Trosa, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden

Trosa is a town and the seat of Trosa Municipality, located in the county of Södermanland, Sweden. It is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Trosaån River. With a population of approximately 7,000 residents in the town itself, Trosa is a key tourist destination in the region. The wider municipality is home to around 15,000 people. The town’s historic name is simply Trosa, and it is known for its well-preserved wooden architecture and its scenic river and harbor setting.

The character of Trosa is that of a picturesque and well-preserved coastal town. Its identity is deeply connected to its past as a fishing village and its subsequent development as a popular seaside resort in the 19th century. The town center features colorful wooden houses, narrow streets, and the river running directly through it, which has earned it a reputation as one of Sweden’s most idyllic towns. It is a very popular destination during the summer months, when its population swells with tourists and summer residents. The town has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, which is a major part of its appeal.

The town is sometimes referred to by the nickname “Världens ände,” which translates to “The World’s End.” This historical nickname reflects its once remote location at the end of the road on the coast. In the modern era, Trosa has also become known as a residence for many well-known figures from the Swedish cultural and business elite. Its proximity to Stockholm, combined with its tranquil environment, has made it a desirable location. This blend of a historic fishing town, a bustling summer resort, and an affluent residential community gives the town its specific character.

Good to Know When Visiting Trosa

To help with planning a visit, here are several practical points covering daily essentials, timing, and efficient exploration of the town. Understanding these details can make a trip to Trosa more convenient. This information is intended to provide a general overview for travelers preparing to visit this major Swedish summer destination.

The Daily Essentials

The official currency used in Trosa is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are almost universally accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, and contactless payments are standard. The official language is Swedish. English is very widely spoken, especially in the service industry, so communication is generally not a problem for international visitors. Tipping is not obligatory, as service is included in the bill, but it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service. The tap water is of high quality and is safe to drink. The electrical system uses Type F sockets with a standard voltage of 230V. Trosa is a very safe town with a very low crime rate.

Planning Your Calendar

Trosa is primarily a summer destination. The peak tourist season runs from June to August. During this period, the town is at its most lively, with all shops, restaurants, and attractions open and numerous events taking place. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, with long daylight hours. The spring and autumn offer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, but some businesses may have reduced opening hours. The winter is very quiet, with a much more local atmosphere. Key events include the Trosa Market Day and the Trosa Stadslopp in June, as well as the traditional Midsummer celebrations. For a visit, two to three days is generally sufficient to explore the town and its immediate surroundings.

A Tourist’s Toolkit for Exploration

The town center of Trosa is very compact and is best explored on foot. For travel to the wider parts of the municipality, a regional bus network is available. The Trosabussen provides a direct coach link to Stockholm. It is essential to book accommodation far in advance, especially if visiting during the peak summer months of July and August, as the town is very popular and options can be limited. For exploring the archipelago, boat tours are available from the harbor. A good way to experience the area is by renting a bicycle to explore the coastal roads. The tourist information is located in the Old Town Hall on the main square.

A Short History of Trosa

The history of Trosa is that of a medieval town that was forced to move its location due to geological changes, was destroyed by war, and was later reborn as a popular seaside resort. Its development has been shaped by its connection to the Baltic Sea and the Trosaån River. The story of the town reflects the changing fortunes of the Swedish coastal communities, from the era of fishing and trade to the rise of summer tourism. The town’s well-preserved 18th and 19th-century character is a direct result of its history of rebuilding and its later focus on preservation.

The Old Town

The first known written mention of Trosa dates back to the 13th century. The history of the town is long and has involved a change of location. The original medieval town of Trosa was not located where it is today. It was situated a few kilometers upriver, at a site that is now known as Trosaby, near the modern locality of Vagnhärad. The town was described as a significant commercial center in the 14th century.

However, the phenomenon of post-glacial rebound, which is the slow rising of the land after the last ice age, had a major impact on the town. As the land rose, the river became too shallow for ships to navigate. In the 16th century, the old town lost its direct connection to the sea, and with it, its status as a major trading town. This forced the community to relocate to a new position at the river’s mouth.

A New Fishing Town

The town of Trosa was rebuilt at its current location at the beginning of the 17th century. The new town received its town privileges again in 1610 from King Karl IX. The economy of the new town was primarily based on fishing. The fishermen of Trosa were known as skärborgare. This meant that they were burghers of the town who had the right to fish in the surrounding archipelago. They typically lived in the town during the winter and moved out to small fishing camps on the islands of the archipelago during the summer fishing season.

