Södertälje, Södermanland | Exploring Sweden

Södertälje is a city in the province of Södermanland, Sweden. It is the seat of Södertälje Municipality and is part of Stockholm County. Historically, the city has also been known by the name Telge. It is located on the Södertälje Canal, the vital waterway that connects Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. With a population of approximately 76,000 residents in the urban area, Södertälje is the 16th largest city in Sweden. It is situated about 30 kilometers southwest of central Stockholm, making it a key part of the capital’s metropolitan area.

The character of Södertälje is that of a major industrial city with a deeply multicultural identity. Its history has been shaped by its strategic location on the waterway, and in the modern era, it has become a global center for industry, serving as the headquarters for the truck manufacturer Scania and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. This strong industrial base exists alongside a well-defined city center and several major cultural and recreational attractions. The city is known for its diverse population, which has been shaped by several major waves of immigration over the last half-century.

This multiculturalism is a central part of the city’s modern character. Södertälje is particularly known for having a large Assyrian community, which has significantly influenced the city’s social and cultural life. The city gained international attention during the Iraq War when it welcomed a large number of Iraqi refugees. This combination of a long history as a Swedish trading town, a powerhouse of global industry, and a vibrant multicultural community gives Södertälje its specific and dynamic character.

Good to Know When Visiting Södertälje

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

The Daily Essentials

The official currency used in Södertälje 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. Due to the city’s highly diverse population, a wide variety of other languages, particularly Aramaic (Syriac) and Arabic, are also widely spoken within their communities. English is very widely spoken, especially by younger generations and in the service industry. Tipping is not obligatory, 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.

Planning Your Calendar

Södertälje is a year-round destination, with most of its main attractions being indoors. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and pleasant weather for exploring the city and the nearby Lake Mälaren. The spring and autumn offer cooler but still pleasant weather. The winter is cold and can see snowfall. Key local events include the Södertäljefestivalen, a large city festival with music and food that takes place in August. For a visit focused on the main museums and the city center, two to three days is generally sufficient. A longer stay would allow for exploration of the surrounding Södermanland countryside and boat trips on Lake Mälaren.

A Tourist’s Toolkit for Exploration

The central part of Södertälje is walkable, but the city is quite spread out, so using public transport is recommended. The public transport system is part of the Stockholm Public Transport (SL) network. An SL Access card or a mobile ticket is the most convenient way to pay for journeys on the commuter trains and buses. Södertälje has four different train stations, so it is important to know which one is most convenient for your destination. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially if visiting during a major conference or event at Scania or AstraZeneca. For those interested in the city’s industrial heritage, a visit to the Scania Museum is a key activity.

A Short History of Södertälje

The history of Södertälje is that of a strategic waterway that became a major industrial city. For a thousand years, its identity has been shaped by the narrow strait that connects Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea. The city’s story is one of a medieval trading post that was transformed by the construction of a modern canal and the arrival of two global industrial giants. Its more recent history has been defined by its role as a major destination for immigrants and refugees, which has created a unique multicultural society.

An Ancient Waterway and a Medieval Town

The first known written mention of Södertälje, then known as Telge, dates to the year 1070. For centuries, the waterway here was a key passage for ships traveling between the Baltic Sea and the important inland trading centers on Lake Mälaren, such as Birka. Due to post-glacial rebound, the original waterway became too shallow, and boats had to be physically dragged over the narrow isthmus. The settlement grew as a trading and craft town. During the medieval period, it was an important town in the province of Södermanland.

The town experienced the ups and downs of medieval life. It was a key point in the power struggles of the Swedish kingdom. For centuries, the town’s importance was tied to its role as a gatekeeper to Lake Mälaren. It was a place where tolls could be collected and where trade could be controlled. This strategic location ensured its continued existence as a small but significant Swedish town.

The Canal and Industrial Revolution

The 19th century was a period of major transformation for Södertälje. The construction of the modern Södertälje Canal, which opened in 1819, was a pivotal event. This new, deeper canal, which included a large lock, allowed much larger ships to pass between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. This revitalized the town’s role as a major shipping center. The arrival of the main western railway line in the 1860s further cemented its status as a transport hub.

