Södertälje: Churches, Ships and Places to Walk

When looking for a hotel in Södertälje, you can start by considering which sides of the city you would like to discover. Medieval architecture, a historic steamship, an open-air museum and various places to walk offer different points of interest. The following highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Church, maritime history and literature

Sankta Ragnhilds kyrka is in the centre of Södertälje. The medieval church was probably built in the 12th century. The careful dating is part of its history: the building is medieval, but its exact period of construction is described as probable. The church offers a tangible way to explore the city’s earlier history.

Another historical landmark is the S/S Ejdern. The steamship was launched on 14 May 1880 and is among Sweden’s oldest surviving steamships of a passenger-ship type typical of the archipelago. Its significance can be understood in terms of both its age and its type. For 2026, planned trips included Saturday journeys to Birka/Adelsö, as well as trips to Farstanäs and Stockholm. Destinations and departure times may change, so check the relevant dates if you would like to include a trip in your plans.

Wendela Hebbes Hus also connects a named place with a specific life story: from 1863 to 1888, the house was the summer villa of journalist and author Wendela Hebbe. Together with the church and the S/S Ejdern, it offers a historical focus encompassing architecture, shipping and a literary figure without treating them as belonging to a single period.

Walks and outdoor places

Kanalholmen can now be reached on foot: two bridges give visitors access, whereas previously the island could only be reached by water. There is also a new promenade, new lighting and seating. The contrast between the former water access and today’s access via bridges makes Kanalholmen a distinct part of exploring the city. The promenade and seating also give you a clear idea of what has been installed there.

Kusens backe is close to the city centre. It has walking paths, an outdoor gym, lawns and picnic benches. This combination includes both paths and exercise, as well as open spaces and places to sit. If you would like to focus more on walks or outdoor activities when planning your stay, Kusens backe is therefore a different point of interest from the historic buildings and maritime history. The facilities mentioned do not indicate a specific walking time or level of difficulty.

Open-air museum and other experiences

Torekällberget is an open-air museum in the centre of Södertälje, with a focus on 19th-century Sörmland. Its town quarter includes, among other things, a café, a pottery, a general store and a shop. The farm and cottage are also home to rabbits, goats, sheep, cows and horses, which visitors can see. Torekällberget thus combines its historical focus with several distinct features of the museum site.

Tom Tits Experiment offers a different way to enjoy the outdoors: its outdoor park includes, among other things, a plant maze. This sets it apart from the historical themes at Sankta Ragnhilds kyrka and Torekällberget, as well as from the walking paths and seating at Kusens backe and Kanalholmen. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Södertälje, you can use these differences to decide what matters most to you: history and culture, shipping or outdoor places.

Discover more destinations: Hölö, Mölnbo, Järna.

Go to the main travel overview: Södertälje.