Attractions in Södermanland – 7 nature experiences in the landscape you didn't know you wanted to visit

Södermanland is a landscape for those who want variety without having to travel far between experiences. Here you will find archipelagos, forests, lakes, open pastures and steep coastal mountains. You can walk across a suspension bridge to an island in the morning and stand on a cliff overlooking Bråviken the same afternoon.

This is the eleventh article in the series “Attractions in every landscape” . The series has followed a line from south to north, from Skåne to Närke – and now it is Södermanland’s turn.

The locations below are suitable for both shorter day trips and longer hikes. However, the terrain varies, so consider what each trip will actually have to deal with: rocks, roots, elevation changes, coastal weather, or a heavy pack.

1. Stendörren Nature Reserve – archipelago hike over suspension bridges

Stendörren is one of Södermanland's most distinctive nature experiences. The reserve is located on the coast between Nyköping and Trosa and makes it possible to experience the archipelago's nature without your own boat.

Suspension bridges lead from the mainland out to the islands of Äspskär and Stora Krokholmen. From there, the paths continue over rocky terrain, through forest and along the water's edge. You get sea, wind and granite all in one hike.

There are three marked trails:

• Stora Stendörrenrundan , approximately 9 kilometers
• Adventure tour , approximately 4 kilometers
• Forest route , approximately 2.5 kilometers

The paths partly go over rocks and can be both rocky and hilly. On dry summer days they are often easy to walk, but after rain the mountain becomes slippery. In autumn, wet roots and leaves can make short stretches more demanding than the map suggests.

Read current information about trails, parking and rules on the County Administrative Board's page about Stendörren Nature Reserve . Naturum Stendörren also provides more background on the Baltic Sea and the area's nature.

For a short trip, a small backpack, water, warm clothing and good shoes are often enough. If you are going to stay by the sea for a long time, a windproof outer layer is more valuable than extra small items. The best choice is equipment that works when the weather changes out on the rocks.

2. Sörmlandsleden at Bråviken – coastal paths with elevation differences

At Nävekvarn, the Sörmlandsleden meets the coast of Bråviken in a way that is clearly different from the flatter archipelago hike in Stendörren. Here the trail goes over forested heights and near steep slopes with views over the bay.

A good starting point is Nävekvarn. Stage 37 towards Lilla Uttervik is approximately 6.5 kilometers and goes up towards Fyrberget. The first part follows the road before the trail turns off towards more hilly terrain. If you want to hike longer, the coastal stretch can be combined with the following stages towards Viggudden.

It's not the total distance that primarily determines the difficulty here. It's the repetition of climbs and descents. A short ride with lots of elevation changes can be more taxing on your legs than a longer stretch on a smooth forest path.

Take your time at the viewpoints. Bråviken changes with the weather, and it is often the contrast between the dark forest, the light rocks and the water that makes the hike memorable.

On the Sörmlandsleden website you will find up-to-date information about stages, circular routes and planning. For Nävekvarn in particular, it is wise to check the starting point, water and transport before you set off.

Hiking poles can be useful on steep sections, especially when the ground is loose or slippery. They are not a substitute for good footwork, but they can relieve the pressure on the knees and provide better balance. Trekking poles are an example of equipment that serves a specific purpose.

3. Simonsberget – short summit tour with a great view

Simonsberget, or Simonberget as the nature reserve is also called, is located near Koppartorp southwest of Nyköping. It is a smaller area, but the experience is clear: steep mountains, forest and views over the landscape towards the sea.

The circular route through the reserve is about 2 kilometers. It is short, but not entirely easy. The path goes steeply and rocky up the mountain in parts. You don't need technical climbing equipment, but good shoes and normal fitness make a difference.

There is also a route option where you can walk around the mountain instead of over the top. This makes Simonsberget useful for groups with different conditions. Those who want the view take the high ground. Those who mainly want to experience the area can choose a quieter passage.

There is a barbecue area and a dry toilet at the trailhead. Camping is permitted in a designated area below the mountain for up to two days, but always check the reserve's current rules before staying overnight. The cliff walls are also a well-known climbing area, which means that hiking and climbing can be combined in the same place.

See the County Administrative Board's information about Simonsberget Nature Reserve before you leave.

Simonsberget is a good example of how a short hike doesn't have to be boring. Don't pack for a week in the mountains if you're going to hike a two-kilometer loop – but don't underestimate the need for dry shoes, water and a warm layer if the hike is going to be long.

