Eskilstuna is a historic industrial city in the Södermanland province, situated along the Eskilstunaån river that connects Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. The city is named after Saint Eskil, an English monk who lived and worked here during the 11th century. Eskilstuna gained international fame as the "City of Steel" due to its centuries-old tradition in metalworking and knife manufacturing, which was bolstered in the 17th century by the establishment of the Rademacher Forges. These historic forges are preserved today as a living open-air museum, showcasing craftsmanship from past eras. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city evolved into a mechanical engineering hub and currently hosts major production facilities for companies like Volvo Construction Equipment. A modern highlight is ReTuna Återbruksgalleria, the world's first shopping mall dedicated entirely to recycled products, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainability. Parken Zoo, one of Sweden's oldest zoos, serves as a popular family destination and is home to rare species such as white tigers.
Location: Sweden
Top sights: Skjulstabadet · Vilsta Badplats · Stadsparkens Strand
Nearby: Köping (33 km)
Population: ~67.359
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
-4
-4
0
6
11
16
18
17
13
6
2
-3
Rain mm
48
41
39
40
67
86
94
83
54
72
62
54
Geography
Population
67,359
Coordinates
59.37140, 16.51260
Facts
The city was granted its official city charter in 1659.
The Rademacher Forges date back to the year 1658.
ReTuna is the first mall in the world dedicated to recycled goods.
Eskilstuna serves as the headquarters for Volvo Construction Equipment.
Parken Zoo was established and opened in the year 1898.
The Eskilstunaån river spans approximately 32 kilometers in length.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:002.8 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the spiritual quiet of the Monastery Church. In the morning, explore the historic Rademachersmedjorna craft district and the City Museum. After a leisurely lunch in the Old Town, dedicate the afternoon to art at the Art Museum. Later, relax in the green Rothoff's Park by the river before ending your day at the ancient Fors Church.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Eskilstuna Klosterkyrka (Monastery Church)
Look for the medieval frescoes and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
The morning begins at the monastery church, a dry sanctuary with imposing vaults. Rademacher Forges then offer covered areas where you can explore the history of metalworking without getting wet.
At noon, enjoy a warm meal in the Old Town, away from the grey streets. The City Museum is the ideal place for the midday hours to dive deep into local industrial history.
In the afternoon, the Art Museum offers spacious, bright interiors. Rothoff's Park remains an interesting stop even in rain with a sturdy umbrella, as the paved paths minimize mud.
Evening ends peacefully at Fors Church, the oldest building in the city. The short walk to the river shows interesting reflections of city lights on the surface of the Eskilstunaån.
A frosty morning at the monastery church starts the day. The Rademacher Forges look timeless under fresh snow and exude a special sense of peace.
Warm up with a Swedish fika at noon before visiting the City Museum. The exhibitions offer cozy warmth and an insight into Eskilstuna's development.
In the afternoon, as it gets dark around 15:00, the halls of the Art Museum shine brightly and welcomingly. Rothoff's Park invites you for a short, refreshing winter stroll.
Evening at Fors Church is especially solemn thanks to the winter lighting. The city lights reflect in the ice floes on the Eskilstunaån river.
Your bike tour starts with a journey to the Viking Age at the Sigurd Carving. In the morning, delve into the industrial past at the Munktell Museum, followed by a modern lunch. The afternoon is for art at the Art Museum and crafts at Rademacher Forges. Finally, cycle to the relaxing Rothoff's Park by the river, ending the day with dinner with a view.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Sigurd Carving (Sigurdsristningen)
Read the saga of Sigurd before you go to appreciate the details of the carving.
The ride to the Sigurd Carving is a sporting challenge in the rain, but the wet stones look mystical. The Munktell Museum then offers the necessary dry sanctuary for both people and technology.
Refuel in Munktellstaden at noon while the bikes wait in covered racks. The Art Museum is the ideal place to spend the wettest part of the day in the warm.
Rademacher Forges look like a backdrop from an old Swedish movie in the rain. A quick stop in Rothoff's Park shows nature in a particularly vibrant green.
Finish the day with dinner by the river. The bridge lights reflect in the puddles on the bike path and on the water's surface.