A devastating event in the town’s history occurred in 1719. This was the year that the Imperial Russian Fleet arrived at the town’s shores during the Great Northern War. This was part of the Russian Pillage of 1719–21, during which several towns on the Swedish coast were burned. Trosa was burned to the ground. Only the 18th-century church was spared from the flames. The town that is seen today has been almost entirely built after this event. The oldest buildings, with the exception of the church, are the ones from the period when the town was rebuilt.

Modern Times

Fishing continued to be important for Trosa until the beginning of the 20th century. A new major industry emerged in the late 19th century: tourism. The establishment of regular traffic with steamboats from Stockholm made Trosa a popular seaside resort for the wealthy residents of the capital. This led to the construction of many of the ornate wooden villas and the grand hotel that still characterize the town today.

In the mid-19th century, Trosa was also famous for its production of Trosa Punsch, an alcoholic liqueur. Production continued until 1917. In the 20th century, the town continued its role as a summer resort. It also became home to some light industry. The company Camfil, which was founded in Trosa in 1963, is today a global producer of air filters and is still a major employer in the town. In the modern era, tourism remains the primary industry.

Things to Do and See in Trosa

The sights in Trosa are focused on its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century wooden architecture, its scenic river and harbor setting, and the surrounding coastal landscape. The town itself is the main attraction, with its colorful buildings and narrow streets. The main points of interest are concentrated in the compact town center and the harbor area, making them easy to explore on foot. The town has successfully blended its historical assets with modern recreational facilities, creating a diverse range of activities for visitors.

A visit to Trosa offers a look into the history of a classic Swedish coastal town and seaside resort. The Trosaån river flows through the heart of the town, lined with walking paths and historic buildings. The harbor is a hub of activity, especially during the summer, with a mix of fishing boats, pleasure craft, and tour boats. The nearby island of Öbolandet provides access to the open sea and the wider archipelago. The combination of these sights creates a unique and popular destination that is one of the most well-known in the Södermanland province.

Trosa Harbor

The Trosa Harbor (Trosa Hamn) is the social and commercial heart of the town during the summer months. The harbor is located at the mouth of the Trosaån River. It is a busy hub of activity, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and small shops located along the waterfront. The harbor includes a large guest marina (gästhamn) for visiting pleasure boats. It is also the departure point for boat tours into the archipelago. A walk along the waterfront provides views of the many small and large boats that are moored here, and it is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists in the evenings.

The Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall (Gamla Rådhuset) is a key landmark located on the main town square. The square itself is extended over the Trosa River with a bridge. The town hall was built soon after the Russian Pillage of 1719. It served as the administrative center of the town for many years before this function was moved across the river to the building that is now the hotel Trosa Stadshotell & Spa. Today, the historic Old Town Hall is home to the local public library and the tourist information center. It is also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies, adding to its central role in community life.

Smörbyttan

Smörbyttan, which translates to “The Butter Churn,” is a man-made accessible platform and viewpoint located at the far end of the main harbor pier. The site serves as the official marker for Trosa’s famous nickname, “Världens Ände” (The World’s End). This name reflects the town’s historical perception as a remote outpost at the very edge of the sea. The platform has the town’s exact geographical coordinates inscribed on it. It is not a natural geological formation but a modern landmark. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the harbor entrance, the mouth of the Trosaån River, and the inner islands of the Trosa archipelago.

Trosa Havsbad

The Trosa Havsbad is a large public beach and campsite located on the island of Öbolandet, a short distance from the town center. The beach is a popular destination for swimming in the Baltic Sea during the hot summer days. The facility was established in the 1950s and includes a long, sandy beach, a pier with a diving tower, and recreational facilities like a beach volleyball court. The adjacent campsite is a major accommodation provider for tourists visiting the town. The area is connected to the town center by walking and cycling paths, making it easily accessible.

Åbladsstugan

The Åbladsstugan is a historic cottage located on the street Östra Långgatan, which is one of the main streets in the old town. This small, red-painted wooden building is believed to be the oldest preserved residential building still standing in Trosa, with the exception of the church. It was one of the first houses to be built after the Russian Pillage of 1719 destroyed the entire town. The cottage stands as a testament to the town’s resilience and its history of rebuilding. It is a key example of the simple, traditional architecture of the period.