This improved infrastructure laid the groundwork for a major industrial boom at the turn of the 20th century. At this time, several major industries were established in the town. The two most famous of these are Aktiebolaget Astra, which would later grow into the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, and Vagnfabriks-Aktiebolaget i Södertelge (VABIS), a manufacturer of railway carriages that would later merge to become the world-famous truck manufacturer Scania. These two companies would come to define the city’s modern economy.

Post-War Immigration and a Multicultural City

The demographics of Södertälje changed significantly from the 1960s onwards. After World War II, the rapid expansion of the two major companies, Astra and Scania-Vabis, created a huge demand for labor. When workers could not be found in sufficient numbers in Sweden, the companies began to recruit from abroad. The first major wave of labor migrants came from Finland in the 1960s. This was followed by smaller groups from Greece, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

A more significant wave of immigration began in the 1970s, with the arrival of Assyrian refugees from the Middle East. Södertälje became the primary center for the Assyrian diaspora in the world. This community has had a profound impact on the city’s culture, social life, and economy. In the 2000s, another major wave of refugees arrived, this time primarily from Iraq. This history of immigration has transformed Södertälje into one of Sweden’s most diverse and multicultural cities.

Sights in Södertälje

The sights in Södertälje reflect its identity as an industrial city with a rich cultural life and several major family-friendly attractions. The main points of interest are centered around the Södertälje Canal and the city’s main museums. While it is not a traditional tourist town in the same way as Stockholm, it offers a range of unique experiences.

A visit to Södertälje provides a journey through the history of Swedish industry, from the era of steam engines to modern truck manufacturing. The city’s open-air museum offers a look into the traditional rural life of the region. The large science center is one of the most popular attractions of its kind in the country. The Södertälje Canal itself is a constant presence, with large ships passing through the heart of the city.

Tom Tits Experiment

The Tom Tits Experiment is a large and famous science center located in the heart of Södertälje. It is housed in a historic industrial building. The museum is dedicated to hands-on learning and features hundreds of interactive experiments that explore various scientific principles, from physics to biology and human perception. The museum is spread over four floors and also has a large outdoor park that is open during the summer months. It is one of Sweden’s most popular attractions for families and school groups. The name of the museum comes from a historical figure who wrote about scientific experiments.

Torekällberget

The Torekällberget is a large open-air museum located on a hill overlooking the city center. The museum showcases the history of Södertälje and the surrounding Södermanland region. It features two main areas: a city quarter with historic buildings from 19th-century Södertälje, and a rural section with farmsteads that have been relocated from the surrounding countryside. The museum is a living history experience, with farm animals and staff in period dress demonstrating traditional crafts during the summer season. The site also includes a historic windmill and a cafe.

Södertälje Canal

The Södertälje Canal is a key geographical and historical feature of the city. The canal runs for approximately 5 kilometers and connects the Baltic Sea with Lake Mälaren. It is a vital shipping route for cargo vessels heading to the inland ports of Västerås and Köping. The most impressive feature of the canal is the Södertälje lock (slussen), which is the largest lock in the Nordic region. Watching large cargo ships being raised or lowered in the lock is a major local sight. A promenade runs alongside the canal, providing a good vantage point.

Scania Museum

The Scania Museum, also known as the Marcus Wallenberg Hall, is the corporate museum of the truck manufacturer Scania. The museum is located next to the Scania headquarters in the southern part of the city. The museum’s collection showcases the history of the company, from its origins as VABIS to the present day. It features a large collection of historic vehicles, including trucks, buses, and engines. The museum provides a detailed look into the history of one of Sweden’s most famous and successful industrial companies.

Sankta Ragnhilds Kyrka

The Sankta Ragnhilds Kyrka (Saint Ragnhild’s Church) is the main historic church in Södertälje. The church is located in the center of the town, near the main square. The current church was built in the early 19th century after the previous church on the site was destroyed by fire. It is named after Saint Ragnhild, a local medieval saint who was the queen of Sweden in the 12th century and is the patron saint of the city. The church is a key architectural landmark in the city center.

Lake Mälaren

Södertälje is located at the southernmost point of Lake Mälaren, which is the third-largest lake in Sweden. The lake is a vast and complex system of bays, inlets, and islands that stretches all the way to Stockholm and beyond. The lake is a major area for recreational boating and fishing. The areas of the lake near Södertälje, such as the bay of Järnafjärden, offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Several public swimming beaches and marinas are located on its shores.

