Red signs mark a walking tour of Vingåker, introducing the town’s history through clothing, bodies and garment production. Another side of the past can be seen at Säfstaholm Castle: its history dates back to the early 17th century. From historical themes to nature experiences, you can discover different facets of the destination.
Castle Park, Local History and Craftsmanship
Cultural events and activities take place at Säfstaholm Castle, some run by the municipality and others in collaboration with different organizations. Individual events may vary. The castle is set in an English-style landscape park with large ponds. It invites you to take a relaxing break, go for a walk or enjoy a picnic. If you are interested in local cultural history, you will find a tangible connection to the region’s apple-growing tradition here, as well as the castle: the protected parent tree of the Säfstaholm apple is over 200 years old.
Västra Vingåker Church also tells a story of the past. Its origins date back to the 14th century, and it is one of Sweden’s largest rural churches. These different traces of the past—from the medieval church to the castle and the history of clothing and garment production—offer culture enthusiasts several starting points for exploration.
In Högsjö, the Högsjö Industrial Museum focuses on the area’s textile history. It is housed in the so-called White School, a building dating from 1785. Visits are offered to the public and to groups by appointment. As visitor arrangements may change, check visiting options before your trip.
Thorslundkagge offers another opportunity to experience traditional craftsmanship, with guided tours of its cooperage. Whisky tastings are also offered, featuring drinks aged in the company’s own wooden barrels. If you would like to join a tour or tasting, check in advance whether it is available on your chosen date.
Forests, Pastures and Trails
Igelbålen Nature Reserve is known for its many beautiful orchids. Its landscape includes a lake, marshland, a floating bog, pasture and forest. A marked circular trail is about 5 kilometres long and starts at the southern car park. Trail details may change slightly due to maintenance work, so take this into account when planning your visit.
The Tomsängen Loop crosses a tree-lined pasture to an Iron Age burial ground, continues to Lake Högsjön and then returns. It is about 2 kilometres long and takes around 45 minutes to walk. Cows graze in the Tomsängen pasture in summer. Grävsjön rundt follows the shore of Lake Grävsjön and is longer, at about 4 kilometres.
Lake Tisnaren adds another dimension to the landscape as a clear-water lake covering 39 square kilometres. Igelbålen is known for its orchids and varied habitats, while Grävsjön rundt follows the lakeshore; Lake Tisnaren offers another clearly defined natural area to explore.
Routes and Seasonal Experiences
If you are interested in mountain biking trails, you can compare Hjorten, at about 3 kilometres, with Ekorren, at about 1 kilometre. The Båsenberga mountain biking facility also has a skills trail. There is a 2.5-kilometre illuminated trail in the Båsenberga recreation area. Båsenbergabacken has four downhill runs, and skiing is seasonal. The route lengths can help you compare the trails, but do not indicate their difficulty.
Plan Your Journey
Trains run from Vingåker station to other destinations, mainly operated by Mälartåg. Operators and timetables may change, so it is recommended that you check the latest timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Vingåker, Högsjö, Nyköping, Eskilstuna, Katrineholm, Gnesta, Strängnäs, Flen.
Return to the main travel guide: Södermanland.