Garvaregården

The Garvaregården, which translates to “The Tanner’s Yard,” is a preserved historic homestead located in the old town. The buildings have their origins in the 18th century and were once the home and workshop of a local tanner. Today, the complex functions as the local heritage museum (hembygdsgård), showcasing the history of local crafts and daily life. It is also home to a cafe during the summer months. The courtyard of the Garvaregården is used as a venue for outdoor theater performances, making it a lively cultural spot.

Trosaån

The Trosaån is the river that flows directly through the center of Trosa, giving the town much of its character. A well-maintained walking path, known as the Å-promenaden, runs along both banks of the river. This is one of the most popular and scenic walks in the town, lined with many of the town’s historic wooden houses, gardens, and boat docks. The river is a central part of the town’s identity and provides a tranquil green corridor through the urban landscape. It is also popular for recreational fishing and kayaking.

Tomtaklintskogen Nature Reserve

The Tomtaklintskogen Nature Reserve is a protected forest area located on the edge of the town of Trosa. The reserve was established in 2009 and covers an area of 54 hectares. The forest is characterized by its old pine trees and its location on a rocky hill. The reserve has a network of marked trails for hiking and walking. It offers a possibility for a peaceful walk in nature and for some shade on hot summer days. The area is an important local green space for recreation.

Trosa Wetland

The Trosa Wetland (Trosa Våtmark) is a man-made nature area located on the outskirts of the town. The wetland was created to serve as the final stage of the local water treatment plant, using natural processes to purify the water before it enters the Trosa River. The area has been designed to promote local wildlife and has become a popular destination for birdwatching. A bird observation tower is located at the site, providing views over the ponds. It is also a popular area for local walks.

Tureholm Castle

Tureholm Castle (Tureholms slott) is a privately owned historic estate located a short distance from Trosa. The current main building is a large palace from the 18th century, built in the Rococo style. The castle itself is not open to the public as it is a private residence, and has seen better days. It has, however, a long and rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its location in the landscape makes it a significant local landmark that is often viewed from a distance.

Trosa Aktivitetspark

The Trosa Aktivitetspark is a large outdoor adventure park located in the Vitalis recreational area, near the Trosabacken ski slope. This park is a major destination for families and groups seeking active recreation. Its primary feature is an extensive high-ropes course with seven different tracks of varying difficulty, including numerous ziplines that run through the forest canopy. The park also includes facilities for team-building activities, making it a popular choice for corporate events and school groups. The park is situated in a natural forest environment, providing a scenic setting for its activities. It is a key part of Trosa’s modern tourism offerings, focusing on active and adventurous experiences for visitors.

Trosa Äventyrsgolf

The Trosa Äventyrsgolf is a themed adventure mini-golf course located near the Trosa Havsbad campsite and beach area, separate from the main activity park. Unlike traditional mini-golf with its simple felt lanes, adventure golf courses are designed with more elaborate and natural-looking obstacles, often integrated into a landscaped garden setting. The course in Trosa has a theme that is based on the local history and famous landmarks of the Trosa area, making it a fun and educational activity for all ages. It is a very popular attraction for families and tourists during the summer season, providing a leisurely activity that complements a day at the nearby beach.

Playgrounds in Trosa

The town of Trosa has several large, modern public playgrounds that are key attractions for families with children. These are not just simple playgrounds but are often large, themed areas with a wide variety of equipment. They serve as important social gathering places for local families and visitors.

Spindelparken

The Spindelparken (“The Spider Park”) is another large, themed playground located near the town center. The park’s main feature is a large, spider-web-like climbing structure. The playground is set within a green park area. It offers a wide range of activities for children of different ages.

Hamnängens lekplats

The Hamnängens lekplats is a large playground located in the harbor area. It has a maritime theme, with play equipment designed to look like boats and lighthouses. Its location near the harbor makes it a convenient stop for families exploring the waterfront. The playground is a central part of the town’s family-friendly amenities.

Rådhusparkens lekplats

The Rådhusparkens lekplats is a smaller playground located in the park near to the Old Town Hall, in the very center of the town. This playground is designed for younger children. Its central location makes it a convenient place for a short break while exploring the historic old town.

