Plizio Visual Lab
Mariefred
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Mariefred is an idyllic destination located about 70 kilometers west of Stockholm on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Its most prominent landmark is Gripsholm Castle, one of Sweden's most significant royal fortresses, built in 1537 by Gustav Vasa. the town maintains a peaceful atmosphere with well-preserved 18th-century wooden houses and small art galleries. A highlight for visitors is arriving via the historic steamship S/S Mariefred or taking a ride on the narrow-gauge museum railway. The surrounding region invites for walks along the lake and through the royal deer park, Hjorthagen, which borders the castle grounds.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Kärnbo kyrkoruin · Galleri POM · Gripsholms kungsladugård
- Nearby: Södertälje (24 km)
- Population: ~3.911 (2017)
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 | -3 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 6 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 41 | 39 | 39 | 63 | 88 | 89 | 81 | 55 | 69 | 61 | 54 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Gripsholm Castle welcomes visitors to explore its richly decorated rooms and beautiful park. The vintage steam railway (Östra Södermanlands Järnväg) gives nostalgic rides through the countryside.
Typical hours
The castle is usually open daily during summer, with varying opening times. The steam railway runs on weekends and some weekdays in season. Always check the current schedule before your trip.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the castle without flash. The train rides and lake views provide excellent photo opportunities.
Time needed
Plan a full day to tour the castle, enjoy a steam train ride, and wander through Mariefred’s old town.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a lake cruise on Mälaren or explore the nearby Gripsholm wildlife park.
Getting there
Mariefred is easily reached by train from Stockholm in about 45 minutes, then a short walk to the castle. By car, follow the E20 and local signs.
Insider tip
Arrive early to avoid queues at the castle, and consider a ride on the steam train for a unique historical experience.
Geography
Facts
- Gripsholm Castle built 1537
- Kurt Tucholsky's grave
- Lake Mälaren shoreline
- S/S Mariefred steamship
- Narrow-gauge railway
- 18th-century architecture
- Södermanland province
- Hjorthagen deer park
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mariefred (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction?
The imposing Gripsholm Castle on the shores of Lake Mälaren.
Is there an old railway?
Yes, the museum railway Östra Södermanlands Järnväg operates steam trains.
Can you come by boat from Stockholm?
Yes, the historic steamship S/S Mariefred runs from Stockholm in summer.
Where is Kurt Tucholsky buried?
His grave is located in the Mariefred cemetery.
Is there a deer park?
Right next to the castle is Gripsholms hjorthage, home to many fallow deer.
Mariefred: where is it located?
Mariefred is located in Sweden.
Mariefred: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kärnbo kyrkoruin, Galleri POM, Gripsholms kungsladugård.
Mariefred: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mariefred: why is it worth visiting?
Mariefred is an idyllic destination located about 70 kilometers west of Stockholm on the shores of Lake Mälaren.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Sweden →
Nearby cities
Sollentuna
A green and vibrant municipality just north of Stockholm, offering a mix of modern living, shopping, and beautiful nature reserves by the…
Norrköping
Norrköping, known as Sweden's Manchester, is famous for its historic industrial landscape and scenic waterfalls on the Motala ström river.
Huddinge
Huddinge is located south of Stockholm.
Haninge
Haninge is located southeast of Stockholm and extends to the coast.
Gävle
Gävle is the oldest city in Norrland and a key commercial center on the Baltic Sea.
Södertälje
Södertälje is a major industrial hub south of Stockholm, known as the headquarters of Scania.
Eskilstuna
Eskilstuna has a long tradition in metalworking and the steel industry.
Solna
Solna is a city in the Stockholm metropolitan area.
Täby
Täby, an attractive suburb of Stockholm, is the perfect blend of modern living and Viking Age history.
Näsbypark
Näsbypark is a scenic, upscale coastal suburb of Täby, north of Stockholm, known for its beautiful Baltic Sea waterfront and local beaches.
Lidingö
Lidingö is a city on an island in the Stockholm metropolitan area.
Borlänge
Borlänge is a major industrial and commercial center in the Dalarna province.
Botkyrka
Botkyrka is located southwest of Stockholm.
Nyköping
Nyköping is a coastal city with a rich history, dominated by the Nyköpingshus fortress.
Falun
Falun is world-famous for its historic copper mine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
