Malmköping, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden

Malmköping is a locality in Flen Municipality, located in the county of Södermanland, Sweden. It is situated in the historic province of Södermanland. With a population of approximately 2,200 residents as of 2025, Malmköping is a small but historically significant town. The locality is located in a rural landscape of forests and lakes, with the small Lake Hosjön on its outskirts. Nearby larger cities include Eskilstuna, Katrineholm, and Strängnäs.

The character of Malmköping is that of a charming and well-preserved former military and market town. Its identity is deeply connected to its past as the main exercise ground for the Södermanland Regiment for almost 150 years. This history is visible in its grid street plan and the large open heath, Malma Hed, which is still at the center of the town. In the modern era, the town has become a very popular summer tourist destination, known for its unique museums, particularly the Tramway Museum, and its large annual market Malma Marken. This combination of military history and small-town charm gives the locality its specific character.

The town has also gained significant international fame through modern literature. It is the setting for the beginning of Jonas Jonasson’s best-selling novel, “The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.” In the story, the main character, Allan Karlsson, escapes from the retirement home in Malmköping on his 100th birthday, setting off a worldwide adventure. The global success of the book and its subsequent film adaptation has put Malmköping on the map for many international visitors. This has added a new, modern layer of cultural significance to this historic Swedish town.

Malmköping: A Short History

The history of Malmköping is that of a town that was purpose-built to serve a military regiment. Unlike many Swedish towns with medieval origins, Malmköping was founded in the late 18th century as a direct result of a military decision. Its development was shaped entirely by the presence of the Södermanland Regiment. The story of the town reflects the history of the Swedish military allotment system and the town’s successful transition to a new identity after the regiment was moved in the 20th century.

A Military Exercise Ground

The history of the area before the 18th century was one of a rural landscape with a few small farms. The pivotal moment in the town’s history came in 1774. This was the year that the Södermanland Regiment, one of the main infantry regiments of the Swedish army, was moved to the area. The large, sandy heath known as Malma Hed was chosen as its new permanent exercise and meeting ground. This was part of a wider military reorganization in the country. The presence of thousands of soldiers gathering here each summer required the establishment of a new town to support them.

A Market and Garrison Town

The town of Malmköping was officially founded in 1785 as a market town (köping). Its primary purpose was to provide services and supplies for the Södermanland Regiment during their annual training exercises on Malma Hed. The town was laid out on a strict grid plan, which is still visible today. It grew with the needs of the regiment. In 1886, the first military hospital in Sweden was built here. The town became a permanent garrison town, with a mix of military personnel and civilian craftsmen and merchants.

Post-Military Era

The military era of Malmköping came to an end in 1921, when the Södermanland Regiment was moved to the nearby city of Strängnäs. The town, which had grown to a sufficient size, was able to survive on its own. Its economy transitioned to being based on small businesses and light industry. In the post-war period, the town’s unique history and preserved character began to attract tourists. The establishment of several unique museums, particularly the Tramway Museum, has cemented its modern identity as a major tourist destination in the Södermanland region.

Sights In Malmköping

The sights in and around Malmköping are focused on its unique military and transport history, as well as the surrounding natural landscape. Considering its small size, the town has a surprisingly large number of attractions. The main points of interest are concentrated in the compact town center and are easily explored on foot.

The Tramway Museum

The Tramway Museum (Museispårvägen Malmköping) is the most famous attraction in Malmköping. The museum opened in 1969 on the site of a former railway line. It is a working museum that is dedicated to the history of urban public transport in Sweden. The museum has a large collection of historic trams and buses from cities all across the country. A key part of the experience is the opportunity to ride on the historic trams, which run on a 3-kilometer-long track through the town and the surrounding countryside.

Malma Hed

Malma Hed is the large, open heath that is located in the center of the town. This was the historic military exercise ground for the Södermanland Regiment from 1774 to 1921. The open field is a key part of the town’s identity and history. Today, the heath is a large public park and a venue for major events, including the annual market, Malma Marken. Several historic buildings related to the military period are still located on the heath, and a series of signs tells the story of the regiment.

The Regimental Museums

Located on Malma Hed are several small museums that are dedicated to the history of the Södermanland Regiment and other military units. The Regimental Museum showcases the history of the regiment that was based here. There are also separate, smaller museums for the signal and armored troops of the Swedish army. These museums contain collections of uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts that detail the long military history of the town and the region.

Hosjön Lake

Hosjön is a small lake located just on the edge of the town of Malmköping. The lake is a major recreational area for the local community, especially during the summer. It has a large, public sandy beach and a campsite, Malmköping Bad & Camping. The lake is a popular destination for swimming. The water in the lakes of Södermanland is typically much warmer than in the Baltic Sea, making it a favorite spot for families.

