Södertälje Voyage Tips and guide

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Södertälje, (sometimes referred to by its historical name Tälje or Telge), is a city in the province of Södermanland and Stockholm County in Sweden. Many visit the city for attractions like the science centre Tom Tits and the open air museum Torekällberget. Södertälje is home to truck manufacturer Scania and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, meaning it also receives a lot of business travellers. While 73,000 people live in the city (as of 2019), the municipality Södertälje kommun has around 100,000 inhabitants in total. This article also covers the nearby municipality of Nykvarn.

Around 1500 - 400 BC, the strait between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea narrowed due to the post-glacial rebound. That boats henceforth had to be towed over the sand ridge created job opportunities. Trade and service emerged. The first time Södertälje is mentioned in historical sources was in 1070 when Adam of Bremen mentions the town in a description of the road between Skara and Birka in his work Gesta Hammaburgensis Ecclesiae pontificum. Södertälje received city privileges in the 1300s. The castle Telge Hus was built at Slottsholmen during the 1300s.

The city was called Tälje (several spellings are known; including Telge, Talje, Tælga) until 1622, when the prefix “Söder” (English: South) was added to distinguish from the then recently founded town of Norrtälje, which is 110 km northeast of the city. Statistics Sweden started using the modern spelling in 1900. You will find many establishments in town still use one of the older spellings or the shortened name Telge.

The city first used St. Olof in its coat of arms. In the beginning of the 17th century he was replaced by Ragnhild of Tälje (Swedish: Sankta Ragnhild). After her pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem, her relics are said to have been buried in Södertälje. She is depicted on many buildings, and her name is often used on businesses and places.

In the 1800s, Södertälje became a seaside resort. In 1849 the Södertälje Bathing Facilities in Badparken park was opened, with both a cold bath facility and a hot bath house. The bathhouses and the Societetshus venue have been demolished, but the Bath hotel at Järnagatan street, Strandhotellet hotel, Stadsparken park, Villa Bellevue and several other buildings still remain from the resort era, which lasted for almost a hundred years until 1945.

The tradition of selling the local pretzels Södertäljekringlor is several hundred years old, but has its heyday during the resort era. They were typically sold by older women, often referred to as Kringelgummumor (English: Pretzel ladies). Sale of pretzels was predominantly done to tourists, and especially at the city’s railway stations. The sale of pretzels, among other aspects of the resort town, was described in the magazine Svenska Familj-Journalen (English: Swedish Family Journal) in 1881. The pretzels are hard to come by today, very few bakeries in Södertälje sell them today.

Around the turn of the century several large factories were established in the city, most notably Astra (1913) and VABIS, Vagnfabriks-Aktiebolaget in Södertelge (1891), today called Scania AB. The 1960s saw a major upgrade of the city centre. Many of the historic buildings were moved to Torekällberget, which is one of the most popular places to visit in the city today.

During the 1960s, the large corporations in the city were in high demand of labour and many foreign workers from Finland, but also Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia settled. During the 1970s, immigration from Finland declined, while many Assyrians (or Syriacs) settled in Södertälje. At the end of the 1990s, many Iraqis arrived, and now constitute the largest immigrant group. The diverse immigration means you can find all sorts of food at the city’s restaurants.

Many of the city’s modern attractions were built in the 1980s. A museum based on the book La Science Amusante by French writer Arthur Good was built. The museum is called Tom Tits Experiment after the author’s pen name Tom Tit. The new bath house Sydpoolen opened in 1987, and is now one of the most visited bathing facilities in the country.

There are plenty of opportunities to get to Södertälje. The city is a railway hub, and the motorways E4 and E20 pass through the city.

Södertälje does not have an airport of its own. It is however easy to get to the city from the airports that serve Stockholm.

See Stockholm Arlanda Airport for details on the airport.

59.648817.93611 Arlanda Airport (ARN ^IATA) 75 km north of Södertälje is Sweden's largest airport, and the destination for most flights to Sweden. It has several terminals. Travelling between Arlanda and Södertälje can be done by several means;

• SJ trains provide the fastest connection. A national train from Arlanda C to Södertälje Syd takes 43 minutes. You need to pay a special airport supplement in addition to the ticket price.
• Take the SL Pendeltåg commuter train from Arlanda C to Södertälje C. Journey time approximately 1 hr 25 min. You need to pay a special airport supplement in addition to the ticket price.
• A taxi from Arlanda to Södertälje can be costly, but could be justifiable if several people share. Make sure to ask for a fixed price before you start the ride. The local taxi company Södertälje Taxi sometimes has special prices from Arlanda if they should already have a car nearby. Call and ask. See the Taxi section under Get Around.
• See the airport's webpage^{[dead link]} for information on car rental at Arlanda Airport.

59.355417.94582 Bromma Airport, (BMA ^IATA) a smaller airport mainly used for domestic flights, but also Aarhus, Helsinki and Brussels. From Bromma Airport to Södertälje; take the Airport Coach to Stockholm central station, and change to a train that stops in Södertälje. A taxi is also an option, albeit more expensive.

