|
Activities Lake Mälaren Roslagen Södertörn The archipelago Adventure |
Lake Mälaren There are few areas in Sweden which contain as many points of interest as the shores of Mälaren, the country's third largest lake. The Mälaren Valley abounds with historical sites (some well over a thousand years old), castles, palaces, and country manors, idyllic small towns, and picturesque old works. Three of the 400 sites designated as irreplaceable treasures on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are located around Lake Mälaren, right near Stockholm. Transportation is easy, by ferry, automobile, bus or train. North of Lake Mälaren
Little Sigtuna, located approximately 50 km north of Stockholm, is Sweden's oldest preserved
city. Its High Street has followed the same route for almost 1,000 years, and today, is a popular
place for a pleasant walk among picturesque wooden houses, garden cafes, small shops and art
and handicraft workshops. At the end of the street, you will find the Sigtuna Museum which
traces the town's development from the Viking Era to the present day. Sigtuna is a short ride
from Stockholm by bus or commuter railway. During the summer months, you can choose the
scheduled boat service, and spend three enchanting hours cruising Lake Mälaren.
North of Sigtuna is Uppsala, the university town where many Swedes spent their student days.
Uppsala University's best known alumnus is perhaps Carl Linneus, the founder of the modern
botany. Visit his house and garden in town, as well as his summer home and botanical gardens,
13 km from Uppsala. Uppsala Castle served both as a fortress, and as the home of several
members of Vasa Dynasty which ruled Sweden for several centuries. Today it features a wax
museum with various period settings. The Cathedral of Uppsala is the largest church in
Scandinavia.
The Uppland Works, with its lovely manor architecture and gardens, is well worth a visit, and
the Engelsberg Works, on the border of Västmanland Province is so distinctive that it has been
included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. South of Lake Mälaren
Closer to Stockholm is the Lövsta Iron Works founded by Huguenot refugees from France in the
seventeenth century. The oldest is Österby Works which inspired the artist Bruno Liljefors to
remain here and paint. Exhibits of his art are arranged at the Works each summer.
On the southern shores of Lake Mälaren, you will find Mariefred, an idyllic town of wooden
houses, dating back to the Middle Ages. Gripsholm Castle, the Museum Railway and Graphics
House are the three "musts" in town. There is steamboat service from Stockholm to Mariefred in
the summer, and boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in
Stockholm. Of course, you can travel by land, as well.
Lake Mälaren is connected to the Baltic Sea not just at Stockholm, but also through Södertälje
where a canal was built in 1819. Södertälje has attractions for the children such as the Sydpoolen
Water Park, the Museum, and Tom's Experiments, a science workshop where everything is
allowed. The Torekällberg Open Air Museum provides a picture of Södertälje before the great
changes of the Sixties, as well as plenty of handicraft workshops, exhibitions, markets and animals
to see. Tennis fans will not want to miss the famous garage wall where tennis great Björn Borg of
Södertälje hit his first serves at the beginning of his road to his world championships. The
commuter railway from Stockholm takes a half hour to Södertälje. The Viking City on Lake Mälaren In the middle of Lake Mälaren, on the little island of Björkö, stood an entire Viking city called Birka more than 1,000 years ago. This was the site of the mission of the German monk and missionary Ansgar, who came here to Christianise the inhabitants of Scandinavia. With the help of expert guides, the archaeological sites come alive and allow you to understand something of daily life in ancient Birka. Located among the lush trees on the island, you will find the new museum replete with models and reconstructions of Birka, and exhibits about Viking history and culture. There is boat service to Birka from Stockholm and Södertälje. Boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in Stockholm. Castles and Palaces around Lake Mälaren Ever since the days of the Vikings, life around Lake Mälaren has focused on trade and seafaring. On the shores of the lake, there is an unusual number of castles and palaces, both built for defence, and for amusement. Although the first castle dates back to the Middle Ages, the true golden age of castles and palaces here began in the sixteenth century, when King Gustav Vasa and his sons ruled Sweden. Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred is an example of the special Vasa Style, even though the history of the castle stretches back to the 1380's. In the eighteenth century, King Gustav Adolf III, began one of the largest portrait collections in Europe, which now totals over 4,000 works. Take the steamboat from Stockholm, and return by the Museum Railway and connecting train or bus. Boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in Stockholm. Sturehov, a palace built in eighteenth century Swedish style, is noted for its collection of tiled Marieberg stoves. Open Sundays from 12-16. Tel: 46 8 530 282 40. Take a coffee break, or eat lunch in the garden or at the cafe in one of the palace wings. The most well known palace in the Mälaren Valley, of course, is Drottningholm, which has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drottningholm is world- famous for its architecture, eighteenth century theatre and beautiful grounds. It is not difficult to understand why the Swedish Royal Family has chosen to make its home here. Boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in Stockholm. Rosersberg is a royal palace which features the some of the best preserved late eighteenth century interiors in Europe. The English Park provides a wonderful setting for walks. There is also a newly opened cafe near the palace. Boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in Stockholm.
Taxinge-Näsby Palace could justly be famous for its exquisite location, but Stockholm residents
know it mainly as "Cake Castle," thanks to the unbelievable buffet of cakes and pastries served in
the rooms of the palace. Don't miss the craftsmen and art exhibitions in the wings. This is your
chance to enjoy a great selection of the best of Swedish baking, while sitting in a beautiful palace. On the north shore of Lake Mälaren, on the way toward Uppsala, there is a well preserved and incredibly ornate baroque palace named Skokloster. Built in the 17th century, it contains Marshal Carl Gustaf Wrangel's extensive collections of art, textiles, furniture and weapons. Guided tours only. A boat trip from Sigtuna, or all the way from Stockholm, is the most enjoyable route. Boat tickets may be purchased in the Excursion Shop at Sweden House in Stockholm. Rosersberg Palace Rosersberg is a royal summer palace located in a lovely park on the shore of Lake Mälaren. Although officially belonging to members of the royal family, the palace has seldom been used by them for the past 137 years. This is one reason why Rosersberg, today, can boasts many of Europe�s best preserved Empire style interiors from 17951825. Guided tours. The English park offers a palace cafe. Price: SEK 130 Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace, the residence of Sweden� s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, has
the unique beautifully preserved 18th century theatre with original scenery that is still used in
productions today. The Chinese Palace, considered one of the finest Chinese�influenced
buildings in Europe, is also worth a visit. Daily departures every hour by boat. Price: SEK 70 |
| Top of page |
Skokloster Palace
This magnificent palace on the shore of Lake Mälaren is one of the best preserved baroque
palaces in Europe. It contains vast collections of art, furniture, weapons and porcelain. The
current exhibition focuses on the life of children in the period during which the palace was used
as a residence. Price: SEK 165 |