Malmköping between Regimental History and Nature

Malmköping combines a well-preserved townscape with a defining regimental history. The town was a regimental and trading centre, and became a Köping in 1784. Its urban grid plan and well-preserved buildings are part of its character. The street network and built-up layout dating from 1790 have also been preserved. The historic townscape therefore offers its own way of exploring Malmköping’s history alongside its museums.

History in the Townscape and Collections

The military-historical cultural landscape can be explored at Malma hed and Plevnahöjden. The Kungliga Södermanlands regemente was stationed at Malma hed for 147 years; the grounds form part of the cultural landscape as a military drill field. Plevnahöjden is also part of it. Trenches and earthworks can still be seen there, dating back to trenches built on the model of Plevna beside Malmahed. Regimental history and visible traces in the landscape offer different perspectives.

At the Hembygdsgården, you can stroll among old buildings and learn about how people might have lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The grounds include a photography museum with around 20,000 photographs from Malmköping and the surrounding area, as well as a military register of soldiers enrolled in the Sörmland Regiment. There is also a textile museum. The photographs and the register offer different perspectives on the town and its regimental history.

The Strykjärnsmuseet is devoted to a very specific subject: it is Sweden’s only iron museum. Its extensive collection includes irons from 25 countries, dating from the 17th century to the present day. Visits must be booked in advance.

Walks and Birdlife near Malma

The Malma Nature Reserve lies near Malmköping, to the north. It includes an approximately two-kilometre stretch of the Strömsholmsåsen esker. The Sörmlandsleden trail runs along the ridge of the reserve, which is well suited to walks. Sundbysjön borders the reserve and is home to a rich variety of birdlife. The ridge, lake and birdlife offer a different focus for a stay here than the museums and historic townscape.

Parking is available at the cemetery, along Landsvägsgatan and within Malmköping. The Landsvägsgatan bus stop is right by the nature reserve.

Summer Rides, Fishing and a Market

The Museispårvägen offers a historic and scenic ride along Hosjön. In summer, its trams run on part of the route formerly served by the Mellersta Sörmlands Järnväg. Check the current operating days before your trip. Fishing is also possible at Hosjön with a fishing permit, which is sold at the campsite. As this arrangement may change, it is advisable to check the terms in advance.

Another seasonal attraction is Malmamarken, held at Heden on the last weekend of July. The market draws more than 300 traders and tens of thousands of visitors. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

Hotels for Your Stay in Malmköping

When looking for hotels in Malmköping, you can first decide whether to focus on local history and museums or on walks and birdlife near Malma. In summer, a seasonal ride on the Museispårvägen is another reason to visit.

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