Oxelösund is a coastal town where the city meets the Baltic Sea archipelago. Discoveries include protected coastal landscapes, trails and swimming spots, as well as museums dedicated to the history of pilotage and the harbour. The best way to experience this variety is outdoors on Femöre and by exploring the city’s maritime heritage.
Coastal landscapes, trails and swimming spots
Femöre is a nature reserve and suitable for visitors year-round. Most of the peninsula, as well as the surrounding sea, is part of the protected area. Check local access information before your visit. Femöre is also crossed by a roughly six-kilometre circular section of the Sörmlandsleden trail. On the west and south sides, you can swim from the rocks near the bathing steps; swimming conditions may vary by season.
Brannäs Våtmark wetland also combines nature experiences with places to stop and relax: it is rich in birdlife and has an observation tower and barbecue area. You can swim from the rocks there. Nature and visitor facilities may be affected by seasonal conditions. Jogersö is home to Sörmland’s largest seaside swimming area, with a sandy beach. It has jetties, a diving tower and an accessibility-designed ramp; the facilities may change in availability. This offers different ways to swim: a sandy beach on Jogersö or swimming from the rocks on Femöre.
On foot, on the water and by paddle
Jogersö has a 2.5-kilometre illuminated exercise trail. In winter, it is used as a ski trail when there is enough snow. The provider also runs kayak tours through the archipelago, which require no previous experience. A kayaking course covers technique, launching the kayak and safety skills. Check availability and seasonal dates in advance.
Archipelago boat trips depart from the guest harbour pier in Oxelösund and travel to Beten and Äspskär. Both scheduled trips and private tours may vary by season; checking the latest dates can help with planning. Furön can also be included in your stay: the island is accessible by boat from Gamla Oxelösund, depending on local conditions and the weather. The Furön route has a shelter with a fire pit right by the water, a swimming spot and a toilet. Facilities may be affected by maintenance or seasonal conditions.
The Kulturstigen offers another way to discover Gamla Oxelösund. This blue-marked walking trail passes through the village; signs tell visitors about life in the past and the construction of some of the older houses. The trail combines exercise with insights into local building and everyday history, without requiring a museum to be the main focus.
Discover seafaring and history
Femörefortet is a Cold War museum in a large underground complex beneath the Femöre nature reserve. Entry to the museum requires a guided tour; the gun emplacements outside can be visited freely. Check the latest tour information before your visit.
The Sjöfartsmuseet focuses on pilotage from the 17th century to the present day, the history of the harbour and an 80-year shipping history built on ore transport. The site is home to Sweden’s first motor-powered pilot boat and a small lighthouse. In summer, the Skärgårdsmuseet in Gamla Oxelösund presents an annually updated exhibition about the Eriksson fishing family at Grantorpet; the museum also includes a boathouse with old traditional boats. As seasonal visits and exhibitions may vary, it is worth checking the latest visitor information.
The S:t Botvids kyrka offers another historical contrast: the concrete church, designed by Rolf Bergh, dates from 1957. It is open to visitors daily, unless it has been booked for an event or another purpose. The Stjärnholms kyrka dates from the 1670s and is one of the oldest buildings in Oxelösund.
Getting here and finding your way
From Nyköping, you can reach Oxelösund by car via Route 53 in about ten minutes. This journey time is an estimate, as road conditions may change. The tourist information centre in Koordinaten offers directions, suggestions for activities and sights, as well as brochures and maps; these services may also change.
Discover more destinations: Oxelösund, Nyköping, Eskilstuna, Vingåker, Trosa, Strängnäs, Gnesta, Flen.
For the overview of the wider region: Södermanland.
