Gisesjön, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden

Gisesjön is a lake located in Trosa Municipality, in the county of Södermanland, Sweden. The lake is situated within the boundaries of the large Nynäs Nature Reserve. It is a popular local destination for outdoor recreation, particularly for hiking and swimming. The lake is a key feature of the Sörmlandsleden hiking trail, which passes along its shore. It is known for its beautiful nature and the presence of a viewpoint dedicated to a member of the Swedish royal family, Prince Alexander, the Duke of Södermanland.

The character of Gisesjön is that of a tranquil and scenic forest lake. Its identity is defined by its location within a large, protected nature reserve. The area is undeveloped, with the main points of interest being its small public beach, its designated rest areas with wind shelters, and the well-marked hiking trails that surround it. The lake offers a classic Södermanland landscape of deep forests and calm water. It is a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape into the Swedish countryside.

A Short History of Gisesjön

The history of Gisesjön is not one of a town or a settlement, but of the landscape itself and its modern designation as a protected and recreational area. The story of the lake is one of its inclusion in a major nature reserve in the 20th century. A unique chapter in its recent history is its connection to the Swedish royal family through a christening gift. This has added a modern cultural layer to this natural landmark.

A Part of Nynäs Nature Reserve

Gisesjön is located within the Nynäs Nature Reserve. This large reserve was established in 1971 and covers an area of 3,830 hectares, spanning parts of both Nyköping and Trosa Municipalities. The reserve was created to protect the significant natural and cultural landscape of the coastal Södermanland region, which is centered around the historic Nynäs Castle. The inclusion of Gisesjön within the reserve has ensured the protection of its forests and shoreline. It has also led to the development of facilities for outdoor recreation, such as marked trails and rest areas.

A Royal Christening Gift

A unique event in the lake’s history occurred in 2016. This was the year that Prince Alexander, the son of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, was born. As he was given the title of the Duke of Södermanland, Södermanland County decided to give him a christening gift. The gift was the inauguration of a dedicated viewpoint, the Viewpoint of Prince Alexander, which was established on a hill overlooking Lake Gisesjön. This was a gift that was made available for the public to use and enjoy, creating a lasting and popular landmark at the lake.

Sights at Gisesjön

The sights at Lake Gisesjön are focused on its natural beauty and its well-developed recreational facilities. The main attractions are the viewpoint, the public beach, and the hiking trails.

The Main Recreational Area

The easiest access point to the lake is at its southwestern part. This is where you will find a large public parking lot and the most extensive amenities. This main recreational area includes a small, sandy public beach, which is popular for swimming in the summer. There is also a large, designated wind shelter (vindskydd) with several barbecue spots and picnic tables. The area also has public toilets. This makes it a perfect stop for both families looking for a place for a picnic and for hikers starting their journey on the surrounding trails.

The Viewpoint of Prince Alexander

The Viewpoint of Prince Alexander is a key landmark at the lake. This viewpoint is located on a small hill next to the main recreational area. It was inaugurated in 2016 as a christening gift to Prince Alexander, the Duke of Södermanland. The viewpoint is an accessible wooden platform that offers a panoramic view out over the lake and the surrounding forests of the Nynäs Nature Reserve. It is a popular spot for photography and for enjoying the natural scenery.

The Sörmlandsleden Hiking Trail

The Sörmlandsleden is a network of hiking paths that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers all around the province of Södermanland. Gisesjön is a major hub on this trail. It is the connection point between two stages of the trail, Stage 55 and Stage 55:1. The trail runs directly through the main recreational area at the lake. This makes Gisesjön a popular starting point, ending point, or rest stop for hikers exploring this part of the Södermanland region.

Recreational Activities

The area around Gisesjön is a major center for outdoor recreation, particularly hiking and swimming. The lake and the surrounding Nynäs Nature Reserve provide the main setting for these activities.

Hiking

Hiking is the primary recreational activity at Gisesjön. The lake is a key point on the Sörmlandsleden. Hikers can choose to walk in several directions from here. The trails lead through the varied landscape of the nature reserve, with its deep forests and other small lakes. The trails are well-marked with the distinctive orange markings of the Sörmlandsleden.

Swimming

The lake has a small public beach (badplats) that is popular for swimming during the warm summer months. There are also plenty of cliffs from where it is possible to swim.

How to Get to Gisesjön?

Reaching Lake Gisesjön requires travel to a rural part of Södermanland, between the towns of Vagnhärad and Nyköping. A car is the most practical means of transport, as public transport links to the lake’s main recreational area are very limited.

The Open Road: Driving to Nynäs

Driving is the most straightforward way to reach Gisesjön. The lake is located on Route 219, which is the main regional road connecting the E4 motorway with the Nynäs Nature Reserve and the coast. The main recreational area at the southwestern end of the lake has a large, designated public parking lot. A car provides the necessary flexibility for exploring the wider nature reserve.

Arriving by Air: Stockholm Skavsta Airport

The closest airport with regular international connections is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO). It is located near Nyköping, approximately 40 kilometers to the south, and is a hub for low-cost carriers. Sweden’s main international airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), is located about 110 kilometers away. From either of these airports, a rental car is the most practical option for completing the journey.

On Track: A Journey by Rail and Bus

Gisesjön does not have its own train station. The closest train station is located in the nearby town of Vagnhärad, approximately 10 kilometers away. The Vagnhärad station is a stop on the main railway line between Stockholm and Nyköping. From the train station, a rental car or a taxi would be required to reach the lake, as the local bus service does not go directly to the recreational area.

Connecting by Coach

There are no direct long-distance bus services to Lake Gisesjön. The regional bus service, operated by Sörmlandstrafiken, runs along Route 219. It is possible to take a bus from Vagnhärad or Nyköping to a stop on this road. From the closest bus stop, a walk of a few kilometers through the forest would be required to reach the main recreational area at the lake.

An International Ferry Approach

The closest major international ferry ports are located in Nynäshamn and Stockholm. These ports have frequent connections to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. From either of these ports, the journey to Gisesjön must be completed by car. The drive from Nynäshamn takes approximately one hour.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

Nyköping, Sweden – 29 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Stockholm, Sweden – 81 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
Norrköping, Sweden – 89 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
Linköping, Sweden – 136 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
Gothenburg, Sweden – 403 kilometers (4 h 30 min)
Oslo, Norway – 500 kilometers (5 h 40 min)
Helsinki, Finland – 540 kilometers (12 h 00 min, includes ferry)
Malmö, Sweden – 547 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
Copenhagen, Denmark – 589 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
Kiruna, Sweden – 1,312 kilometers (15 h 00 min)

Gisesjön, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden