Trostorp is a former settlement between Trosa and Vagnhärad in the historical province of Södermanland in eastern Sweden. The area was for a long time part of Trosa Parish, which eventually merged with Vagnhärad and this is today a part of the district Trosa-Vagnhärad in Trosa Municipality. What was once a croft with tenants leasing the land is today a local cultural center for Vagnhärad, offering a lot of insight into the local heritage, history, and culture.
A Short History of Trostorp
A former name of Trostorp was Trosabro, probably due to its location next to the river Trosaån. Trosaån was earlier a lot bigger, it was actually a bay of the Baltic Sea, with a water level up to 15 meters higher than today. There was probably a bridge or other crossing here considering the earlier name Trosabro – Trosa Bridge.
A croft, with a tenant leasing the land, was built here in the 17th or 18th century. Several tenant farmers had this as their home until the early parts of the 20th century. Trostorp has for decades now belonged to Vagnhärads Hembygdsförening, the local heritage society. Additional buildings than the original croft have been moved here and others have been built with inspiration from the area. Midsummer was celebrated for the first time here in 1940.
Things to Do and See
Many locals use the bicycle and pedestrian road that passes by Trostorp when going between Trosa and Vagnhärad. The road offers a quick glance at the runestones, but Trostorp itself is in many ways hidden from view. Its location up on the hill with forests around it makes it a hidden gem for anyone who dares to make a stop here. The historical buildings with the setting can really take you back a few centuries in time. In addition, there is a smaller playground for the kids and the possibility to just enjoy the outdoors in a very rural landscape.
Trostorp – Vagnhärads Hembygdsgård
Trostorp is in many ways an open-air museum. The traditional buildings are used for both public and private events. This is where many celebrate the Swedish National Day and Midsummer, No, Midsummer is not actually the national day of Sweden, but for many of us it is celebrated as such. Trostorp belongs to Vagnhärad’s Heritage Society and is the local cultural center. It is also a popular place for baptisms and weddings among the locals.
Sagoskogen
At Trostorp there is a short hiking path for kids. Welcome to the “Fairytale Forest”, or Sagoskogen in Swedish. This forest path leads you through settings connected with short stories and fairy tales. The stories include tales such as Pippi Longstocking and Emil i Lönneberga by Astrid Lindgren and the Three Billy Goats Gruff from Norway.
The Runestones of Trosabro
Along the road below Trostorp, there are three impressive runestones. They consist of the standing stone Sö 36 and the two runestones Sö 39 and Sö 359 that are carved into the large cliff wall. Sö 36 tells of Torger and Ore who raised the stone in memory of their father Olev and their brother Sven. Sö 39 tells of Härmod who requested the stone in memory of his brother Bergvid, who had drowned in Livland. The last Sö 359 tells of Arnulf, Gammal, and Spjute who requested the stone in memory of their father Rogvat. All three of these stones have signs next to them providing information for visitors.
How to Get to Trostorp
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) 47 kilometers to the southwest.
- Car: Trostorp is along Road 218 between Vagnhärad and Trosa.
- Train: There is a railway station in nearby Vagnhärad with trains going to and from Stockholm, Södertälje, Nyköping, and Norrköping.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 68 kilometers (1 h 2 min)
- Gothenburg – 410 kilometers (4 h 4 min)
- Malmö – 555 kilometers (5 h 24 min)
- Linköping – 141 kilometers (1 h 26 min)
- Kiruna – 1298 kilometers (14 h 37 min)
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