Norrtälje: Hotels for culture, nature and coast

Norrtälje brings together cultural and historical sites along the river, industrial heritage, nature areas and a swimming beach. To plan your trip, you can first decide which themes you want to shape your stay. The Åpromenaden passes historical sites; Södra Bergen and Borgmästarholmen offer different natural highlights. In summer, public art and seasonal archipelago boat connections are added. These differences can help you organise your plans before looking for a hotel in Norrtälje.

City history along the Norrtäljeån

The Åpromenaden is a cultural and historical walking route along the Norrtäljeån. At around three kilometres long, it runs from Lake Lommaren to the river mouth at Norrtälje harbour. Thirty-six signs draw attention to historical sites in the city; recorded audio contributions provide additional information about the route. The theme, route and explanations come together in one walk.

Art is also connected to the river and the cityscape: Konst i Ån returns as a summer exhibition in public spaces, presenting contemporary art along the Norrtäljeån and throughout the city. Norrtälje konsthall also presents contemporary art by local, Swedish and international artists. The Wallinska gårdarna, a collection of preserved 18th-century buildings, form part of the architectural heritage. Norrtälje kyrka is said to have been Sweden’s first church with electric lighting; 202 lamps were installed there in 1902.

Industrial history and visits

The Pythagoras Industrial Museum preserves a fully intact former hot-bulb engine factory, including its office and workers’ accommodation. Guided tours are available. The museum also includes Barnens Pythagoras, where the original engine factory is presented in a child-friendly way. As well as the factory itself, the museum’s theme focuses on its work and living spaces.

The museum’s former forge now houses a café and a souvenir shop. Check before your visit whether both are currently open. Färsna gård, near the city centre, offers a different kind of farm setting: it has animals, tractors, cultivated areas, and play and recreation areas in a farm environment. The farm café and a rest cabin are located in Tupplidret. You can also enjoy outdoor activities and hiking at Färsna gård.

Nature, views and wildlife

South of the centre is Södra Bergen, a wooded hill area with views over the city rooftops, the harbour entrance, lakes and the surrounding landscape. An adapted, accessible route leads from Idrottsvägen to a viewpoint. Borgmästarholmen offers walking paths, varied natural scenery and designated barbecue areas close to the centre.

Borgmästarholmen is home to a diverse birdlife year-round, including goldcrests and white-tailed eagles; otters are also regularly seen there. The Vigelsjö nature reserve lies right next to the city. The Municipality of Norrtälje established it in 1998 to preserve a natural area close to the city for recreation. Norrtälje’s nature attractions therefore vary by location: viewpoints, walking paths and wildlife can be found in different places.

Beach and archipelago connections

Kärleksudden is a swimming beach in central Norrtälje, between Norrtäljeviken and Kvisthamraviken. The sandy beach is about 50 metres long. The Roslagsleden also passes through this part of the city: Stage 7 runs through the Kvisthamra residential area towards Kärleksudden. From there, the trail follows the waterfront promenade into the central parts of Norrtälje.

During the summer months, the archipelago boat services Norra Båtlinjen, Nord/Sydlinjen and S/S Blidösund depart from the harbour. If you are planning a trip, check the current operating days and operators in advance. These services are seasonal, while the river promenade, museum, viewpoints and beach offer other options for exploring the area.

Plan your stay

The places mentioned offer a range of themes to explore in Norrtälje. If you want to include seasonal archipelago boat trips, take their operating days into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Skebobruk, Svanberga, Rimbo, Herräng, Gräddö, Vagnsunda, Vätö, Bergshamra.

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