Trosa: “Small-town charm and year-round activities”
By Malin Norman | Photos: Paola Noordh/Visit Trosa
A visit to Trosa is like finding oneself in a story by children’s book author Astrid Lindgren. This small town is bursting with picturesque scenery, friendly locals and delicious food. Located just an hour from Stockholm, Trosa is perfect for a day trip and there are plenty of activities all year round.
Trosa is known for its attractive alleys and wooden houses with glass-enclosed porches, the idyllic town features in productions such as the film about fictional character Kalle Blomkvist and the popular German TV series Inga Lindström. But the destination has more to offer than delightful décor.
“It’s true that Trosa is picturesque and we have a lot of fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants, and options for accommodation,” says Malin Karlsson, tourist director at Visit Trosa. “We also have lots of activities available all year round, such as hiking, cycling and kayaking.”
Hiking and kayaking in the archipelago
The Sörmland archipelago is more than 10,000 years old, has a six-mile-long coastline and consists of the municipalities of Trosa, Nyköping and Oxelösund. There are approximately 2,800 islands plus a large number of islets. A tip is to go kayaking or on a boat trip to explore.
Another popular activity is hiking along Sörmlandsleden. The trail has a thousand kilometres of hiking divided into 94 different stages and 40 circular loops. In Trosa municipality, you can experience stages 53-56. There are also other hiking and walking loops.
Trosa also offers opportunities for an unforgettable cycling holiday. Explore idyllic landscapes with sea views, winding forest roads, and small-town streets. There are several cycling routes and trails suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Along the way, you can stop at local cafés, attractions, and swimming spots, or simply enjoy the peaceful nature.
For those who look for an adrenaline rush, Trosa Aktivitetspark is a high-altitude course with varying difficulty and ziplines up to 15 metres high. And the mountain bike arena Bergs Gård offers an adventurous nature experience for the whole family.
Royal palaces and popular markets
Visitors can explore the historic sites in the town centre on a self-guided tour or perhaps visit one of the royal palaces, the beautiful Tullgarn Palace. There is also plenty of art to discover in Trosa. During the recurring KonstTriangeln (Art Triangle), which takes place over Easter, local artists show works in their own studios and in a collective exhibition at Skärborgarnas Hus.
Trosa has a long history of organising popular markets. The spring market takes place on 24 May this year, with a focus on cultivation and gardening. Another highlight is the big market on the second Saturday in June, which spreads across the square, the harbour and nearby streets. And in late August, the traditional harvest and handicraft market attracts visitors from near and afar.
There are plenty of cultural events as well, including Trosa Galejet 7-10 August. This is an unforgettable celebration of dance and live music mixed with food and drinks hosted in the harbour.
Day trips and culinary experiences
With its picturesque setting, Trosa also has fantastic small shops with friendly service. “It’s a pleasant contrast to large department stores and malls,” says Karlsson. “We want to keep the small-town charm. Discovering the local cafés and restaurants is a must when visiting. For instance, Fina Fisken has rustic specialities such as herring and Mekka Café is a treat.”
Only an hour from Stockholm, Trosa is perfect for a day trip. There are fantastic options for those who want to stay the night, including the classic Trosa Stadshotell & Spa with genuine character and a restaurant dining room from the 1800s, Bomans Hotell with unique interiors and new things to discover every time, and Tre Små Rum has a beautiful courtyard.
Web: trosa.com
Facebook: VisitTrosa
Instagram: @visittrosa
Events in Trosa 2025:
Easter, KonstTriangeln, art exhibition in Trosa municipality
24 May, Spring market with a focus on gardening
29 May, Trosametet, fishing competition along Trosa river
14 June, Trosa market, large market in central Trosa
20 June, Midsummer, celebrations at several venues
27 June, Trosa Stadslopp, 8.9k race in central Trosa
7-10 August, Trosa Galejet in Trosa harbour
31 August, Trosa harvest and handicraft market
1 November, All Saints with torches along Trosa river
30 November, Trosa Christmas market
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