Eskilstuna: Nature, Culture and Trails

Nature

The Gyllenhielmska Trail is a 34.1-kilometre hiking trail from the Årby recreation area via Sundbyholm marina to Björsundsbron. It passes through forests, over rocky heights and alongside fields. Four natural stages divide the route; you can start or leave the trail near bus stops and car parks.

The Hedlandet Nature Reserve offers views of the Hyndevadsån, which connects Lake Hjälmaren with Lake Mälaren along its course. The mosaic landscape includes rocks, coniferous forest, arable land, pasture, deciduous forest, wetlands and small bogs. Several trails run through the nature reserve.

The Ekeby Wetland is Sweden’s largest constructed wetland; its 40 hectares include eight large ponds. It is located on the outskirts of Eskilstuna and is open to visitors around the clock all year round. At the bird towers, visitors can watch birds and explore the diverse plant life. Eskilstuna and Torshälla have 24 nature reserves with varied plant and animal life.

Sundbyholm Beach on Lake Mälaren offers a sandy beach, a jetty, a barbecue area, a toilet, benches and an accessible ramp.

The linked local pages include Ärla, Kvicksund, Stora Sundby, Eskilstuna, Näshulta and Västra Näshulta.

Culture and History

The Munktell Museum presents 180 years of Swedish industrial history. At the museum, visitors are allowed to climb onto old vehicles, sit on them, touch them and play with them.

Parken Zoo animal park showcases unique and endangered animal species; daily animal presentations and feedings take place throughout the season. Parken Zoo’s amusement park offers rides and family experiences. Parken Zoo also offers bookable special tours featuring animals including lemurs, otters and petting animals.

The Sigurdsristningen is considered one of Sweden’s most important prehistoric monuments. At the same time, among Södermanland’s prehistoric monuments and runic inscriptions, it is a unique 11th-century runic inscription. It depicts various episodes from the saga of Sigurd Fafnesbane; the text refers to the construction of a bridge over Ramsundet.

Information boards, the IZI-Travel app or a bookable guided tour convey the history of the Sigurdsristningen. Bus route 18 stops at the Mora vsk stop, which is about 500 metres from the Sigurdsristningen.

Rademachersmedjorna is one of the best-preserved 17th-century environments in Sweden and is now an open-air museum with craftspeople and shops. At Jutemarks Smide, you can take part in a bookable introductory blacksmithing experience. Rademachersmedjorna is accessible around the clock, and admission is free.

The Eskilstuna City Museum is a historical museum on Faktoriholmarna in central Eskilstuna, with exhibitions for adults and children.

Cycling

The Torshälla–Vallby cycling tour is just under 40 kilometres long and starts and ends at Eskilstuna Central Station. It passes through one of the culturally and historically richest cultural landscapes in Södermanland.

The Banvallen Eskilstuna–Ärla–Eklången route is an easy-to-cycle, paved cycle path just under 20 kilometres long through beautiful, lushly vegetated scenery. Along the old railway line, visitors can cycle or ride horses.

History and the Present

A major annual event in Sundbyholm is the Breeders' Crown. Sundbyholm hosts elite-level harness racing, show jumping competitions and other events.

To the main travel overview: Södermanland.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Vingåker, Trosa.