Sports in Trosa

The sporting life in Trosa is centered on its local community clubs, which are a key part of the social fabric of the town. The city has a strong tradition in several team sports, with the two most prominent clubs being the football and athletics association, Trosa-Vagnhärad SK, and the floorball club, Trosa Edanö IBK. These organizations are often shared with the nearby locality of Vagnhärad to create a stronger competitive base for the entire municipality. These clubs are important social institutions with a strong focus on youth development, providing a structured environment for hundreds of young players. The town’s modern sports facilities, such as Skärlagsvallen and various indoor halls, are crucial for supporting these clubs.

This combination of strong community clubs and excellent facilities defines the active lifestyle in the town. The municipality has invested in a diverse range of modern sports venues, from the athletics arena at Tomtaklint to the local ski slope, Trosabacken. These facilities are used by both the main sports clubs and the local schools, making them central hubs of activity. Beyond club sports, individual recreation is very popular, highlighted by the major annual running event, the Trosa Stadslopp. Furthermore, the extensive network of illuminated trails (elljusspår) provides year-round opportunities for running and walking for the general public.

Sport Clubs

The organized sporting life in Trosa is driven by a few key, large community clubs that are central to the social fabric of the Trosa Municipality. These associations, often representing both Vagnhärad and the nearby town of Trosa, provide a structured environment for the region’s most popular sports. The clubs are important social institutions, with a strong focus on youth development and volunteer participation. They utilize the public sports facilities that are located within Trosa and Vagnhärad for their training and official matches. This makes these venues hubs of community activity, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

Trosa Edanö IBK

The primary organization for floorball (innebandy) in the municipality is Trosa Edanö IBK. This club is one of the largest sports associations in the area in terms of membership, with a particularly large youth section. It offers training and competition for teams across all age groups, from young children to senior men’s and women’s teams. The club’s senior teams compete in the middle tiers of the Swedish floorball league system. Their home arena is the Hedebyhallen sports hall in Vagnhärad, but they also use halls in Trosa for training.

Trosa-Vagnhärad SK

The main football association for the municipality is Trosa-Vagnhärad SK. The club was formed in 2018 through a merger of the two historic clubs from the towns of Trosa and Vagnhärad. This created a single, larger club to better represent the entire municipality at a higher competitive level. The senior men’s team competes in Division 2, which is the fourth tier of the Swedish football league system. The club has two main home grounds: Häradsvallen in Vagnhärad and Skärlagsvallen in Trosa. The club is well-known for its large youth academy, with hundreds of young players from the local community.

Trosa-Vagnhärad SK Friidrott

In addition to football, the Trosa-Vagnhärad SK sports club also has an active athletics section (friidrott). This department is focused on developing track and field athletes, primarily at the youth level. The club provides training in a variety of disciplines, including running, jumping, and throwing events. Their main training and competition facility is the Tomtaklints Friidrottsarena in Trosa. The club participates in regional competitions throughout the Södermanland region, providing a platform for young local athletes to develop their skills and compete.

Trosa-Vagnhärad SK Basket

The Trosa-Vagnhärad SK multi-sport club also includes a basketball section. The basketball program is primarily focused on youth development, providing an opportunity for children and teenagers in the municipality to learn and play the sport. The teams compete in the regional youth league systems. The club’s main training and home game venues are the various indoor sports halls in the municipality, including the Tomtaklinthallen and Multum Sporthall in Trosa.

Enklaresport Running Club

The Enklaresport Running Club is a local running club that is associated with the specialist sports store of the same name in Vagnhärad. The club caters to a wide range of runners, from recreational joggers to competitive athletes. It serves as a community hub for running enthusiasts in the Trosa and Vagnhärad area. The club organizes regular group training sessions that take advantage of the local roads and the extensive network of trails in the surrounding forests, such as the Vitalisskogens Elljusspår. Members of the club often participate together in major running events across Sweden.

Trosa Racketklubb

The main tennis club is the Trosa Racketklubb. The club has several outdoor clay courts that are located near the town’s main sports facilities at Tomtaklint. The club is very active during the summer season, with regular training sessions and club tournaments. This is a club that also has a section for the rapidly growing sport of padel, with its own dedicated courts located at the Axelenthallen. It is a key institution for racquet sports in the municipality.

Sport Venues

Trosa and the surrounding municipality have a number of modern, well-maintained sports venues that serve the local clubs and the public. These facilities are central to the active lifestyle of the community and support a wide range of sports.

Skärlagsvallen

Skärlagsvallen is the main sports ground located in the town of Trosa itself. It is one of the two home grounds for the Trosa-Vagnhärad SK football club. The complex features a main grass pitch as well as several smaller pitches for training and youth matches. The facility is a hub of activity during the football season, hosting numerous games each weekend. It is a key part of the town’s sports infrastructure and is located near the Skärlag school.

