Släbro is one of Nyköping’s notable cultural heritage sites. Its rock carving complex is the largest in the county and unique in a Nordic context. In addition to rock carvings, the archaeological site near Släbro includes burial grounds, runestones, sunken roads and a bridge structure. So you will encounter not just individual archaeological sites, but a whole range of archaeological features.
Cultural history at several sites
Nyköpingshus was originally built as a medieval castle and was converted into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. Today, the most visible parts of Nyköpingshus are the white Kungstornet and the medieval walls. Kungstornet has three permanent exhibitions, guided tours and family activities throughout the year. In summer, Nyköpings Gästabud is staged as an open-air theatre in the courtyard of Nyköpingshus; check performance dates before your trip.
Other cultural offerings have their own distinct focus: the Sörmlands museum’s Museihuset is in the western harbour, opposite Nyköpingshus. Guided tours can be booked for Konstvandring i Nyköping. Nyköpings Teater offers a historic atmosphere for theatre, lectures, stand-up, dance and film screenings.
Archipelago nature and waterside trails
Nyköping Municipality has varied natural landscapes, high biodiversity and good opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Its archipelago is relatively undeveloped, rich in islands and of great value for nature and recreation. In the Stendörren area, you can swim, hike, stroll and go out in your own boat. From the mainland, several suspension bridges lead to the nearest archipelago islands. At Naturum Stendörren, visitors can learn more about the Baltic Sea.
Bus route 554 from Nyköping or Trosa stops at Stendörren; from there, it is about four kilometres on foot along a gravel road to the nature reserve. As bus services may change, check the timetable before setting off.
Choose hikes by route type
The Nyköping area offers opportunities for day hikes and circular routes of around ten kilometres. Two sections of the Sörmlandsleden can be distinguished by their length and endpoints: Section 45:1 runs 12 kilometres from Nyköpingshus to Strandstugeviken through Nyköping Municipality. Section 36 runs 11 kilometres from Nävsjön to Nävekvarn. The distances are similar, but the start and end points mark different sections of the trail.
In places, the Sörmlandsleden runs along the sea, through forests and over steep climbing rocks. Individual sections may change, so check the current route plan before your hike.
Nynäs and Horsvik: cultural landscapes and coastline
The Nynäs Nature Reserve extends across the municipalities of Trosa and Nyköping. Its landscape is shaped by ancient natural forests, lakes, coastal areas and pastureland. In the Nynäs area, the Sörmlandsleden offers shorter and longer hikes; there are shelters and barbecue areas along the trails. Nynäs is also a well-preserved manor estate with a 700-year history. Visitors can find exhibitions and guided tours of the manor house there. Activities associated with Nynäs include swimming, fishing, paddling and cycling.
Horsvik is a well-preserved coastal farmstead in the archipelago. Hiking, swimming and fishing are possible there, and its flora and fauna are diverse, as is typical of older cultural landscapes. The 37-kilometre Horsvik canoe route passes several nature reserves with high natural value between Horsvik and Stendörren, and can be spread over several days. Check the latest route details before planning your trip. Horsvik can be reached from Nyköping by bus route 554 to Studsvik; from there, an approximately 800-metre walk leads to the area. For this bus connection, too, it is advisable to check the latest timetable.
Cycling routes in the urban area
Those who want to explore Nyköping by bike will find around 120 kilometres of cycle paths in the urban area. This adds an urban perspective to the hiking options, while the archipelago and nature reserves offer a focus on other landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Västerljung, Nävekvarn, Tystberga, Jönåker, Vrena, Nyköping, Vingåker and Gnesta.
Back to the main travel overview: Södermanland.
