Strängnäs: Castles, Churches and Traces of History

Castles, churches, mining history and open landscapes tell stories of very different eras in Strängnäs. There are also museums, cycling routes and seasonal guided tours. When planning your visit, it is worth checking what is available: some attractions are open in summer, while others can be explored through their historic buildings and collections.

Castles and Museums with Stories of Their Own

Construction of Gripsholms slott began in 1537 under Gustav Vasa. One of the castle’s highlights is Sweden’s national portrait collection. Gustav III’s theatre is also remarkable: it is one of the best-preserved 18th-century theatres in Europe. Mälsåkers slott tells a different story of architectural development. Its present design took shape in the 17th century, particularly in the 1670s, when, among other things, the wings were extended. The castle’s history spans from Sweden’s era as a great power to the training of Norwegian soldiers during the Second World War. Mälsåkers slott is open to visitors in summer, when there is also a café.

Military history is the focus at Arsenalen. The figurine museum contains thousands of hand-painted tin soldiers. A soldier’s cottage illustrates historic battles, soldiers’ lives and the everyday life of a conscripted soldier and his family. The exhibition also features vehicles capable of travelling over land and in deep water, and covers technological and military developments from the early 20th century to the present day. The children’s area has a full-size tank, soldiers’ clothing and a playroom.

The region’s mining history is also on display. Skottvångs gruva has been known since the 16th century and was in operation until 1920. The well-preserved mining environment includes several buildings and a mining museum; an active mining association shows visitors around the area in summer. There is also a restaurant with a music stage and concerts throughout the year. Iron cannons, cast-iron stoves and agricultural equipment were made at Åkers styckebruk. The museum there tells the story of the company, founded in 1580.

Churches, a Monastery and Historic Sites

Strängnäs Cathedral dates back to the 13th century. The high choir contains two altarpieces made in Brussels; the cathedral is also home to the tomb monument and funeral regalia of Charles IX. Thirty-minute guided tours are offered daily in summer. Smaller buildings also offer further insights into local history: the windmill on Kvarnkullen was built in 1855 and can be visited on a guided tour in summer. Grassagården is one of the few surviving Swedish burgher courtyards still at its original location; in summer, guided tours are available of the preserved living quarters.

Överselö kyrka was built between the end of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century. Inside the tower, visitors can see limestone colonnettes with foliage-decorated capitals. The sacristy contains an original iron door decorated with ornamental patterns. The church ruin of Kärnbo, built toward the end of the 12th century, is still in use: several services, baptisms and weddings are held there every year.

Vårfruberga Monastery has been at its present location since 1289. A pilgrimage service is held there every year in early summer. There is a bathing spot below the monastery, and the surrounding area offers opportunities for picnics. In Strängnäs, Roggeborgen is 500 years old; Roggebiblioteket is part of the National Library of Sweden. A tour of the library can be arranged by contacting them in advance.

Landscape, Cycling Routes and Water

Hjorthagen, near Gripsholms slott, is protected as a state-listed historic building and as a nature reserve. Old oaks, lindens, pines and spruces stand alongside open meadows. Åsa gravfält offers a different landscape: this Natura 2000 site consists of three dry, nutrient-poor pastures. Its archaeological features include a 33-metre-long, ship-shaped grave made up of 45 upright stones. Almost 1,000 prehistoric burial sites are found within an area of one kilometre.

Cycling enthusiasts will find a range of starting points and routes: the Mälardalsleden passes through Strängnäs and Mariefred, and four marked cycling routes start at Östabadet in Stallarholmen. One route described in the Stallarholmen area leads to Selaön. The Sörmlandsleden trail passes through Åkers Bergslag; shelters and fire pits are located at strategic points. Åkers styckebruk lies on Lake Visnaren and borders the Åkers Bergslag mining area. A 40-kilometre canoe route runs from Åkers styckebruk to Trosa on the east coast.

Getting There and Seasonal Planning

The train journey from Stockholm Central Station to Strängnäs takes about 40 to 45 minutes; the town centre is a short walk from the station. In summer, there are also boat services from Stockholm to Mariefred and from Västerås to Strängnäs and Mariefred. Guided tours, castle visits, café service and boat connections are partly seasonal. Check current dates and timetables before travelling; tours of Roggebiblioteket require contacting them in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mariefred, Stallarholmen, Strängnäs, Åkers Styckebruk, Nyköping, Vingåker, Gnesta, Enstaberga.

Back to the main travel overview: Södermanland.