Säter, Östergötland | Exploring Sweden

Säter is a locality and a ferry slip (färjeläge) in Norrköping Municipality, located in the county of Östergötland, Sweden. The locality is situated on the northern shore of Bråviken, a long and deep inlet of the Baltic Sea. Säter is not a traditional village but rather a small settlement that has grown around the ferry connection. It is located within the vast forested area of Kolmården, about 20 kilometers east of the larger locality of Krokek.

The character of Säter is defined by its function as a key local transport link. Its identity is almost entirely tied to the Säter-Skenäs ferry, a public car ferry that provides a crossing over the Bråviken bay. The ferry slip is a point of constant, albeit quiet, activity, serving both local residents and tourists. This functional role as a transport hub exists alongside its location in a scenic and remote natural landscape of forests and high cliffs overlooking the water.

A Short History of Säter

The history of Säter is the story of a strategic crossing point on the Bråviken bay. For centuries, this has been a key location for connecting the northern and southern parts of this coastal region. The development of the area has been driven by the need to transport people and goods across the water. This has evolved from simple rowboats to a modern state-run car ferry service.

An Ancient Crossing Point

The history of a crossing between Säter on the northern shore and Skenäs on the southern shore of Bråviken is very long. This narrow point in the bay has served as a natural crossing for centuries. In earlier times, the crossing was likely made with simple rowboats or small sailing vessels. It was a vital link for the local communities, connecting the agricultural lands on the southern Vikbolandet peninsula with the vast forests of Kolmården to the north. This crossing was a key part of the local transport network long before the advent of modern roads.

The Modern Car Ferry

In the 20th century, with the growth of road transport, the crossing was formalized as a public car ferry route. The route, known as Säterleden, became part of the public road network and is operated by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The establishment of a regular, reliable car ferry service was a key development for the region. It has allowed for easier travel and has integrated the two sides of the bay more closely. The ferry service is free of charge, as it is considered a part of the national road system.

Things to Do and See

The sights in and around Säter are focused on the ferry slip, the scenic Bråviken bay, and the surrounding natural landscape of the Kolmården forest. The main points of interest offer a look into the local transport culture and provide access to one of the region’s most important nature reserves.

The Säter Ferry Slip

The Säter Ferry Slip and the ferry itself are the main attractions of the locality. The ferry slip is the northern terminus of the Säter-Skenäs ferry route. Visitors can watch the yellow car ferry, the M/S Maj, as it arrives and departs on its regular schedule across the bay. The process of the ferry docking and the cars driving on and off is the central activity of the area. The ferry slip provides a direct look at this vital local transport link in operation.

Bråviken

Bråviken is a large, fjord-like inlet of the Baltic Sea that defines the geography of the region. The bay is known for its scenic beauty, with high, steep cliffs (branter) lining its northern shore in the Kolmården forest. The view from Säter across the water to the southern shore at Skenäs is a key feature of the location. The bay is a popular area for boating and fishing. It is an important part of the natural landscape of Östergötland.

Marmorbruket Nature Reserve

Located just a short distance west of the Säter ferry slip is the Marmorbruket Nature Reserve. This reserve is centered on a former marble quarry that was in operation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The white marble from the quarry was used in many buildings in the nearby city of Norrköping. Today, the reserve is a popular destination for hiking and recreation. It has walking trails, picnic areas, and a small guest harbor. The steep cliffs of the old quarry provide a dramatic landscape.

The Kolmården Forest

The Kolmården Forest, where Säter is located, is a sight in its own right. This large, hilly, and continuous forest is one of the most famous in Sweden. It separates the provinces of Södermanland and Östergötland. The landscape is characterized by its rugged terrain, with deep valleys and rocky outcrops. The forest is an important area for biodiversity and is a major destination for outdoor recreation.

Hiking and Cycling Trails

The Kolmården forest has an extensive network of marked and unmarked trails for hiking and cycling. Major long-distance trails, such as the Östgötaleden, have sections that run through the forest near Säter. These trails lead through the rugged landscape and connect to various points of interest, such as viewpoints and historic sites. The network of small gravel roads in the forest is also popular for recreational cycling.

How to Get to Säter

Reaching the Säter ferry slip requires travel to the Kolmården forest region, on the northern shore of the Bråviken bay. A car is the most practical and almost essential means of transport for visiting this remote rural area.

The Open Road: Driving through Kolmården

Driving is the most straightforward way to reach Säter. The ferry slip is located on a local road that runs along the shore of Bråviken. This road connects to the main regional roads that lead to the E4 motorway. From the motorway exit at Krokek or Norrköping, a drive on smaller local roads leads through the forest to Säter. A car is essential for exploring the area.

Arriving by Air: Nearby Airports

The closest airports with some commercial service are Norrköping Airport (NRK) and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO), near Nyköping. Both are located approximately 40-50 kilometers away. For more extensive global connections, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main hub for the country. From any of these airports, a rental car is the most practical option for completing the journey into the Kolmården forest.

On Track: A Journey by Rail and Bus

Säter does not have its own train station. The closest train station is located in the nearby locality of Krokek. The Krokek station is a stop on the railway line between Norrköping and Nyköping and is served by regional trains. From the Krokek station, a taxi or a long walk would be required to reach the hamlet of Säter, as local bus services to this specific point are very limited.

Connecting by Coach

There are no direct long-distance bus services to the small locality of Säter. Travel by coach would typically involve taking a service from a company like FlixBus to the main bus station in the nearby city of Norrköping or Nyköping. From these cities, travelers would then need to transfer to a regional train or bus to reach Krokek, and then find local transport.

The Säter-Skenäs Ferry

The Säter-Skenäs ferry is a key part of the local transport network and can be a way of arriving at Säter itself. The free public car ferry, operated by the Swedish Transport Administration, provides a regular connection across the Bråviken bay. For travelers exploring the Vikbolandet peninsula on the southern side of the bay, the ferry provides a scenic and direct route to Säter and the Kolmården forest on the northern side.

Driving Distances

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

Norrköping, Sweden – 15 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
Nyköping, Sweden – 47 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
Linköping, Sweden – 59 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
Söderköping, Sweden – 31 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Stockholm, Sweden – 148 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
Örebro, Sweden – 165 kilometers (2 h 00 min)
Gothenburg, Sweden – 320 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
Malmö, Sweden – 462 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
Oslo, Norway – 456 kilometers (5 h 10 min)
Copenhagen, Denmark – 505 kilometers (5 h 20 min)

Säter, Östergötland | Exploring Sweden