Sörmlandsleden

The Sörmlandsleden is a network of hiking paths that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers all around the province of Södermanland. Several different stages of this famous long-distance trail meet in the town of Malmköping. This makes the town an excellent starting point or hub for hikers. The trail leads out into the scenic Södermanland countryside, with its mix of forests and lakes.

Malma Marken

The Malma Marken is a large, traditional annual market that is a major event in the region. The market takes place on the last weekend of July on the historic Malma Hed. The event attracts an estimated 80,000 visitors over the course of the weekend. The market is a classic Swedish “marknad,” with hundreds of vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including handicrafts, clothing, and food. The event also includes a small funfair and live music performances.

Malmköping with Kids

Malmköping is a very family-friendly destination, with several attractions that are particularly suitable for children. The town’s small size and quiet atmosphere make it a safe and easy place to explore with a family. The main attractions are engaging for all ages.

Family-Friendly Attractions

The Tramway Museum is a major draw for families. The opportunity to ride on the historic trams is an exciting experience for children. The Torekällberget open-air museum in nearby Södertälje is another popular family destination. In Malmköping itself, the beach at Lake Hosjön is a key attraction during the summer. The town also has a modern, well-equipped public playground located in the center.

Sports in Malmköping

The sporting life in Malmköping is centered on its local community sports club and the recreational activities offered by its location in the Södermanland countryside.

Football

Football is a popular sport in Malmköping. The local club is an important part of the community and provides a platform for local players.

Malmköpings IF

The main local sports club is Malmköpings IF. The club has sections for several sports, but its football section is the most prominent. The club’s senior team competes in the lower divisions of the Swedish football league system. They play their home games at a local sports ground in the town.

Winter Sports

The town has a small, local ski slope, Malmabacken, which is open during the winter months when there is enough snow. The slope has a single lift and is suitable for beginners and families. It is a very popular local attraction and is run by a local sports association.

Getting Around in Malmköping

Navigating the town of Malmköping is straightforward and is best done on foot. The town center is very compact, and all the main sights are within a short walking distance of each other.

On Foot: The Town Center

Walking is the best way to explore the central part of Malmköping. The main square, the historic heath of Malma Hed, and the Tramway Museum are all located within a small, walkable area. The paths around Lake Hosjön also provide a pleasant route for a stroll.

Local Buses

The public transport in the region is operated by Sörmlandstrafiken. A network of regional buses connects Malmköping with the main towns of the region, including Flen, Eskilstuna, and Nyköping. The bus is the primary mode of public transport for traveling to and from the town.

How to Get to Malmköping

Reaching Malmköping requires travel to the Södermanland province. The town is located on a major regional road and is accessible by the regional bus network. It does not have its own train station.

The Open Road: Driving to Malmköping

Driving is the most common and practical way to reach Malmköping. The town is located at the junction of two major regional roads, Route 53 and Route 55. Route 53 connects to Nyköping in the south and Eskilstuna in the north. Route 55 connects to Strängnäs in the east and Flen and Katrineholm in the west. The main E20 and E4 motorways are a short drive away.

Arriving by Air: Stockholm Skavsta Airport

The closest airport with regular international connections is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO). It is located near Nyköping, approximately 50 kilometers to the south, and is a hub for low-cost carriers. Sweden’s main international airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), is located about 120 kilometers away. From either of these airports, a rental car or a combination of bus services is required to reach Malmköping.

On Track: A Journey by Rail and Bus

Malmköping does not have its own active passenger train station. The closest major train station is located in the nearby town of Flen, which is on a main railway line. From the Flen station, a connecting regional bus service, operated by Sörmlandstrafiken, is required to complete the journey to Malmköping.

Connecting by Coach

There are no direct long-distance bus services to the small town of Malmköping. Travel by coach would typically involve taking a service to a larger nearby city, such as Strängnäs or Nyköping. From these cities, travelers would then need to transfer to a regional bus service to complete the journey.

Driving Distances

The driving distance to Malmköping from 20 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Flen, Sweden – 15 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Eskilstuna, Sweden – 32 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Strängnäs, Sweden – 40 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Katrineholm, Sweden – 41 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Nyköping, Sweden – 54 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Trosa, Sweden – 68 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Södertälje, Sweden – 69 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Västerås, Sweden – 77 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Norrköping, Sweden – 91 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Stockholm, Sweden – 107 kilometers (1 h 30 min)
• Örebro, Sweden – 122 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
• Uppsala, Sweden – 122 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
• Linköping, Sweden – 128 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
• Karlstad, Sweden – 233 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Jönköping, Sweden – 253 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Gothenburg, Sweden – 397 kilometers (4 h 10 min)
• Oslo, Norway – 449 kilometers (5 h 20 min)
• Malmö, Sweden – 542 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
• Copenhagen, Denmark – 586 kilometers (6 h 00 min)
• Luleå, Sweden – 955 kilometers (10 h 40 min)

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This post was first published 2016-07-27 and was updated 2025-07-26