Tomtaklints Friidrottsarena

The Tomtaklints Friidrottsarena is the main facility for athletics in Trosa. The arena features a full-size, modern running track and facilities for all the major track and field events, such as long jump, high jump, and shot put. It is the home base for the athletics section of the Trosa-Vagnhärad SK club. The arena is used for both training and for hosting regional athletics competitions. It is located in the main sports area of the town, known as Tomtaklint.

Multum Sporthall

The Multum Sporthall is the new, modern multi-purpose sports hall in Trosa, located right next to the school Tomtaklintskolan. The hall is the main indoor venue for several of the town’s sports clubs. It features a full-sized court that can be configured for sports like handball, floorball, and basketball. It is a key venue for official league matches and larger school sports events. Its modern facilities make it the premier indoor arena in the municipality.

Tomtaklinthallen

The Tomtaklinthallen is the older of the two main indoor sports halls, also located next to the Tomtaklintskolan school. While the new Multum hall hosts many of the main matches, Tomtaklinthallen remains a vital and frequently used facility. It is primarily used for training sessions for various indoor sports, including floorball, basketball, and athletics. The hall is also used extensively by the school for physical education classes.

Tomtaklints Isrink

The Tomtaklints Isrink is the local outdoor ice rink in Trosa. The rink is typically open during the winter months, from around December to February, depending on the weather conditions. As there are no local ice hockey teams in the town, the facility is used mainly for public ice skating and by the local schools. It also occasionally hosts training sessions for ice scating by the nearby ice hockey club, Gnesta IK. The rink is a popular destination for families and young people during the winter.

Axelenthallen

The Axelenthallen is a large, privately owned indoor sports hall that is the main center for racket sports in Trosa. The complex is divided into two main parts, reflecting the evolution of these sports in the town. The older part of the building contains the town’s indoor tennis courts, which have been a key facility for the local tennis community for many years. The newer section of the hall was built to cater to the rapidly growing sport of padel and contains several modern padel courts. The entire facility is the primary indoor home for the Trosa Racketklubb. This allows the club to offer year-round training and competition in both tennis and padel, which is crucial during the long winter months when outdoor courts are nearly unusable.

Trosabacken

The Trosabacken is the local ski slope for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The facility has one T-bar lift and a single, gentle slope that is suitable for beginners and families. The slope is dependent on natural snow and is only open during the winter months when conditions permit. It is a very popular local attraction, especially for children learning to ski. The slope is run by the local Friluftsfrämjandet association.

Vitalisskolans Gymnastiksal

The Vitalisskolans Gymnastiksal is the gymnasium located at the Vitalis School in Trosa. This indoor hall is primarily used by the school for physical education classes during the school day. In the evenings and on weekends, it is used by various local sports clubs for training sessions, particularly for youth teams in sports like gymnastics and other indoor activities. It serves as an important supplementary facility to the main sports halls.

Skärlag Gymnastiksal

The Skärlag Gymnastiksal is the gymnasium located at the Skärlag school, near the Skärlagsvallen sports ground. Like the other school gyms in the municipality, it serves a dual purpose. It is used for school activities during the day. In the evenings and on weekends, it provides an essential indoor training space for the local community sports clubs. This is particularly important for the younger youth teams and for sports that do not require a full-sized competition court.

Vitalisskogens Elljusspår

The Vitalisskogens Elljusspår is a floodlit recreational trail located in the Vitalis forest area. An elljusspår, or “electric light trail,” is a common feature in Swedish towns, providing a safe and accessible route for exercise during the dark months of the year. This specific trail is 2.4 kilometers long and makes a loop through the forest. It is very popular with local residents for jogging and walking year-round.

Events in Trosa

Trosa is known for its lively calendar of annual events, which are a key part of its identity as a summer resort town. These events draw thousands of visitors from across Sweden and contribute to the bustling atmosphere of the town, particularly during the peak season from spring to autumn. The main events are focused on traditional celebrations, markets, and sports, and they are central to the social life of the community. While the summer is the busiest period, the town also hosts significant events in the autumn and leading up to the Christmas season. These well-organized festivals and markets are a major reason for the town’s enduring popularity as a destination.

