Södertuna is an estate, usually considered a castle, a bit north of Gnesta in the province of Södermanland. The mansion watches out over Lake Frösjön. This part of eastern Sweden is famous for its many castles and mansions. The estate’s history goes back to the Middle Ages and today houses a hotel and conference business.
A Short History of Södertuna
Södertuna was from the Middle Ages until the 18th century known as Wad. The impressive list of former owners goes back to the 14th century and the first known owner Karl Nikilsson Färla. It was during the ownership of the Palmfelt-family that the estate got its current name Södertuna in 1715.
The main buildings once stood on an island in Lake Frösjön. The island was connected to the mainland by a bridge, but the need for a long bridge has declined with the water subsiding due to the area’s tectonic uplift. The mansion received its current appearance in 1892 when it underwent major renovations and modernizations.
Södertuna was repurposed into a hotel and conference business in 1987. This was also when the mansion was separated from the nearby farm buildings.
Things to Do and See
The mansion is the main attraction here, even for people who are not guests at the hotel. It is a beautiful area for a walk or to enjoy the historical feeling of what was once a large estate.
Södertuna Slott
Södertuna Slott, or Södertuna Castle, is the main attraction here. Well, as mentioned, it is actually not a castle but merely a mansion. The mansion has been standing here since the Middle Ages but received its current shape and appearance first in 1892.
The mansion is surrounded by a larger park and adjoining buildings. It is also possible to walk down to the waterfront and enjoy the view out over Lake Frösjön.
How to Get to Södertuna
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport, only 54 kilometers to the south. From here there are a few international flights to other cities in Europe. Sweden’s main international airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, is 108 kilometers away.
- Car: Södertuna is located along countryside roads a bit north of Gnesta.
- Bus: Bus 543 from Sörmlandstrafiken stops nearby the castle on its route between Gnesta and Läggesta.
- Train: There is no train station here. Instead, the closest train station is in nearby Gnesta.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 70 kilometers (1 h)
- Gothenburg – 417 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Malmö – 561 kilometers (6 h 19 min)
- Linköping – 148 kilometers (1 h 45 min)
- Kiruna – 1302 kilometers (15 h 24 min)
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