In Norrtälje, cultural and historical walking routes, art and nature destinations are close together. The Åpromenaden runs from Lake Lommaren to the harbour; archipelago boats operate from there during the summer months. There are also viewpoints overlooking the town and surrounding landscape, as well as places where you can explore industrial history. The focus you choose can shape the character of your stay: the river and the town’s history, nature within the town, or seasonal connections out onto the water.
Along the river and on to the beach
The Åpromenaden is an approximately 3-kilometre-long cultural and historical walking route along the Norrtäljeån. It runs from Lake Lommaren to the river’s mouth at Norrtälje harbour. Along the way, 36 signs point out historical sites in the town; recorded audio features provide information about the walking route. The route thus combines a riverside walk with insights into the town’s history.
Roslagsleden also passes through the town: Stage 7 runs through the residential area of Kvisthamra towards Kärleksudden. The centrally located bathing beach lies between Norrtäljeviken and Kvisthamraviken and has a sandy shore approximately 50 metres long. From Kärleksudden, Roslagsleden follows the waterfront promenade into the central areas of Norrtälje. You can treat the beach as a destination in its own right or include it in a route that leads from the residential area, past the water and into town.
Industrial history, art and historic buildings
The Pythagoras Industrial Museum preserves a former hot-bulb engine factory, complete with its office and workers’ apartment. The museum offers guided tours. It also includes Barnens Pythagoras, where the original engine factory is presented in a child-friendly way. The former smithy houses a café and a souvenir shop; check before your visit whether both will be open during your stay.
The Wallinska gårdarna are among Norrtälje’s surviving 18th-century buildings. Norrtälje Konsthall offers a different perspective on culture, with contemporary art by local, Swedish and international artists. In summer, Konst i Ån adds to the cultural offering: this recurring exhibition presents contemporary art in public spaces, along the Norrtäljeån and throughout the town. Those interested in the history of Norrtälje Church will encounter a distinctive local tradition: the church is said to have been Sweden’s first with electric lighting; 202 lamps were installed in 1902.
Green spaces and viewpoints
The Vigelsjö Nature Reserve lies directly next to Norrtälje. The municipality established it in 1998 to preserve natural areas close to town for recreation. Södra Bergen, a wooded hill area, lies south of the centre and offers views over the town’s rooftops, the harbour entrance, lakes and the surrounding landscape. An adapted, accessible route from Idrottsvägen leads to one of the viewpoints.
Close to the centre, Borgmästarholmen offers walking paths, varied nature and designated barbecue areas. Wildlife is also part of its character: a diverse range of birds can be found there year-round, including goldcrests and white-tailed eagles; otters are regular visitors. You can make your visit a nature walk or add wildlife watching.
Färsna gård combines a farm setting with animals, tractors, cultivated areas, and play and recreation spaces. The Tupplidret houses the farm café and a rest cabin. You can walk and get active in the natural surroundings at Färsna gård. This combination sets the farm apart from the riverside paths and viewpoints in town, without requiring a set itinerary.
Summer connections from the harbour
During the summer months, the archipelago boat services Norra Båtlinjen, Nord/Sydlinjen and S/S Blidösund operate from Norrtälje harbour. If a boat trip is part of your stay, check the operating days and operators before you travel. Together with the paths along the Norrtäljeån, these services offer a seasonal addition to the art, industrial heritage and nature on land.
Discover more destinations: Blidö, Edsbro, Vagnsunda, Gräddö, Svanberga, Södersvik, Yxlan, Spillarsboda.
For the main travel overview: Norrtälje.