58.78516.92143 Skavsta Airport (NYO ^IATA) is located 70 km southwest of Södertälje. The airport is mostly only used by Wizzair. Even Ryanair operates from Arlanda Airport nowadays. In spite of the relative proximity, getting from Skavsta to Södertälje might be a bit difficult.

• Take local bus 515 to Nyköping busstation. There you change to a train that calls at Södertälje Syd.
• Car rental is available at the airport. Driving to Södertälje takes around 45 minutes.
• A taxi from Skavsta to Södertälje can be costly, but will save quite a bit of time. The cost could be justifiable if several people share. Make sure to ask for a fixed price before you start the ride. The local taxi company Södertälje Taxi sometimes has special prices from Skavsta if they should already have a car nearby. Call and ask. See the Taxi section under Get Around.

Given the many railways that go to or through Södertälje, services are both frequent and diverse. International trains from cities like Oslo and Copenhagen call in Södertälje, in addition to local, regional and national services. There are four stations within the urban area of the city: Södertälje C (central station), Södertälje Syd, Södertälje Hamn and Östertälje. Most visitors are likely to mainly use two of them.

• Södertälje Syd; 59°09′45″N 17°38′44″E.
  The railway station for international and domestic trains. This is likely to be your first port of call should you arrive by train from Denmark/Copenhagen (5 hour journey) and continental Europe. InterCity trains from Oslo/Norway take around 5h 30min. High speed trains from Gothenburg and other major domestic cities also call here. Located outside the city centre, taka a local bus or SL Pendeltåg commuter train in to the centre of Södertälje.
  The station only has a small convenience store. There is no staffed ticket sales; but vending machines are available.
• Södertälje C (nowadays short for Södertälje Centrum, but locals usually refer to it by its previous name Södertälje Central Station or simply “Centralen”); 59°11′30″N 17°37′40″E.
  This station is only used by two lines of the SL Pendeltåg commuter trains. Useful if you get in from Stockholm, Arlanda Airport or the small town of Gnesta. Contains two old station buildings worth seeing. The red staion building was designed by Adolf Wilhelm Edelsvärd and opened as early as 1860. The yellow station building was drawn by Folke Zettervall and was completed 1917.
  Several convenience stores, cafés and dining options are available. There is staffed ticket sales and vending machines available, but tickets sold are only valid in the SL network.

The E4 and E20 Motorways have their southern fork after which they form separate roads at Saltskog junction in Södertälje. Other major roads passing through the city are Riksväg 1 (to Trosa and further south), and Länsväg 225 (to Nynäshamn via Ösmo). Riksväg 57 (to Katrineholm via Flen) also begins in Södertälje.

• Copenhagen: 6 hr 30min, 625 km
• Oslo: 5 hr 45 min, 480 km
• Stockholm: 45 min, 37 km
• Gothenburg: 5 hr, 475 km

Flixbus and several long distance bus companies call either at Södertälje Syd, or outside of the New City Hall behind Södertälje C station.

There are Sörmlandstrafiken buses from Trosa and Mariefred. SL operate buses from Stockholm (Liljeholmen terminal).

Arriving by boat can be a scenic way of getting to Södertälje. The Södertälje Canal (Swedish: Södertälje kanal) is a canal connecting the lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea, and goes right through Södertälje. It is 5.2 km long, and it has one lock. The size of this lock is the largest in Scandinavia by allowed ship size. The water level difference between Mälaren and the Baltic Sea is not large, on average 0.6 m (2 ft). This is the main shipping route into the lake Mälaren.

• Södertälje Gästhamn; Saltsjögatan 21, 151 71. Tel: +46 708 94 39 45
  Moor your boat at Södertälje Gästhamn guest port. Has full facilities for boaters including nearby boat petrol station, toilets and showers and boat washing capabilities. Also has a small convenience store.
  Södertälje Gästhamn also has a popular restaurant, overlooking the canal. Sometimes they do live music and barbecue nights during the summer season.

See also: Public transport in Stockholm County

There are plenty of ways to make your way around Södertälje.

Due to Södertälje's location close to a county border, both SL and Sörmlandstrafiken operate buses in the city. The city bus network consists of around fifteen bus lines. They use Södertälje C (the Central Railway Station) as hub. Before Järnagatan street became pedestrian buses generally used that route through the city centre. Most now take Nygatan street. Köpmangatan is also a useful bus hub in the city centre. In addition to regular city buses, there are special services adapted to pensioners and people with disabilities known as Närtrafiken buses. Night services operate all night both weekends and weekdays. The city is served by two circular night bus routes, one on each side of the canal.

If you don’t plan to travel extensively, one way tickets can be purchased on SL buses using a contactless Mastercard, Visa or American Express card. Note that only contactless payment is accepted (there is no option to swipe a magnetic strip). Cash payment is not accepted. Mobile phone tickets are also available (using the SL app), as well as paper tickets from vending machines and certain convenience stores. A single ticket allows free transfers within 75 minutes.

All SL services also use an integrated ticket system with an RFID card called SL Access which triggers electronic readers. A card can be bought at the ticket booth at Södertälje C station, or Pressbyrån at Stortorget square. Some smaller convenience stores sell them too.

Multi-ride passes are available for 24 hours, 72 hours and 30 days, and allow unrestricted rides on all buses, and trains county-wide.

SL Tickets are sometimes accepted on Sörmlandstrafiken as well; see link^{[dead link]}.

Taxis are rather expensive. Even worse is the fact that some small dodgy operators charge high prices. The antidote is to always check the black and yellow price sticker on the rear window. The price shown in large digits is the maximum (for instance during night hours) fare for a 10 km, 15 minute journey and reputable companies charge around 300 kr for this. The price can legally be up to 499 kr; if the sticker shows a much higher price, stay away or be ripped off. The taxi market is deregulated, making it considerably easier to find a taxi, but the downside is that the rip-offs aren't even illegal, just "supply and demand"! Ask for fixed prices if you go to or from airports.

• Södertälje Taxi; ☏ +46 8 550 200 00. The largest local taxi company.
• TaxiKurir Södertälje; {{phone|+46 8 550 333 33. A large national company, with local fleet of taxis in Södertälje.

Most sights are within walking distance. Due to its topography, walking North/South is often fairly flat. Walking Badparken-Marenplan-Stortorget-Tom Tits Experiment is a nice long level stretch of streets as they all go along the canal. The sides of the canal are mountainous, meaning walking to Torekällberget from the central parts is steep uphill. Keep this in mind when planning your walk.

During the period from the 1800s to 1945, Södertälje was a popular seaside resort town. Many old bath villas and summer houses still exist. The grandest building that still stands is the old Bath Hotel Badhotellet. It was built 1899, drawn by architect Edward Ohlsson.

One of the most noticeable private villas is Villa Bellevue. It was built in 1871 by the royal pastry chef Davidsson, after drawings by architect Ernst Jacobsson. Villa Bellevue is located on the border between the city centre and the centrally located neighbourhood of Mariekälla, which is named after one of the city's water springs. On Parkgatan, which is a parallel street to the district's main street Mariekällgatan, lies Villa Walhall. The villa was built in 1875 by engineer Ludvig Jerving. Villa Walhall and Villa Bellevue were considered so typical of the resort town Södertälje that they were described and depicted in a series of articles in the magazine Svenska Familj-Journalen in 1881.

• 59.191717.61611 Torekällbergets museum, Kvarnbacken 8, ☏ +46 8 523 014 22. Colloquially referred to as just “Torekällberget” or simply “Berget” with the city museum Södertälje Stadsmuseum, is one of the most popular sights to visit in the city. The museum first opened in 1929 when the landmark windmill and a few other buildings were moved to the site. In connection with the redevelopment of the city centre in 1961, many old buildings were moved to Torekällberget. The museum is divided into the environments "Staden" (English: the City) and "Landet" (English: the Countryside). The urban environment is built around the main square Tenngjutartorget, where markets often are held. The square is surrounded by buildings from the 1700-1800s. Several species of domestic animals are kept at the museum. The environment conveys a picture of life in rural farms around Södertälje in the 1800s and earlier. There is also a stage where ballroom dancing and performances are often arranged during the summer months.  

• Södertälje stadsmuseum; Tenngjutartorget, 151 45. ☏ +46 8 523 014 22
  The city museum, located at the main square at Torekällberget. Tennis fans will be excited to see the garage door that Björn Borg used to perfect his skills as a young aspiring player while growing up in the streets just below the museum.
• Marcus Wallenberg-hallen; Vagnmakarvägen 2, 15132. 59° 10′ 57″ N 17° 38′ 17″ E. ☏ +46 8 553 825 00
  The vehicle museum situated by Saltskogsfjärden, next to the headquarters of Scania AB. The museum is named after the industrialist Marcus Wallenberg Jr. The collections include several older vehicles and environments; like the first mass produced car in Sweden from 1903. It also features railway cars that were owned by the Swedish State Railways, used between the late 1800s until the early 1900s. Exhibited objects have been restored to their original condition. A little less than half of the museum consists of newer vehicles manufactured during the 2000s.

