Four Corners of Sörmland
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: In Stockholm
Today you arrive at Stockholm and you free time to explore the picturesque city of Stockholm. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. And you need never walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic water as it winds past the city walls. Furthermore, stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. There is so much to see in Stockholm, appealing to so many different interests, that you are sure to find something special within walking distance of your hotel.
Accommodation: Stockholm, hotel
Meals: None
Day 2: Stockholm → Gnesta → Trosa
After a night in Stockholm, you take a short
train journey to Gnesta, where you start your cycling adventure, passing lakes
and rolling countryside to Trosa, a genuine Swedish village where colourful
wooden houses line the river as it winds through the village towards the Baltic
sea. En route pass by Tullgarn Palace*, an 18th century royal palace located on
the Baltic sea as well scenic Lake Sillen and beautiful views across the
countryside from Torsåker Church.
Accommodation: Trosa, B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 28-44 km
Train: Stockholm → Gnesta 1 hr
*Tullgarn Palace is off the Näckrosleden cycle route but additional route notes are provided, and you can decide yourselves if you want to detour to the palace. It adds about 10 km to the route.
Day 3: Trosa → Nynäs manor → Nyköping
From Trosa you cycle south following the coast,
passing impressive 17th century Nynäs Manor where you can rest your legs and
enjoy a guided tour or hike the trails in the manor house grounds. Then its
back on the bikes and you cycle small country lanes to Nyköping through varied
countryside; evergreen forests, meadows and lakes. En route you can also stop
at Sandvik beach for a quick swim in the sea before you continue your journey
on to the harbour town of Nyköping, a historic city with a vibrant harbour.
You also have the option today to detour to the very beautiful Stendörren
Nature Reserve, an archipelago recognised for its distinct feeling of peace and
tranquillity. Here you hike across the many islands using their intriguing
system of suspension bridges.
Accommodation: Nyköping, hotel
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Cycling Distance: 58-70 km (Stendörren detour 12 km)
Day 4: In Nyköping
Today
you enjoy a free day in Nyköping and have many options to keep you busy.
Stay local and visit the sights in Nyköping including the remains of Nyköping castle
and stroll along the banks of the Nyköping river which winds its way
through the town and beyond.
From
Nyköping, you can enjoy a cycle tour to Koppartorp, a district rich in culture
and history where you can visit the local folklore museum, church dating back
to 1620 and mining museum. Don't miss a hike up nearby Simonberget where you
will be rewarded with fantastic mile-wide views.
Alternatively
make a visit to Femore Fort, a military battery used during the Cold War
beautifully perched on the end of the Femöre peninsula outside Oxelösund. There
is also the option to enjoy a change of scenery on board a boat tour to
explore Oxelösund's islands.
If you missed Stendörren
yesterday you can also opt to take the bus back to the reserve and enjoy island
hopping thanks to its many suspension bridges.
Accommodation: Nyköping, hotel
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Cycling Distance: 20-60 km
Day 5: Nyköping → Vadsbro
Leave the city behind and look forward to two days enjoying the Sörmland countryside at its best with rolling hills, lakes and dense forest. Cycle to Vadsbro via Blacksta Vineyard, Sweden's first winery and vineyard with grape varieties such as Vidal, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. En route you also pass by a couple of scenic sandy beaches and the charming Ekenäs cafe. Settle into your overnight accommodation at the former vicarage with private pool and gardens.
Accommodation: Vadsbro, B&B
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Cycling Distance: 51 km
Day 6: Vadsbro → Malmköping → Lake Dunker → Skottvång
Today you pass Hedenlunda manor and Malmköping, famed for being the home of Allan Karlsson from 'The 100-year-old man who climbed out of a window and disappeared.' After passing many more lakes with plenty of opportunities to swim you arrive at Skottvångs Mine, a former iron ore mine, with mining museum and exhibits in a picturesque setting. Overnight in genuine Swedish wooden cabins deep in the woods. Enjoy the simple life and outstanding gardens of this oasis.
Accommodation: Skottvång, B&B
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Cycling Distance: 68 km
Day 7: Skottvång → Lake Klämmingen → Mariefred
Today's
trip takes you around beautiful Lake Klämmingen with bathing opportunities and
viewpoints. You end in charming and lively Mariefred village dominated by the
mighty Gripsholm Castle.
Option to shorten today's cycle
if preferred.
Accommodation: Mariefred, B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 20-56 km
Day 8: Mariefred → Taxinge manor → Stockholm
Today you have half a day to
enjoy the area around Mariefred. Choose either to cycle through green fields,
forests and along the shores of Lake Mälaren to the isolated Taxinge Manor
House. Taxinge is not only a delightful manor house set in lovely surroundings
but is just as renowned for its cakes. Plenty of time is allowed to marvel at
the display.
After your tea break, you can
take a break from cycling and board the charming steam train from Taxinge,
reminiscent of times gone by, and make your way back to the village of
Mariefred. Instead, you may choose to put your bikes down and visit the
impressive Gripsholm's Castle and learn about Swedish royal history.
This afternoon you will leave Mariefred and board the steamboat which
takes you back to Stockholm.
Accommodation: Stockholm, hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 14-28 km
Steamboat trip: Mariefred → Stockholm 3½ hrs
Day 9: In Stockholm
Today you have free time to explore the picturesque city of Stockholm. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', thanks to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water and impressive views stretching across the Baltic water. Stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, and soak up its medieval atmosphere as you wander through its cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. Or visit the mighty 17th century Vasa Ship and learn about its fascinating history.
Meals: Breakfast