Vingåker is a locality in the historical province of Södermanland in eastern Sweden. The area was once a part of Västra Vingåker Parish, but the locality is today the seat of its own municipality. Its establishment is linked with the local church, the railway, and the castle of Säftstaholm. The locality is today home to around 4.700 inhabitants.
A Short History of Vingåker
Västra Vingåker Parish had its seat with its church in the church village known as Åsen. The parish was established already in the Middle Ages and was originally known as Vingåker. It was, however, split into an eastern and a western part in 1754.
Not far from the church and its settlement was the settlement of Vannala. It was here that a railway station was built when the Western Main Land between Stockholm and Gothenburg was opened in 1862. The two settlements did later expand and merge.
Things to Do and See
Many people know Vingåker because of the Vingåker Factory Outlet, but there is more to this place than shopping. Many parts of the locality are made up of residential areas, but there are two centers to explore. The first near the railway station and the other at the church. Then there is, of course, also Säfstaholm Castle.
Skräddartorget
Skräddartorget is the main square. Its name, which can be translated to “the Tailor Square”, is a way to remember the importance that the textile industry has had in the area. Around the square, there are a few stores and other services.
Sävestaholm Castle
Sävestaholm Castle was built in 1666 by the Swedish nobleman Gustaf Sparre. It has since burned town once, in 1762, but was rebuilt by the year 1815. The castle is since 1968 owned by Vingåker Municipality. In many ways, this is a local cultural center with events and other activities.
Västra Vingåker Church
The former parish church was inaugurated in the 14th century. It has seen many alterations and additions since, with for example the church tower being built in the 15th century. This white stone church is today a part of the Västra Vingåker Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
How to Get to Vingåker
- Flights: Örebro Airport (ORB) is 67 kilometers to the northwest and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 76 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Vingåker is on Road 52, west of Katrineholm.
- Bus: Local buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Vingåker with the surrounding region.
- Train: Mälartåg has trains to and from Vingåker. The destinations include Gnesta, Flen, Hallsberg, Katrineholm, Södertälje, and Stockholm.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 165 kilometers (2 h 12 min)
- Gothenburg – 316 kilometers (4 h 7 min)
- Malmö – 523 kilometers (5 h 59 min)
- Linköping – 112 kilometers (1 h 27 min)
- Kiruna – 1307 kilometers (15 h 48 min)
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