• Saltskog gård; Förvaltarvägen 53, 151 47. ☏ +46 8 550 665 07
  Saltskog manor was the home of the industrialist and mecenate Carl Fredrik Liljevalch. Today it serves as a museum. The farm dates back to the 16th century. Liljevalch acquired it in 1881. Previously, the farm had been owned by the families Lovisin, Gyllenstierna, Dufva and Tamm. Liljevalch did however became the first to actually settle there permanently. He took an active part in the daily activities on the farm, and aspired that Saltskog gård would serve as a textbook example of ideal farming. He undertook extensive renovations of the farm and the estates to make them a cultural centre filled with art. An extension was made to the main building; and a smaller villa was added, together with a barn, stables and outhouses. The garden contains several unusual species of trees and is designed as an English landscape garden. Two new commemorative rune stones were carved. Today, the manor is run by a non-profit association. They have restored much of the premises in their original condition. There are several artist studios and exhibition halls. Concerts, lectures and exhibitions are held all year round. During the summer season, theatre is also performed in the gardens.
• Wendela Hebbes hus; Vettersgatan 4, 151 71
  Wendela Hebbes hus (English: Wendela Hebbe’s house) is a museum of Wendela Hebbe, who was the first female professional journalist in Sweden. She became employed at the newspaper Aftonbladet in 1841, where she wrote about theatre and music, and translated books. Besides being a journalist, she also wrote fairy tales. The building is a yellow wooden house, with two floors. It first stood at Snäckviken, close to the headquarters of Astra AB. The property was purchased by Lars Johan Hierta in 1863 to serve as a summer house for Wendela, her daughter Signe and the jointly unrecognised son Edvard Faustman. After being acquired by Södertälje Municipality it was moved to its present location between the canal and Marenplan in the city centre, and underwent extensive renovations. The venue houses a restaurant and a museum section with furniture and paintings from the Hebbe and Faustman families. It also acts as a cultural centre, hosting theatres and exhibitions.

• Södertälje Konsthall; Storgatan 15, 151 72. ☏ +46 8 523 022 60
  Södertälje Konsthall (English: Södertälje Hall of Arts) showcases various exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and other artistic installations. The museum opened in 1968, and relocated to its current premises in Luna in 1978.
• Biologiska Museet; Erik Dahlbergs väg 1-4. ☏ +46 8 523 014 22
  The Museum of Biology was donated to the city by patron Carl Fredrik Liljevalch. The building is in Art Nouveau style, and located on Erik Dahlbergs road. It opened to the public in 1913, thus making it the oldest museum in the city. The exhibitions were created by Gustaf Kolthoff and his son Kjell Kolthoff, and show animals and birds from the province of Sörmland (where Södertälje is located) in their natural environments. In total, there are over 100 different species on display. Kjell Kolthoff painted the large dioramas that have remained to this day. The museum was completely renovated and reopened in 1983.
  Open on appointment only.

• Oktoberteatern; Slussgatan 1, 151 71. ☏ +46 8 550 370 70
  Södertälje's primary theatre is Oktoberteatern at Marenplan, which has several new productions each year. The venue opened in 1928. It originally contained a cinema called Castor, but was turned in to a theatre after a renovation in 1984.
• Södertälje Stadsscen; Nyköpingsvägen 26, 151 32
  The stages Estrad and Trombon at the City Hall often show theatre as well as concerts and film. A recurring tradition in Södertälje is the local revue Täljerevyn, which makes humorous cabarets about the city, local traits and politics every year.
  Box office on site opens 45 minutes prior to each show.
• Teatteri Kipinä; Östergatan 31, 152 43
  Sweden's only professional Finnish-language theatre group. Performances also in Swedish.

Taking a stroll along the canal is hugely popular among locals. The old towpaths along the canal were one used by horses and men to drag boats along. Today, they are pedestrian paths. Get up early and go for a morning jog before breakfast and watch both large and small boats pass.

• Södertälje Kanalmuseum, Vänortsparken.
  Not quite an actual museum in spite of its name. The Canal Museum is a series of nine plaques around Vänortsparken Park describing the history of the canal. As it is outdoors, it can be visited at hours where other museums are not open.

• 58.95027817.5844442 Tullgarn Palace, 610 74 Vagnhärad, ☏ +46 8-551 720 11. A royal summer palace at the very southernmost edge of Södertälje Municipality. Built in the 1720s, the palace offers a mixture of rococo, Gustavian and Victorian styles. The interior design is regarded as one of Sweden's finest. Tullgarn Palace is mainly associated with King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria, who spent their summers here at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. However, the palace was built for Duke Fredrik Adolf in the 1770s. Since Tullgarn was a popular summer palace amongst Swedish royalty, the palace houses fine examples of interiors from different epochs and personal styles, such as the small drawing room, decorated in the 1790s, the breakfast room in southern German Renaissance style from the 1890s and Gustav V's cigar room, which has remained largely untouched since his death in 1950. Open during the summer season only. Can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Reserve a spot on a tour to avoid having to wait should the one you plan to attend be full.  
• Taxinge Palace; Näsby 52, 155 93 Nykvarn. ☏ +46 159 701 14
  Popular to visit for its cafe. The Ingmar Bergman film Cries and Whispers was filmed in and around the mansion.