Trosa Stadslopp

The Trosa Stadslopp is a major annual running event that is held on the last weekend of June. This weekend is an important time for the town, and it is a time when many people who grew up in the area return home for a visit. The main event is an 8.9-kilometer race that runs through the streets of the town and usually welcomes several thousand participants, from elite runners to amateurs. The race is also a big party, with thousands of spectators lining the course and festivities that continue long into the night. It is a key part of the town’s summer calendar and a major sporting tradition.

Trosa Marknad

The Trosa Market (Trosa Marknad) is a large, traditional annual market that is held in the early summer. The town’s central streets are closed to traffic and are filled with hundreds of stalls and a large number of visitors. Unlike many European markets, the focus is not primarily on food, although local specialties are available. Instead, the market is a classic Swedish “marknad,” with vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, and household items. It is a major event for the entire region and has a long history in the town, serving as a key meeting point for residents of the surrounding Södermanland countryside.

Midsummer

As is the case with most of Sweden, the Midsummer celebration is a major event in Trosa. The celebration of the summer solstice is one of the most important holidays in the Swedish calendar. There are several places in the area where you can find a maypole (midsommarstång) to dance around. One of the larger traditional festivities is held a few kilometers outside of Trosa in the village of Västerljung. Here you will find everything from the maypole and folk music to stalls selling coffee and the traditional “kobingo” game. The event is a key part of the town’s cultural calendar and a celebration of Swedish summer traditions.

Trosa Galejet

The Trosa Galejet is an annual music festival that takes place in the town. The event is typically held over a weekend in August, serving as a major highlight of the late summer season in the Trosa archipelago. A large stage is usually set up in the scenic harbor area, which becomes the central venue for the festival. The festival is known for attracting a lineup of well-known and popular Swedish artists and bands from a variety of genres. It has grown over the years to become one of the most significant music events in the Södermanland region. Thousands of visitors gather in the harbor to listen to live music, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The event is a key part of the town’s summer cultural calendar and a major draw for tourism.

Trosa Skördemarknad

The Trosa Skördemarknad is the town’s annual autumn harvest market. The event is typically held in late September or early October in the harbor area. The market focuses on celebrating the local harvest from the Södermanland region. Numerous local food producers and artisans set up stalls to sell their products. This includes fresh vegetables, fruits, honey, freshly baked bread, cheeses, and other local delicacies. The harvest market is a popular event that marks the changing of the seasons and highlights the agricultural heritage of the region surrounding the town.

Trosa Julmarknad

The Trosa Julmarknad is the town’s traditional Christmas market. The event is usually held on a weekend in late November or early December, marking the beginning of the Christmas season. The historic town center, particularly the area around the main square and along the river, is decorated with festive lights. The market features numerous stalls selling traditional handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal foods such as glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies). The market is known for its cozy, small-town atmosphere and is a popular event for both local residents and visitors.

Trosa Ultra Backyard

The Trosa Ultra Backyard is a unique and demanding ultramarathon event. The race is based on the “backyard ultra” format, where participants must run a 6.7-kilometer loop every hour, on the hour. The race continues for as long as there are runners who can complete the loop within the one-hour time limit. The last person to complete a solo loop is the winner. This format is a test of extreme endurance rather than pure speed. The event attracts dedicated ultramarathon runners from across the country and has put Trosa on the map within the Swedish ultrarunning community.

Getting Around in Trosa

Navigating the town of Trosa is straightforward and is best done on foot or by bicycle. The historic town center is very compact and is a large pedestrian-friendly zone. For travel to the wider parts of the municipality, a regional bus network provides service. The harbor area is also a hub for local boat and ferry services. During the summer, a small tourist road train also operates within the town.

The town’s layout, with the river flowing through its center, makes it ideal for a relaxed pace of exploration. The flat terrain is well-suited for walking and cycling. The public transport system is operated by Sörmlandstrafiken and is integrated with the wider network of the Södermanland region. Tickets can be purchased via a mobile app or on board the buses.

On Foot: The Town Center

Walking is the best way to explore the central part of Trosa. The main square, the harbor, the historic old town with its cobblestone streets, and the walking paths along the Trosaån River are all within a short walking distance of each other. This allows visitors to see the architecture and access local shops and cafes on foot. The flat terrain of the town center makes it very accessible for all. Most of the main tourist area is a low-traffic or pedestrian-only zone.

