Skansholmen, Södermanland – Exploring Sweden
Skansholmen is a peninsula on the island of Mörkö in Södertälje Municipality in Stockholm County. It lies at the narrow strait of Skanssundet, an important waterway connecting the town of Södertälje and the third largest lake in Sweden, Lake Mälaren, with the Baltic Sea. This former site for coastal fortifications today houses a camping ground, a marina, and a restaurant. This is also where the ferry slip is located for the ferry that brings the cars across the strait.
A Short History of Skansholmen
In the 17th century, there were two waterways connecting Södertälje and Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. These two went on either side of the island of Mörkö. These two waterways had no coastal defenses and that was about to change. In anticipation of an expected attack in 1623 by the Polish king Sigismund, four coastal defenses were built. Two of these were located at the strait today known as Skanssundet. There was one on each side of the water. Skansholmen was at this time known as Furuholmen and the fortification was named Furuholmsskansen. The standard on the fortification was questionable up until 1902 when it gained the status as a fortification area. It was later in 1914 put on alert with the mobilization following the start of the First World War. The fortification was in use up until 1927.
Things to Do and See
The camping and marina might attract some visitors to Skansholmen. Others go here to enjoy the views and maybe have a bite at the restaurant. Sometimes it is just a way to get to the other side of the strait. There is also Hörningholm Castle nearby, a castle that is privately owned and whose estate covers a large part of the island.
Furuholmsskansen
Furuholmsskansen is not what it once was. The trenches and most of the old fortifications have today been filled in and on top of the pile are today several caravans and motorhomes. The peninsula is today a camping ground. What is left of the fortifications is one lonely gun from the First World War.
Mörkö Ferry Slip
There is a free car ferry connecting the two sides of the strait. The yellow ferry goes back and forth and has become a part of the local scenery. It connects Mörkö in Södertälje Municipality with the southernmost parts of Botkykra Municipality.
How to Get to Skansholmen
- Flights: Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 67 kilometers to the southwest.
- Car: Skansholmen is along countryside roads between Södertälje and Vagnhärad.
- Bus: Buses from SL connect Skansholmen with the surrounding region of Stockholm County.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 70 kilometers (55 min)
- Gothenburg – 430 kilometers (4 h 47 min)
- Malmö – 574 kilometers (6 h 27 min)
- Linköping – 163 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
- Kiruna – 1301 kilometers (15 h 25 min)
Explore More of Södermanland and Sweden