• Sankta Ragnhilds Kyrka; Stortorget - Mälaregatan 4-6, 151 71. ☏ +46 8 550 913 50
  Sankta Ragnhilds Kyrka (English: Church of Ragnhild of Tälje) from the 1100s-1300s. It is the main church in Södertälje parish in the Diocese of Strängnäs. After many renovations, the church is today a large building with three arches. The oldest parts consist of grey brick walls that comprise the lower parts of the bell tower and the two westernmost compartments of the longhouse. Renovations were made after the city fire in 1650. Further additions were made in the 1670s, when the Cronberg-Hackerska choir in the middle of the southern wall. It was probably designed by Erik Dahlbergh, and is now used as a baptismal chapel. During the fires during the Russian Pillage of 1719–21, it was one of few buildings that survived. A major restoration under the direction of architect B. Romare took place between 1960 and 1961. A few years after this, two of the windows next to the baptismal chapel received new stained glass windows by F. Heybrock. The exterior of the church was repaired in 1986 - 87, with the facades partially receiving their current colour scheme.

• The Holmfast Inscriptions; Holmfastvägen 18, 151 34.
  Holmfastvägen road begins in the city's central parts, and connects to the area Geneta in the western parts of the city. The road was built all the way to Näsby, next to Lake Måsnaren. It was built during the 11th century, thus marking the early importance of the area around Södertälje. A large runic inscription called the Holmfast Inscriptions (Swedish: Holmfastristningen) describe the construction by Viking Holmfast, including reinforcing the land and building bridges. Archaeologists find it likely that Holmfast's old bridges remain under the roadway. Around the engraving, which is located in close proximity to the road, have today been cleaned up and put up signs from the Swedish National Heritage Board with translations of the inscription.

• Telge Hus; Ragnhildsborgsvägen, 152 50.
  Castle ruins. The castle Telge Hus was built at Slottsholmen during the 1300s. From here, Telgehus county was administered between the years 1318 and 1527. The county included Öknebo, Hölebo and parts of Svartlösa districts. Archaeological excavations have shown that the castle was surrounded by a moat. It is still partially visible on Slottsholmen's north-western shore.
  No admission, and accessible 24 hours. Closest SL bus stop: Ragnhildsborgsvägen (long walk from the bus to the castle)

• Badparken; Källgatan 9, 151 33.
  The old centre of the seaside resort era. The bathhouses and the Societetshus venue have been demolished. Tennis player Björn Borg grew up on Torekällgatan street right next to the park, and his house has a commemorative plaque. There are tennis courts and a playground for children. The spring Tore Källa lies quite hidden in the park.

• Stadsparken; Lovisinsgatan-Slatsjögatan.
  The current park was built 1910, but older maps show that there was a park at the location earlier. Contains a Pétanque court, a stage and several statues.

• Solspann; Östra Kanalgatan 2, 152 71.
  Statues designed by polish sculpture Władysław Hasior. The symbolise the suns journey in the sky. Since the sculptures were commissioned in 1972 they have become a noticeable symbol from the canal. Consists of six horses in total.
• Vänortsparken, Slussgatan 151 71.
  Park by the canal, dedicated to Södertälje’s sister cities.

• Scaniarinken arena; Genetaleden 1, 151 21. ☏ +46 8 554 206 50
  Sports arena with a capacity of 6 200. Home to the ice hockey team Södertälje SK. Opened in 1970.

• Södertälje Fotbollsarena; Genetaleden 3, 151 59. ☏ +46 8 523 060 00
  Multi-purpose stadium. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Assyriska FF and Syrianska FC. The stadium was built in 2005 and has a capacity for 6,400 people.

• Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna; Pl 1800, 153 91 Järna. ☏ +46 8 554 302 02
  One of the most popular cultural centre around the city is Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna (English: The Cultural Centre in Ytterjärna). The complex houses a theatre, café, conference rooms and offices. It opened in 1992, and won second prize for Sweden's most popular modern building in 2001. During construction, special attention was paid to the acoustics of the premises, which has resulted in many concerts being held here. The concert hall has about 500 seats, and together with other anthroposophical activities receives about 30,000 visitors annually. Other cultural activities include exhibitions on architecture and garden art.

• Tom Tits Experiment; Storgatan 33, 151 36. Tel: +46 8 550 225 02
  Take part in experiments and learn about physics and chemistry. Södertälje is home to a large science museum based on the book La Science Amusante by French writer Arthur Good. The museum is called Tom Tits Experiment after the author’s pen name Tom Tit. It started as a temporary exhibition at Södertälje Hall of Arts (Swedish: Södertälje Konsthall), but became so popular that it was turned in to a permanent museum. The museum is located in an old industrial building at Storgatan street. Today, it is the largest Science centre in Sweden. It occupies four floors, and has a park that is open during the summer season. The exhibitions contain more than 400 science experiments. Tom Tits Experiment received around 190 000 visitors 2018.
  There is a lot to see and do so you can easily spend a whole day. Suitable for children. Café on site.
• Sydpoolen; Östra Kanalgatan 2, 152 71. Tel: +46 8 554 428 00
  One of the country’s largest bath houses. A must do for families. The adventure pool has two water slides, a wave machine, artificial streams and a children's playground. Other facilities include a gym, exercise pools, therapy pools, whirlpools, baby play areas and a swimming school for both children and adults. During the middle of 2000, large parts of the complex were renovated.

