Kungsberg is a small settlement in the historical province of Södermanland. It is in an area that was once a part of Fogdö Parish and is now a part of Strängnäs Municipality. The settlement lies along the shores of Lake Mälaren, the third-largest lake in Sweden. This was formerly home to Vårfruberga Abbey, a Cistercian monastery of nuns.
A Short History of Kungsberg
A monastery was established somewhere in the area already in the 12th century. Its original location is unknown but it could be found at the location of Fögdö Church in 1233 and was at the time known as Fögdö Abbey. The monastery moved to Kungsberg in 1289, this was when the name was changed to Vårfruberga Abbey. The abbey was in operation until the Swedish Reformation in 1527. This was the end of the abbey and its possessions were transferred to the crown. Not even the building survived as stone was required for the construction of Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred.
The farmstead that earlier had been a part of the abbey became a part of the crown’s large estate. The farm has had several tenants during the centuries since and is still in operation today.
Things to Do and See
Along the shores of Lake Mälaren a bit away from the busy cities. It really makes it possible to find tranquility and maybe even mirrorlike water on the lake.
Vårfruberga Abbey
There is today only ruins left of the Vårfruberga Abbey. Ruins that today house sheep. It is, however, possible to walk and explore the remains of what was once a Cistercian monastery for nuns. The monastery was active from the 12th century up until 1527. It was eventually the reformation in Sweden under King Gustav Vasa that marked the end of the Vårfruberga Abbey.
Kungsbergsbadet
Kungsbergsbadet is a small sandy beach on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Basic amenities are available and a part of the beach is a bit more shielded making it easier to keep an eye on kids.
How to Get to Kungsberg
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 115 to the east and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 101 kilometers to the south.
- Car: Kungsberg is along countryside roads between Eskilstuna and Strängnäs.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Kungsberg with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 95 kilometers (1 h 19 min)
- Gothenburg – 402 kilometers (4 h 43 min)
- Malmö – 589 kilometers (6 h 15 min)
- Linköping – 178 kilometers (2 h 13 min)
- Kiruna – 1253 kilometers (15 h 35 min)
Explore More of Södermanland and Sweden
