Stendörren is a nature reserve on the Swedish Baltic Sea coast between the towns of Nyköping and Trosa. It is in what is today Nyköping Municipality in Södermanland County and it is one of the natural gems in eastern Sweden. The area is known for its suspension bridges that make it possible for visitors to reach further out in the archipelago of Bälinge Parish.
A Short History of Stendörren
Stendörren Nature Reserve was established in 1972 and it covers an area of 923 hectares of the archipelago. The strait passing through the reserve was for centuries an important route for ships. The name Stendörren is marked on maps over Bälinge Socken dating back to 1678, but the strait has probably been known by similar names since at least the 13th century. The reserve includes the former farmsteads of Aspnäset, Stendörren, and Griskär.
Things to Do and See
There are many spots for activities around the nature reserve. The possibilities are endless when you explore the natural beauty of the area, so be it if you do it alone, in a group, with your loved one, or as a family. There are several locations for barbeques and an endless number of possibilities for picnics. Hiking around the coast and learning more about nature is another popular activity. Not to mention the many people who use the cliffs as perfect spots for fishing.
Stendörren Nature Reserve
Stendörren Nature Reserve is the area as a whole. This includes beautiful scenery with its cliffs and many islands. The reserve covers an area of 923 hectares and includes several islands in the archipelago that is only reachable by boat.
The Suspension Bridges to Äspskär and Stora Krokholmen
Two islands are reachable via suspension bridges. These are the islands of Äspskär and Stora Krokholmen, two fairly large islands with hiking trails along their shores. For locals, the suspension bridges along this coast in Eastern Sweden have become a symbol of the nature reserve.
Naturum Stendörren
Naturum is the visitor center for the reserve. Here you can learn more about the nature around you, the plants, animals, and insects. There is, however, a focus on one thing and that is the Baltic Sea and everything that you can find below the surface. This usually also includes activities for kids, such as catching small shrimps and seeing what actually lives in the water.
Stendörren Watch Tower
This new watch tower was built in 2021 and offers an impressive view of the coastal landscape. The tower stands on the hill and includes an additional climb of around 11 meters to get to the top viewing platform. Due to its location on the cliff, the climb doesn’t feel as extreme compared to the view that is available from the top.
How to Get to Stendörren
- Flights: Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 37 kilometers to the west.
- Car: Stendörren is along Road 219 between Nyköping and Vagnhärad.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Stendörren with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 96 kilometers (1 h 16 min)
- Gothenburg – 400 kilometers (4 h 29 min)
- Malmö – 544 kilometers (5 h 58 min)
- Linköping – 132 kilometers (1 h 36 min)
- Kiruna – 1326 kilometers (15 h 32 min)
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