On Two Wheels: Cycling

The Trosa area and the surrounding Södermanland countryside are very popular for recreational cycling. The town has a good network of dedicated cycle paths. A well-maintained cycle path connects Trosa with the nearby locality of Vagnhärad, which is about 7 kilometers away. This provides a safe and scenic route between the two main towns of the municipality. The relatively flat terrain makes the area suitable for cyclists of all abilities. Bicycle rentals are available in the town.

Blå Tåget (The Blue Train)

During the peak summer season, a small tourist road train, known as the Blå Tåget (“The Blue Train”), operates in Trosa. The train runs on a circuit that connects the main public parking areas with the harbor and the town square. It is a convenient and popular way for visitors, especially families, to get around the main tourist areas of the town without having to walk. The train provides a simple hop-on, hop-off service.

How to Get to Trosa

Reaching the town of Trosa is convenient due to its location on the coast of eastern Sweden, between Stockholm and Nyköping. The town is accessible by road, with a direct coach connection to Stockholm. The closest train station is located in the nearby locality of Vagnhärad. This combination of transport links makes it an accessible destination for both domestic and international visitors.

The Open Road: Driving to Södermanland

Driving is a very common and flexible way to reach Trosa. The town is located a short distance from the E4 motorway, which is the main north-south highway in Sweden. From the motorway exit at Vagnhärad, a drive of about 10 kilometers on a regional road leads directly to the town of Trosa. A car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding countryside and the numerous castles and manors of the Södermanland region. Parking is available in large public lots on the edge of the town center.

Arriving by Air: Nearby Airports

The closest and most convenient major airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO), located near Nyköping, about 50 kilometers to the south. Skavsta is a hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The main international airport for the country is Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), which is located about 100 kilometers to the north. From either of these airports, a combination of airport bus and train/bus is the most common way to reach Trosa.

Connecting by Coach

There is a direct coach service, the Trosabussen, that connects Trosa with the Liljeholmen transport hub in Stockholm. The bus runs frequently throughout the day and is a very popular and convenient option for traveling between the two locations. The journey takes approximately one hour. This direct connection makes Trosa a very accessible day trip or weekend destination from the capital. Regional buses operated by Sörmlandstrafiken also connect Trosa with nearby towns like Nyköping and Vagnhärad.

On Track: A Journey by Rail and Bus

Trosa does not have its own train station. The closest train station is located in the nearby locality of Vagnhärad, about 7 kilometers away. The Vagnhärad station is a stop on the main railway line between Stockholm and Nyköping. Frequent regional trains operated by Mälartåg stop here. From the Vagnhärad station, a connecting regional bus service provides the final short journey to Trosa. The bus is timed to connect with the arriving and departing trains.

The Baltic Sea Route: Arriving by Ferry

Trosa has a large recreational marina, but it does not have regular international passenger ferry services. The closest major international ferry port is located in Nynäshamn, which has connections to Poland and the island of Gotland. The main international ports in Stockholm have frequent connections to Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. From either Nynäshamn or Stockholm, the journey to Trosa must be completed by car or public transport.

Driving Distances

The driving distance to Trosa from 25 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Vagnhärad, Sweden – 8 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
• Södertälje, Sweden – 41 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Nyköping, Sweden – 43 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Nynäshamn, Sweden – 62 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Stockholm, Sweden – 72 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Strängnäs, Sweden – 90 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Katrineholm, Sweden – 94 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Norrköping, Sweden – 105 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Eskilstuna, Sweden – 113 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Uppsala, Sweden – 138 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
• Norrtälje, Sweden – 140 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
• Västerås, Sweden – 150 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
• Linköping, Sweden – 150 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
• Örebro, Sweden – 198 kilometers (2 h 10 min)
• Jönköping, Sweden – 279 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Karlstad, Sweden – 324 kilometers (3 h 40 min)
• Kalmar, Sweden – 327 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
• Gothenburg, Sweden – 421 kilometers (4 h 20 min)
• Sundsvall, Sweden – 456 kilometers (4 h 30 min)
• Oslo, Norway – 488 kilometers (5 h 40 min)
• Malmö, Sweden – 560 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
• Copenhagen, Denmark – 619 kilometers (6 h 20 min)
• Östersund, Sweden – 623 kilometers (6 h 30 min)
• Luleå, Sweden – 988 kilometers (10 h 00 min)
• Kiruna, Sweden – 1,309 kilometers (14 h 20 min)

Explore More of Södermanland and Sweden

This post was first published 2016-04-04 and was earlier also updated 2021-09-07.