The winter ride to Sigurd Carving requires good tires and endurance against the cold wind. The Munktell Museum is the perfect warm reward for your sporting efforts afterwards.
Enjoy the industrial atmosphere in Munktellstaden at noon with a warm drink. The Art Museum offers a welcome break in its light-filled, heated halls.
Rademacher Forges glisten in the frost and look particularly authentic. A short ride through Rothoff's Park shows the silence of the Swedish winter landscape in the city center.
End the day with a cozy dinner by the river. The darkness is brightened by city lights and snow reflections, giving the city a clear glow.
Start your day at Parken Zoo, the first cluster. After a leisurely lunch, drive to the second cluster, the modern Munktellstaden, to explore the Munktell Museum and the Art Museum on foot. In the late afternoon, drive to the third cluster, the city's historic heart, to visit Rademacher Forges. Optionally, end the day with a detour to the Sigurd Carving for a touch of Viking magic.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Parken Zoo (Cluster 1)
Arrive early to watch the animal feedings. Park here for the morning.
A visit to Parken Zoo is possible even in rain, as many animal houses and paths are covered. Warm up afterwards with a cozy lunch nearby.
At noon, visit the Munktell Museum, a highlight for technology fans in a dry environment. The Art Museum offers cultural variety in expansive halls afterwards.
Explore Rademacher Forges between rain showers. A quick look at the City Museum right in the center rounds off the afternoon's cultural program.
Crown the evening with a drive to Sigurd Carving at dusk, which can be seen well even from the car. Finish the day with dinner at a restaurant with parking garage access.
At Parken Zoo, we experience a winter silence where Nordic animals are particularly active. Lunch provides a well-deserved warm break after the zoo walk.
At noon, dive into the world of tractors and machines at the Munktell Museum. The Art Museum is a bright retreat from the biting cold outside afterwards.
Rademacher Forges are decoratively lit in winter and look especially welcoming. A quick visit to the City Museum warms you up in between before continuing the drive.
An evening trip to Sigurd Carving often shows the historical monument in soft moonlight on the snow. Close the day with a festive dinner in the illuminated city center.
Skjulstabadet, a lakeside swimming area and beach in Eskilstuna.
Vilsta Badplats🎡 recreation
Vilsta Badplats, a public bathing spot on Lake Mälaren in Eskilstuna.
Stadsparkens Strand🎡 recreation
Located in the lush green surroundings of the Eskilstuna city park, this bathing spot features a first-rate blend of nature and local recreation. The calm waters are absolutely good for a refreshing dip on warm Swedish summer days. Families and friends love to meet here to relax on the inviting meadows surrounding the water. Those seeking tranquility will best enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during the early morning hours.
Eskilstuna stadsmuseum🏛 museum
City museum detailing the history and industrial development of Eskilstuna.
Tacktorpsjön is a lake in Eskilstuna, providing a peaceful spot for enjoying nature.
Skiren🌿 nature
Skiren is a lake in Eskilstuna, suitable for a quiet walk or relaxation by the water.
Måsta lekpark👨👩👧 family
Måsta lekpark is a playground in Eskilstuna where children can play outdoors.
Tornlekplatsen👨👩👧 family
Tornlekplatsen is a playground in Eskilstuna featuring outdoor equipment for children's entertainment.
Parkenbadet👨👩👧 family
This swimming facility in Eskilstuna features a place for swimming and recreation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rademacher Forges?
Well-preserved 17th-century forges that now house craft shops and museums.
What is Parken Zoo?
A combined zoo and amusement park, very popular with families with children.
What is ReTuna?
The world's first shopping mall dedicated to recycled and upcycled goods.
On which river is the city located?
Eskilstuna is on the Eskilstunaån river, which connects lakes Hjälmaren and Mälaren.
What historic site is nearby?
The Sigurd carving (Sigurdsristningen), a famous 11th-century Viking rock carving.
Eskilstuna: where is it located?
Eskilstuna is located in Sweden.
Eskilstuna: what is there to see?
Highlights include Skjulstabadet, Vilsta Badplats, Stadsparkens Strand.
Eskilstuna: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Eskilstuna: why is it worth visiting?
Eskilstuna is a historic industrial city in the Södermanland province, situated along the Eskilstunaån river that connects Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren.