Bergh. It is open for visitors daily unless it has been booked for an event or another purpose. Stjärnholms kyrka dates from the 1670s and is one of the oldest buildings in Oxelösund.

Getting there and finding a hotel

From Nyköping, you can reach Oxelösund by car via Route 53 in about 10 minutes. Road conditions and journey times may vary.

Discover more destinations: Oxelösund, Nyköping, Eskilstuna, Trosa, Katrineholm, Vingåker, Flen, Strängnäs

See the wider travel guide: Södermanland.