Sundbyholm is a locality and coastal resort in the Eskilstuna Municipality in the province of Södermanland. It lies on the shores of Lake Mälaren, the third-largest lake in Sweden. The population might only be around 1100 inhabitants, but the locality is also home to one of the main horse racing tracks in Sweden, the Sundbyholm Castle, and the largest marina in Eskilstuna Municipality.
A Short History of Sundbyholm
Sundbyholm lies within the borders of the former Sundby Parish. These lands were during the Middle Ages under the ownership of the Order of Saint John’s monastery in Eskilstuna. The reformation of 1527 meant that the land came into the possession of the Swedish crown and the farmstead here became a part of the royal estate. The land was donated in 1597 to the admiral Carl Gyllenhielm. He established a school here in 1629, the first “folkskola” or primary school in Sweden.
Gyllenheim did also have time to build his castle here and the main building was completed in 1648. The castle has had many users and renters since. The Swedish crown owned the castle from 1699 up until 1939 when the town of Eskilstuna acquired it. The castle today houses a hotel and conference business.
It took until 2005 before Sundbyholm had developed enough to be given the status of a locality by Statistics Sweden. A population of 200 people is required for that within a developed area. The population has since increased fivefold.
Things to Do and See
Sundbyholm comes to life in the summer when the camping is filled with motorhomes and caravans and the marina with leisure boats. The long sandy beach is either crowded with people or Canada geese.
Sundbyholm Castle
The 17th-century castle underwent some renovation work in the 20th century and today it stands proud watching out over the waters of Lake Mälaren. It is today a hotel and conference center.
Sundbyholm Travbana
Sundbyholm Travbana is a venue for horse racing. It was inaugurated in 1955 and it arranges several large competitions.
Broudden
Broudden is a narrow peninsula stretching out into Lake Mälaren. It offers nature paths for walking along the waterfront making it possible to enjoy the views. There is also a paved road along the peninsula making it accessible for everyone. It is part of Sundbyholm Nature Reserve.
Sundbyholm Nature Reserve
Sundbyholms naturvårdsområde is a protected nature area. It was established in 1987 and covers an area of 735 hectares. Within the reserve, you will find several hiking paths and also the rock carving known as Sigurdsristningen.
How to Get to Sundbyholm
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 140 kilometers to the east and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 92 kilometers to the south.
- Car: Sundbyholm lies along countryside roads north of Eskilstuna.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Sundbyholm with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 112 kilometers (1 h 29 min)
- Gothenburg – 378 kilometers (4 h 26 min)
- Malmö – 575 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
- Linköping – 164 kilometers (2 h 12 min)
- Kiruna – 1278 kilometers (15 h 50 min)
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