4. Skogsbyås and Vensbrinksberget – Södermanland's highest point

The highest point in Södermanland is usually given as Skogsbyås, also called Vensbrinksberget , at about 124 metres above sea level . The height is modest compared to the peaks of the mountains, but the point lies elsewhere.

This is about the highest point of the landscape as a recurring detail in the series. Not every landscape needs to offer great heights to provide an interesting summit trip. In Södermanland, you get to see how forests, mountains and trail landscapes form a whole.

Skogsbyås is located on the Sörmlandsleden trail, northwest of Stavsjö. The information about the name and height varies slightly between different sources, so check the map and current trail information before you go. The nature map describes Vensbrinksberget , and more background can be found in the compilation about Södermanland's highest point .

This is not a place where you need to chase drama. Think of it as an orienteering and hiking excursion. Bring a map, compass or a working offline map. The highest point is only worth the visit if you can also find your way there and back safely.

5. Nynäs Nature Reserve – where coast, forest and culture meet

Nynäs nature reserve south of Nyköping is one of the most varied areas in Södermanland. Here, coniferous forests, lakes, coast, pastures and old oak environments meet. Nynäs Castle also gives the area a clear cultural-historical dimension.

For hikers, the variety is the great asset. You can choose a short walk near the castle or plan a longer trip through forest and open fields. The Sörmlandsleden trail passes through the area, making it possible to combine Nynäs with a longer hike.

It's a good destination for groups where not everyone wants to do the same type of hike. Some people can choose a shorter loop and spend more time exploring the surroundings, while others continue further. The terrain and distances vary, so plan for the weakest link in the group.

Read more via the County Administrative Board's excursion tips in Södermanland . If you are planning an overnight stay, you need to distinguish between a day trip and a full hiking trip: a backpack for longer hikes , a reliable tent and a functioning sleeping system quickly become more important than low pack weight.

6. Marvikarna – lakes, forests and wilderness feel

Between Gnesta and Åkers Styckebruk lies Marvikarna, a lake system with forest, steep shores and a more cohesive wilderness feel than many other excursion destinations in the landscape.

The area is suitable for those who want to combine hiking with breaks near the water. The paths go through varied terrain, and the proximity to the lakes means that the view changes frequently. It is an environment for both a longer day trip and a quieter weekend with a tent.

Here, planning becomes more important than on a short reserve loop. How far is it between rest areas? Is there water where you plan to spend the night? What does the ground look like after rain? A light tent is useful, but it should still be stable if the wind increases over the lake.

For a night out, the sleeping system should be a high priority. A sleeping pad that is too thin can let in ground chill and result in poor recovery, even when the sleeping bag has the correct temperature rating. Weight is important, but a good night's sleep is non-negotiable.

7. Sörmlandsleden – the unifying nature experience

The Sörmlandsleden is not a single attraction, but the backbone that connects many of them. With over 1000 kilometers of trails through forests, lake landscapes, coasts and cultural environments, you can adapt the hike to both time and experience.

If you want to start gently, choose a short circular loop at, for example, Simonsberget or Nävekvarn. If you want to go further, you can build a tour around Bråviken, Nynäs or other parts of the trail. It is a strength that the landscape offers several levels without the experience becoming less genuine.

Use the trail's own information to check stage status, maps and practical details. Orange markers will help you, but they are not a substitute for planning. Weather, daylight, water and return transport must still be available.

How to choose equipment for Södermanland

Södermanland's nature rarely requires extreme equipment. It requires the right equipment for the situation.

For a short day trip, the following is often enough:

• backpack with water and lunch bag
• stable hiking shoes
• rain and wind protection
• extra reinforcement garments
• map or offline map
• first aid and charged phone

For an overnight stay, you will need a tent, sleeping bag or quilt, sleeping mat, kitchen and fuel. Then the packing will be noticeable in your legs. Ask yourself what each product will actually handle. Will the tent be on a wind-exposed coastal cliff or in a protected forest clearing? Will the sleeping bag be used on a warm July night or a cold autumn evening?

Södermanland rewards those who pack in a balanced way. You don't need to carry mountain equipment for every forest trail, but you should be able to handle rain, fatigue, cold and changes in plans. The best choice is equipment that works reliably when the weather changes.