Stjärnhov, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden
Stjärnhov is a locality in Gnesta Municipality, located in the county of Södermanland, Sweden. It is situated in the historic province of Södermanland and was formerly the center of the Gryt Parish. With around 550 inhabitants, this is a small residential community. The locality’s location on the shores of Lake Naten is still attractive, and the population has been fairly stable for the last 40 years. It is a former station settlement along the main western railway line.
The character of Stjärnhov is that of a quiet, rural village surrounded by the lakes and forests of Södermanland. Its identity is defined by its history as a railway town, even though trains no longer stop here for passenger traffic. The community is centered around its local services, including a grocery store and a restaurant. The surrounding area, with its many lakes and proximity to the Sörmlandsleden hiking trail, makes it a destination for outdoor recreation. This blend of a historic station village and a peaceful, nature-oriented community gives Stjärnhov its specific character.
A Short History of Stjärnhov
The history of Stjärnhov is that of a small rural parish that was transformed by the arrival of the railway in the 19th century. For centuries, the area was a quiet agricultural landscape. The establishment of a station on one of Sweden’s most important railway lines was the pivotal event that led to the creation of the modern locality. The story of Stjärnhov is a classic example of a Swedish station settlement (stationssamhälle) that grew rapidly and later had to adapt to a new reality when the trains stopped stopping.
The Railway Boom
The Western Main Line (Västra stambanan), the railway between Stockholm and Gothenburg, was opened in 1862. One of the new stations was built here and was named Stjärnhov, taking its name from the nearby manor, Stjärnhovs Säteri. A new settlement soon began to grow around the new station. This included the establishment of smaller businesses, services, and new residential houses. The railway was the catalyst for the development of the locality that we know today.
A Post-Railway Village
The station was in active use for passenger traffic until the 1960s. After this period, the passenger trains only passed by Stjärnhov on their route between the larger cities. The closure of the station to passenger traffic marked a significant change for the village. It transitioned from being a small transport hub into a quieter residential community. In the modern era, many of its residents commute to work in the larger nearby towns of Gnesta and Flen, while the village itself has retained its peaceful, rural character.
Sights in Stjärnhov
Stjärnhov enjoys a closeness to nature and the many surrounding lakes. The main sights are focused on these natural attractions and the historic manor that gave the locality its name.
Lake Naten
Lake Naten, on whose shores Stjärnhov is located, is a key natural feature of the area. The lake has an area of around one square kilometer. It is a popular local destination for recreation, especially during the summer. There is a public beach and an adjacent playground right in the center of the locality, which serves as a social hub. Fishing in Lake Naten is limited to the landowners around the lake.
Stjärnhovs Säteri
The Stjärnhovs Säteri is the historic manor that gave the locality its name. The manor has a long history, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The current main building is an impressive structure from the 18th century. The manor is privately owned and is still an active agricultural estate. While it is not open to the public, its presence in the landscape is a key part of the area’s history and identity.
Gryt Church
The historic parish church for the area is the Gryt Church (Gryts kyrka). It is located a few kilometers from the main locality of Stjärnhov. The church has medieval origins, with its oldest parts dating back to the 12th century. It is a well-preserved example of a traditional Swedish country church. The church is the historic center of the Gryt Parish and is surrounded by a cemetery.
Sörmlandsleden
The Sörmlandsleden is a network of hiking paths that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers all around the province of Södermanland. Several different stages of this famous long-distance trail pass through the area around Stjärnhov. This makes the town an excellent starting point or hub for hikers. The trail leads out into the scenic Södermanland countryside, with its mix of forests and lakes.
Traveling with Kids
Stjärnhov is a quiet and safe locality, which makes it a good destination for families with children who are looking for a peaceful, rural experience. The main attraction for families is the recreational area at Lake Naten. The public beach has shallow water, which is suitable for younger children. The adjacent playground provides a dedicated space for play. The surrounding nature also offers ample opportunities for family-friendly walks and exploration.
Sports in Stjärnhov
The sporting life in Stjärnhov is centered on its local sports club. The club is a key part of the community and provides opportunities for residents, particularly the youth, to participate in organized sports. The main sports venue is the local sports ground.
Stjärnhovs IK (Football)
The main sports club in the town is Stjärnhovs IK. The club has a long history in the community. Its most prominent section is football. The club’s senior team competes in the lower divisions of the Swedish football league system. They play their home games at the Stjärnvallen sports ground. The club is a key institution for community sports and has an active youth program.
Getting Around in Stjärnhov
Navigating the locality of Stjärnhov is done entirely on foot. The village is very small, and all its central points are within a short walking distance of each other. A car is necessary to explore the wider surrounding area and its many lakes and historic sites.
How to Get to Stjärnhov
Reaching the locality of Stjärnhov requires travel to a rural part of Södermanland. The locality is located on a major regional road and is accessible by the regional bus network.
The Open Road: Driving to Stjärnhov
Driving is a common and practical way to reach Stjärnhov. The locality is located directly on Route 57. This is a major regional road that connects the town of Järna on the E4 motorway with the cities of Flen and Katrineholm to the west. A car provides flexibility for exploring the surrounding Södermanland countryside.
Arriving by Air: Stockholm Skavsta Airport
The closest airport with regular international connections is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO). It is located near Nyköping, approximately 54 kilometers to the south, and is a hub for low-cost carriers. Sweden’s main international airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), is located about 122 kilometers away. From either of these airports, a combination of airport bus and train/bus is required to reach Stjärnhov.
On Track: A Journey by Rail and Bus
Stjärnhov does not have an active passenger train station, even though the railway passes directly through the area. The closest train stations are located in the nearby towns of Flen or Gnesta. Both of these stations are on major railway lines with frequent services. From either of these stations, a connecting regional bus service, operated by Sörmlandstrafiken, is required to complete the journey to Stjärnhov.
Driving Distances
The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:
- Flen, Sweden – 15 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Gnesta, Sweden – 20 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Katrineholm, Sweden – 38 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Eskilstuna, Sweden – 46 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
- Nyköping, Sweden – 51 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
- Södertälje, Sweden – 59 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
- Stockholm, Sweden – 86 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
- Linköping, Sweden – 140 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
- Gothenburg, Sweden – 409 kilometers (4 h 30 min)
- Malmö, Sweden – 553 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
Explore More of Södermanland and Sweden
This post was first published 2023-03-15 and was updated 2025-07-27