• S/S Ejdern; Falkvägen 13, 152 70. Tel: +46 8 550 110 20
  Take a day cruise on the canal with the world's oldest propeller-driven steamship which still has its original engine; S/S Ejdern. It was originally built by Götaverken in Gothenburg in 1880. During its first years, Ejdern operated in the Gothenburg archipelago, Lake Roxen, and several ports in central Sweden. Since 1906, it has had its home port in Södertälje. The first route from the port in Södertälje was to Mörkö , and cargo hauls in eastern Lake Mälaren . Between 1914 and 1957, the boat had one single owner; Rickard Fredmark. He sold the boat to the City of Södertälje. At that time, the ship was unprofitable and in very poor condition. The city subsequently decided that the boat was to be scrapped. In 1964 the boat was donated to an association for the preservation of old boats. Enthusiasts of this particular vessel broke out and formed Museiföreningen Ångfartyget Ejdern (English: The Museum Association S/S Ejdern), who still own the boat today. Since 1976 they operate museum routs around Södertälje. From 1984, the boat is once again coal powered. S/S Ejdern has a capacity of 90 people, and often operates the route to Adelsö and Viking city Birka.

• Parkourparken; Östra Kanalgatan 2, 152 71. Tel: +46 8 523 010 00
  Try Parkour and freerunning.
  Outdoors, open 24 hours
• Skateparken; Östra Kanalgatan 1, 152 71. Tel: +46 8 523 010 00
  Park for skateboard and inlines.
  Outdoors, open 24 hours

Winter sports may not be the first thing that people associate with Södertälje, but the city is equipped with both alpine and cross-country skiing facilities. Generally open when the weather permits (when there is sufficient snow, or temperatures are low enough to make artificial snow).

• Ragnhildsborgsbacken; Mälarbadsvägen, 152 50. Tel: +46 8 550 171 80
  Södertälje's alpine facility. Equipped with a lift, snow cannons, coffee/waffle-hut, and a ski- and snowboard school. Two green and one blue pistes; the longest being 500 metres.
  Call and ask about opening hours.
• Tveta cross country ski; Tvetaberg 35, 151 66. Tel: +46 8-550 980 25
  Several log run tracks. Södertälje-Nykvarn's Orientation Club manages the facilities. Equipped with two illuminated tracks that can be used outside of daylight hours. Sauna with winter bath. Small café offering coffee, waffles, sausages, etc. open on weekends during the winter season. Possibility to rent skates and be able to try ice-skating when the weather permits and the ice carries. Dressing room available.

Most retail shopping is available in the city centre; predominantly on Storgatan and Järnagatan streets, but also adjacent areas. The Kringlan department store was one of the first modern department stores when it opened in 1965. The name ‘Kringlan’ (English: The Pretzel) is a reference to the long lasting local tradition of selling pretzels in Södertälje. Other department stores include Luna and Telgehuset. Retail shopping outside the city centre is mainly located in Moraberg on the eastern side of the canal, as well as Vasa Handelsplats in the western part.

Systembolaget is the state-owned monopoly liquor store. This is where you go if you want to buy a bottle of wine or spirits or beer stronger than approx. 3% alcohol (not sold in supermarkets). They operate in two locations; Luna at Storgatan in the centre, and Vasa Handelsplats retail park.

Convenience stores are plentiful. Most are intipendently onwed, and have a varying stock of items bypassers might need. Pressbyrån is an exception; belonging to a chain they also sell tickets not available elsewhere. Pressbyrån stores are available on Södertälje central railway station and Stortorget main square.

Södertälje has a wide array of restaurants to suit any palate. During the summer months locals flock at restaurants with outdoor patios; especially around Lake Maren.

• Lion Bar; Järnagatan 8, 151 72. Tel: +46 73 438 98 96
  One of few budget places that isn’t a fast food place. Expect to get full, but not Michelin star cooking. Try the Swedish pub specialty Plankstek; beef, mash potatoes, tomatoes and sauce béarnaise served on a wooden platter. Lion Bar is also a good place to go drinking on a budget.
• Antika Restaurant; Nygatan 27 B, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 38 88 38
  Arabic foods, shawarma, coffee and baklawa.
• Kebab Palatset; Järnagatan 10, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 550 290 32
  Turkish style fast food place. Kebab, burgers and other fast food courses.
• Parn Thai; Nygatan 27B, 151 73. +46 8 550 413 75
  Thai Food. Can make dishes more or less spicy depending on your preference. Does not have an outdoor patio in the summer.
• Joe's Grill & Pizza; Storgatan 1, 151 72. +46 8 550 888 83
  Just like the name says; grilled courses like burgers and gyros are alongside pizzas on the menu. The only budget place with a view of Lake Maren from its patio.

