A seven-metre-high observation tower and a nature exhibition make Tornstugan by Lake Näsnaren a special stop for anyone who wants to get to know Katrineholm’s natural surroundings better. Tornstugan also has materials for outdoor environmental education, including identification guides and equipment for observing insects. Here, views and hands-on discovery go hand in hand with taking in the landscape.
Experience nature and compare trails
The path to Tornstugan is about 600 metres long, wide and level. Next to the new birdwatching tower is a raised viewing platform that people with reduced mobility can easily access.
The variety of nature destinations can also be seen elsewhere: Vattentornets Nature Park lies east of Katrineholm and consists of mature mixed forest with numerous trails and walking and cycling routes. Skirtorpssjön Nature Reserve has trails and a training loop; the Sörmlandsleden passes through the reserve. Katrineholm’s Nature Map also lists hiking trails, bathing spots, nature reserves, outdoor fitness facilities, playgrounds and ski trails.
The Krämbolsleden offers routes of different lengths: the trail is about five kilometres long and has an accessible loop of approximately 3.2 kilometres. It passes three wetlands, grazing areas and fauna depots. The 66-hectare Krämbolsskogen, which is predominantly spruce forest, belongs to the Municipality of Katrineholm.
Another hike takes you through the Forssjö outdoor recreation area: the trail is about 3.5 kilometres long and passes Jättens handfat, Jättens tvålkopp and Glysas källare. Parts of the area lie on a glacial gravel ridge with kettle holes and erratic boulders. The names along the trail give each place its own distinctive character.
If you prefer to be out on the water, you can paddle a canoe, SUP or kayak from the beach at Fiskeboda around Lillön, Väsbyön and Tåkenön. Wildlife is also part of the natural landscape: the relatively rare black-throated diver and red-throated loon occur in considerable numbers in the Municipality of Katrineholm.
Art, gardens and history
Katrineholms konsthall presents contemporary art by national and international artists. Each exhibition is complemented by activities that offer deeper insights. In the centre of Katrineholm, Kulturhuset Ängeln is a meeting place for literature, art and cultural experiences. Both places focus on culture, but in different ways: one features changing exhibitions, while the other is a broader venue for cultural encounters.
The gardens also tell stories of design and history. The origins of the garden at Ericsbergs Slott date back to the 17th century, when the grounds were laid out as a Baroque park. The castle park contains a full-scale replica of the famous Hampton Court Maze. Guided tours also include the Baroque chapel and castle park, the orangery, the carriage museum and the old greenhouses. The park and maze are open to visitors on weekdays, excluding public holidays. As visitor arrangements can change, check the current opening hours before your visit.
Julita gård preserves a manor setting from the early 20th century, with buildings, interiors, gardens and a play area. The manor park’s outdoor grounds are open year-round and can be enjoyed for walks; check the current access arrangements in advance. The Julita Skans open-air museum includes the Skansen Museum, the Skansen houses and the Skansen Church. Access to the interiors is seasonal.
Stora Djulö has a story of its own: the place was first mentioned in 1334 under the name Djula. Stage 27:1 of the Sörmlandsleden begins at Stora Djulö in Katrineholm and passes the manor house in the park. A longer route of about 25 kilometres is also described; it takes one to two days and passes the historic Julita gård museum and beautiful manor houses by the lakeshore.
Getting around the area
Katrineholm is a transport hub where several railway lines meet. The tourist information office is located at Stortorget in Torghuset, near the train and bus station, and offers personal visitor advice. You can also discover a selection of handicrafts and locally made products there.
For a break at Stora Djulö Herrgård, there is a manor house café and an ice cream café. In the centre, the ice rink at Stortorget invites children and adults to go skating; this is a seasonal winter activity. Vattenlekparken in Katrineholm is accessible to wheelchair users and has a shaded play area and a barbecue area. As seasonal opening details may vary, check the current information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Björkvik, Valla, Forsa, Katrineholm, Sköldinge, Vingåker, Strängnäs, Eskilstuna.
Return to the main travel overview: Södermanland.
