Hotel Bishops Arms Strängnäs

Strängnäs

Discover the little gem of Strängnäs on the southern shore of Sweden's third largest lake, Lake Mälaren, in beautiful Sörmland. Strängnäs' origins can be explained by its strategic location between inland Södermanland and the Mälaren Valley. The earliest traces of humans in the area date back to 6000 BC. Today, almost 14,000 inhabitants live here.

The cityscape is dominated by the cathedral on Kyrkberget.

There are many cosy restaurants and small shops as well as several of the big retail chains.

Museumsjernbane Mariefred - Taxinge

The Museumsjernbane Mariefred offers a unique journey into the past with its historic railway experience. It's known for operating vintage steam trains, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into historical rail travel. This museum is particularly appealing to those interested in railway history, engineering, and cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience into the golden age of railroads.

Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle

On a cheap mini break or weekend break in Sweden you can also experience another popular destination, Mariefred on Lake Mälaren. Here you can stroll through the old town, see the historic pier and visit Gripsholm Castle. Gripsholm Castle was built around 1370 by Bo Johansson Grip. After many alterations and additions, the castle took on its current appearance and became a castle under King Gustav Vasa in the 1500s. At the castle you can wander through the royal halls and even see Sweden's national portrait collection. You can also take a walk in the park and meet deer along the way. The House of Prints, the only museum devoted exclusively to prints in Sweden, is located in Gripsholm Kungsladugård. On a self-drive holiday, it's easy to get around and experience a lot. So try a car holiday and take the whole family on a great summer holiday.

Eskilstuna

Take a cheap car holiday and visit the city of Eskilstuna in Sörmland. Located on the Eskilstuna River, which connects lakes Hjälmaren and Mälaren, the town was a trading centre in the 1000s thanks to its strategic location. The name Eskilstuna is derived from the English monk and Sörmland saint St. Eskil. The centrally located Fors Church, the town's oldest, dates back to the mid-1000s.

Don't miss the Rademacher Forges, an open-air museum in the city centre where you'll find well-preserved houses from Reinhold Rademacher's 17th-century forge production. Traditional handicrafts can be bought in the area, which can be purchased on site. Take a cheap self-drive holiday and have a summer break in Sweden.

Gårdsbutikken Östra Malma

The farm shop Östra Malma has established what farm shops mean and sells only locally produced food and other products. The game meat from here is highly prized, so if it's game season and you're a cooking enthusiast, a visit is recommended. If you're looking for a lighter lunch, that's good too.

Malmköping

Take a trip to Sweden and discover Malmköping, a charming community in the middle of Södermåland with over 2,000 inhabitants. Archaeological traces of settlements dating back 5,000 years have already been found there, but the town was founded and grew most from the 18th century to the 1920s, when Södermanland's regiments used Malma Hed as a training ground. Plevnahöjden, is named after a Bulgarian town Pleven, where trenches were used for the first time - a concept taken up by the Swedish army and tested at Plevnahöjden.

The oldest parts of the Malma Church date from the 13th century. The church is relatively central. In addition, there is the Home Museum, Malmahed Museum and Tramway Museum to visit. An obvious destination on a self-drive holiday to Sweden.

Torshälla GK

Challenging but not too difficult, Torshälla GK's 18-hole course consists of nine holes that opened in 1961 and nine holes from 1993. The course consists of three different nature types, meadow, park and forest character. There is a seasonal golf restaurant serving lunch buffet and a la carte.

Sagostigen

Sagostigen is a fun nature trail with an amusement park. The area is primarily aimed at children aged 2-12 years. Along the trail there are models of castles and buildings from the famous classic sagas.

Anundshög

Discover one of the many historic sites on your driving holiday and stop at Anundshög. It's Sweden's largest burial mound at 9 metres high and 64 metres in diameter. The graves probably date from 500 to 700 AD and were used for sacrifices to their gods. The area was probably also inhabited already in the Stone Age and used for trade routes and waterways.

Stockholm

If you fancy a trip to the theatre, try the Royal Dramatic Theatre at Nybroplan or visit some of the smaller theatres on Söder. The Opera at Gustav Adolfs Torv is also worth a visit, not only for its performances but also for its beautiful architecture. The Globe regularly hosts major sporting events, concerts and shows.

If shopping is your thing, the area around Hötorget and Stureplan offers plenty of options, as does Götgatan on Söder. Don't miss a visit to the NK department store on Hamngatan.

From Stureplan you can walk down Birger Jarlsgatan, where you'll find Orrefors, Kosta Boda glass design and exclusive fashion boutiques. At the bottom of the street you'll find the beautiful national stage, Dramaten. Nybrokajen is just ahead, and here you will find all the ferries that can take you out into the archipelago.

If you want a bit more greenery, a walk by Kungliga Djurgården is recommended, or perhaps a stroll along Norr Mälarstrand. Långholmen is also a lovely oasis in the middle of the city. In summer, there are several places to swim in the city, both at Långholmen, Södermalm and Kungsholmen.

The Vasa Museum (near Skansen) is a great experience. Here you can learn about the people and the time around 1628, when the warship sank. Near the Vasa Museum is Junibacken, the Astrid Lindgren Museum in Stockholm - and it's not just for children.

Located on a small island in the city, Gamla Stan is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Nordic countries, with a lively environment, cosy restaurants and cafés, and exciting rummage shops with old weapons and orders - and with the castle on top.