This central Swedish city, known for its 16th-century ironworks, now thrives with art and nightlife. Lake Mälaren's beaches and nearby forests offer year-round activities.
Eskilstuna, a city in southeastern Sweden, sits between two lakes and has transformed from the "City of Steel" to an environmental leader. You can watch blacksmiths at work in 17th-century forges, see Sumatran tigers at Parken Zoo, and shop at ReTuna, the world's first secondhand mall. Eskilstuna caters to travelers interested in Sweden's industrial past, Viking artifacts, and modern sustainability efforts.
Parken Zoo
On the outskirts of town, Parken Zoo houses exotic animals and an amusement park. You'll encounter Sumatran tigers, lemurs, and clouded leopards. Children can pet rabbits and miniature horses in a dedicated area. The park includes rides for younger visitors and a stage for summer music performances.
Green Efforts
Eskilstuna has become a leader in sustainability and recycling. At ReTuna mall, you can browse secondhand furniture, clothes, and electronics, all creatively refurbished. The city uses a unique seven-color recycling system and runs its public buses on biogas and electricity. These eco-friendly practices have earned Eskilstuna recognition as one of Sweden's greenest cities.
Outdoor Activities
The area around Eskilstuna provides many nature experiences. In Vilsta Nature Reserve, you can hike through forests, swim in the river, or try cross-country skiing in winter. Lake Mälaren's shores offer spots for picnics and boating. Rothoffsparken, the city's oldest park, has an arboretum with examples of every tree native to Sweden.
Industrial Past and Museums
Several museums in Eskilstuna highlight the city's metalworking history. At Rademachersmedjorna open-air museum, you can enter preserved 17th-century forges and observe blacksmiths using traditional techniques to make tools and knives. Munktellmuseet takes you through Sweden's industrial history, displaying vintage tractors and steam engines produced in Eskilstuna over 180 years. For a broader view of the city's past, visit the Eskilstuna City Museum in a former factory building along the river.
Viking Relics
Just outside Eskilstuna, you'll find the Sigurd Carving (Sigurdsristningen), a significant Viking Age relic. This large rock carving shows scenes from Norse mythology, specifically the legend of the dragon-slayer Sigurd. Dating to the 11th century, the intricate carving reveals Scandinavia's transition from paganism to Christianity. Nearby, you can also see several runestones, including one reassembled after damage from an explosion.
How to Get There
You can reach Eskilstuna from Stockholm, about 115 km east. Regular trains connect the two cities, with the journey taking just over an hour. Driving from Stockholm takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the E20 highway.