• Lilla Styrbjörn; Jovisgatan 2, 151 71. Tel: +46 8 408 088 99
  Swedish and international dishes. Also good fish options; including char and turbot.
• Ritz Grillbistro & Bar; Järnagatan 4, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 550 77 10 07
  Mediterranean and international kitchen. A wide array of steaks on offer. Also a good option for lunch. Ritz has a large outdoor patio in the summer season.
• Mira Mar; Strandgatan 10 (Marenplan), 151 71. Tel: +46 8 550 321 20
  Swedish food meets Lebanese. Generally something for everyone, so can accommodate larger groups and make most happy. Great patio overlooking Lake Maren makes it a must during the summer.
• Jumeirah; Badhusgatan 3, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 550 868 55
  Lebanese mezze restaurant. Chose from the mezze courses on the menu, or order a tasting menu of around 5 or 7 hot plus 5 or 7 cold dishes.
• Chez Massouh; Storgatan 1, 151 72. Tel: +46 70 026 11 93
  Fish restaurant. Sometimes they have live music in the evenings.
• Mas Que tapas; Järnagatan 8, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 99 95 52
  Mainly tapas, but also some Spanish main courses. Order a variety of small tapas for the table and share.

• La Cantina; Nygatan 2, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 550 666 00
  Italian and international restaurant. Try one of their set menus to sample well-made Italian cooking. Cosy venue, suitable for a romantic date.
• Glashyttans Värdshus; Näsets Udde - Badvägen 31, 151 38. Tel: +46 8 550 133 10
  Seaside restaurant serving specialties like venison and char. Not walkable from the city centre nor well connected by public transportation, so order a taxi. Only Hotel Torpa Pensionat is on walking distance.
• Ristorante Barolo; Slussgatan 7, 151 71. +46 8 550 683 00
  International menu with an Italian twist. Located in the Sorbon villa between Marenplan and the Canal it has a great view from its patio during the summer. In the winter, the cosy interior adds to the experience.

Swedes have fika, meaning "coffee break", often with pastries. To fika is a social institution in the country and the practice of taking a break with a beverage and snack is widely accepted as central to Swedish life. Join the locals at one of Södertälje’s cafés – they are plentiful.

• Konditori Bellevue; Torekällberget, 151 45. Tel: +46 8 523 014 22
  Traditional konditorei in a building from the middle of the 1800’s. Takes you back to the seaside resort era of Södertälje, as the building originally used to be located in the Badparken Bath Park. Traditional pastries and lunches.

• Wayne's Coffee; Gamla Rådhuset; Stortorget, 151 71. Tel: +46 8 550 105 20
  Chain café with contemporary cappuccinos and muffins. Located in the old town hall, the building itself can make it worth the visit. Patio overlooking Stortorget Main Square in the summer months.
• Tidermans Konditori; Järnagatan 12, 151 72. Tel: +46 8 550 160 30
  Contemporary pastries and lunches. Located close to the central railway station, making it convenient if you plan to catch a bus or train after. Indoor venue only. Tidermans is a local chain, with a few other branches around Södertälje.
• Café Tratten; Storgatan 21, 151 72 Tel: +46 8 550 610 65
  Café and light lunches in one of the oldest buildings in the city. Many seats upstairs, as well as in the courtyard during the summer season.

• Hebbevillan, Vänortsparken - Vettersgatan 4, 151 71. Tel: +46 8-550 878 78
  Whilst predominantly a café, food and alcohol are also served. Especially popular during the summer, as it is located right by the canal. Watch boats go by and in to the locks.

The areas around Järnagatan, Marenplan, and the whole town centre have plenty of drinking opportunities. Swedish alcohol laws stipulate that all places serving alcohol must also serve food. Hence, these venues are also restaurants. Places listed here are especially good for drinking.

• Caesar's; Gästgivaregatan 3, 151 71. Tel: +46 8 550 639 97
  Convenient location at Stortorget Main Square. Large venue, with plenty of food and drinks on offer. Moved to its present venue 2021 after having been located at Marenplan many years.
• Templet Bar & Café; Södertälje C - Stationsplan 3, 151 32. Tel: +46 8 550 359 59
  Bar at the Central railway station. Popular place for locals to meet up before heading to other parties, given its close proximity to public transportation.
• Limerick Bar & Grill; Köpmangatan 5, 151 71. Tel: +46 8 550 126 08
  Bar serving pub food.
• Old Gravediggers Inn; Mälaregatan 10, 151 71. Tel: +46 8 550 631 83
  Located behind Sankta Ragnhild church, this pub has plenty of beers on tap. Hosts the hard rock club “Sinners”.

• Club Maren; Slussgatan 3, 151 71
  Weekends 22.00-02.00
• Flamingo Club; Kaplansgatan 1, 151 72
  Weekends 21.00-02.00

• Quality Hotel Park Södertälje City; Saltsjögatan 151, 151 71. Tel +46 8 550 265 00
  Very convenient location in the city centre, right by the central railway station. Opened in 1888, the hotel has been known as Stadshotellet and Nya Strandhotellet. To accommodate the high demand of rooms that arose during the time the city was a seaside resort, the city council decided to commission a new hotel on the site. Architect Ernst Haegglund was hired to design the building.
  Has a restaurant and bar on site.
• Scandic Skogshöjd; Täppgatan 15, 151 21. Tel: +46 8 517 391 00
  Large resort-style hotel between the city centre and Torekällberget. Equipped with a spa, it could be nice for a relaxing getaway. Has on-site parking.
  Has a restaurant and bar on site.
• Hotel Torpa Pensionat; Torpavägen 4, 151 38. Tel +46 8 550 121 11
  Inn-style hotel outside of the city centre. The romantic setting makes it ideal for couples. Not well connected by public transportation, so it is recommended that you have a car if you should decide to stay here. Only restaurant Glashyttans Värdshus is on walking distance.
• Scandic Södertälje; Verkstadsvägen 7, 151 38. Tel: +46 8 517 356 00
  In spite of its name, it is much further outside of the centre than Södertälje’s other Scandic hotel. Located where motorways E4 and E20 meet, it could be a convenient option if you arrive by car. Note that no restaurants nor tourist sites are on walking distance. Has a pool.
  Has a restaurant and bar on site.

Södertälje doesn’t have any five star deluxe hotels. If you’d like a more luxurious stay you can book a suite at Scandic Skogshöjd or a Superior Room at Quality Hotel Park.

• Hotel Kringelstaden; Nygatan 5, 151 73. Tel: +46 8 550 807 65
  On Nygatan in the city centre.
• Telge City Hostel; Kaplansgatan 6, 151 72. Tel: +46 70 258 95 55
  Budget hotel close to Stortorget Main Square.
• Hotell Paradis; Paradisgränd 2-4, 151 36. Tel: +46 8-550 635 00
  Budget hotel behind the church, close to Tom Tits Experiment science museum.
• Chefens Hotel; Stockholmsvägen 10A, 152 40. Tel: +46 8 15 51 14
  Budget hotel east of the canal. Most tourist sites are on the opposite side.
• Hagabergs Vandrarhem; Erik Dahlbergs väg 60, 152 70. Tel: +46 8 550 910 45
  Hostel outside of the centre belonging to Hagaberg religious school.

Södertälje is home to one of the county’s six emergency hospitals, meaning round-the–clock emergency services are available.

• Södertälje Sjukhus (emergency hospital); Rosenborgsgatan 6-10, 152 40. Tel: In emergencies, call the national number 112
  Full service hospital, including trauma centre, surgery, birthing centre with midwives, and general physicians

EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance card pay the same (rather low) fee for emergency and necessary care as a local citizen. Others must pay the whole health care cost (which can be between 1,700 and 2,200 kr for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found at 1177 Vårdguiden.

In an emergency, always call 112 to the national rescue services SOS Alarm who can dispatch ambulance, police, fire service, air and sea rescue, mountain patrol, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available.

For less serious illnesses and ailments, getting in touch with a local clinic, vårdcentral, is a much better option than the hospital emergency rooms. The Stockholm County healthcare hotline (+46 8 320 100) can give medical advice and help you find a doctor. While information is officially given in Swedish only, the doctors can often speak some English. Several vårdcentral surgeries are available in central Södertälje, and spread throughout the city as well.

Certified pharmacies (apotek) have a green cross sign. You can buy over-the-counter medicine in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Prescription medications, including strong painkillers, are only sold at pharmacies, though.

• Apoteket S:ta Ragnhild; Storgatan 4-6, 151 72 (inside Kringlan department store). Tel: 077-145 04 50
  Pharmacy belonging to the state owned Apoteket chain, located in the city centre. Business hours generally as other high street stores, including open on weekends.

• Apotek Hjärtat Lunagallerian; Lunagallerian 3, 151 72 (inside Lunagallerian shopping centre). Tel: 0771-405 405
  Pharmacy belonging to the privately owned Apotek Hjärtat chain, located in the city centre. Business hours generally as other high street stores, including open on weekends.

• Apotek Hjärtat Vasa Handelsplats; Genetaleden 9, 151 59 (same building as Ica Maxi Vasa Handelsplats). Tel: 0771-405 405
  Pharmacy belonging to the privately owned Apotek Hjärtat chain, located in an external shopping centre west of the canal. Closes at 22:00 every day including weekends, meaning it may be your best option to get pharmaceuticals outside of regular store hours.

• Mariefred – beautiful small town, home to Gripsholm Castle. Possible to go to either by Sörmlandstrafiken bus, SJ train, or steam boat from Sandvikens brygga (summer only)
• Trosa - coastal town with plenty of hotels and inns
• Stockholm – while somewhat younger than Södertälje, it is much bigger and ended up becoming the nation’s capital. Stockholm has a lot to offer all year round
• Göta Kanal – If you liked Södertälje Canal, Göta Canal is well worth exploring. Cruises available during the summer months

Routes through Södertälje

Helsingborg ← Nyköping ←	SW  NE	→ Södertörn → Stockholm
Gothenburg ← Strängnäs ←	W  E	→ merges with