Sydpoolen

The Sydpoolen is a large indoor water park and adventure pool located in Södertälje. It is one of the largest and most popular facilities of its kind in the Stockholm region. The complex features numerous pools, water slides, a wave machine, and a large wellness area with saunas and steam rooms. It is a major destination for families from across the region, especially during the winter months. The facility also has a fitness center and a cafe.

Sports in Södertälje

The sporting life in Södertälje is focused on its professional ice hockey and basketball teams, both of which are among the most successful and historic in Sweden. The city also has a unique football culture, with two major clubs that are based in the city’s large Assyrian/Syriac community. The city has modern, purpose-built arenas for these sports, which are hubs of community life.

This combination of successful teams in three of Sweden’s most popular sports gives the city a strong and diverse sporting identity. The home games for the ice hockey and basketball teams, in particular, draw large and passionate crowds. The local football derby between the two main clubs is a major event in the city. This active professional sports scene is a key part of the city’s modern character.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a very popular sport in Södertälje. The city is home to one of the most historic and famous ice hockey clubs in all of Sweden. The sport has a deep and passionate following in the town. Home games are major community events that draw large crowds to the main ice arena. The club is a key part of the city’s identity.

Södertälje SK

The city’s professional ice hockey club is Södertälje SK (SSK). Founded in 1902, the club is one of the oldest in Sweden. They have won the Swedish championship seven times in their history. The club currently competes in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest professional league in Sweden, and is a perennial contender for promotion to the top tier. They play their home games at the Scaniarinken, an indoor arena with a capacity of over 6,000.

Football

The football culture in Södertälje is unique. The city is home to two major clubs that were founded by and are based in the city’s large Assyrian/Syriac community. These clubs have been very successful and have competed at the highest levels of Swedish football. The rivalry between the two clubs is one of the most intense in the country.

Assyriska FF and Syrianska FC

The two main football clubs are Assyriska FF and Syrianska FC. Both clubs have competed in Allsvenskan, the top tier of Swedish football, and in Superettan, the second tier. They are seen as representatives of the Assyrian/Syriac people worldwide. The derby matches between the two clubs are major events that draw large crowds. Both teams play their home games at the Södertälje Fotbollsarena, a modern football-specific stadium.

Basketball

Basketball is another very successful sport in Södertälje. The city is home to the most successful basketball club in the history of Sweden. The team has a long history of dominating the national league. The sport has a dedicated following in the city.

Södertälje Kings

The professional men’s basketball team is the Södertälje Kings, which is part of the Södertälje Basketbollklubb (SBBK). The club is the most successful in the history of the Swedish Basketball League, having won the national championship more than any other team. They are a dominant force in Swedish basketball. They play their home games at the Täljehallen, a large indoor arena.

Getting Around in Södertälje

Navigating Södertälje requires an understanding of its complex geography and its extensive public transport system. The city is divided by the Södertälje Canal and is spread out over a large area. The public transport system is part of the integrated network of Stockholm Public Transport (SL). This includes a dense network of city buses and several commuter train stations. A car can be useful for reaching the industrial areas, but public transport is generally efficient for traveling within the city and to Stockholm.

The SL Access card or a mobile ticket is the standard way to pay for journeys on both the buses and the commuter trains. Tickets must be purchased before boarding. Södertälje is unique in that it has four different train stations, which serve different parts of the city and different train lines. Understanding the function of each station is key to efficient travel. The city center is walkable, but many of the main attractions are located in different districts.

On Foot: The City Center

Walking is a suitable way to explore the central part of Södertälje. The area around the main square, Stortorget, the historic St. Ragnhild’s Church, and the main pedestrian shopping street, Storgatan, are all within a compact area. The paths along the Södertälje Canal also provide a scenic route for a walk through the heart of the city. From the center, it is also a short walk up the hill to the Torekällberget open-air museum.

Riding the Commuter Trains

Södertälje is a major hub for the Stockholm commuter rail (pendeltåg) network. The city has four train stations. Södertälje Centrum is the main station for the commuter trains and is located in the heart of the city. Södertälje Syd is a major station for long-distance and regional trains. Then there is Södertälje Hamn and Östertälje, which are smaller commuter train stops. The commuter trains provide a fast and frequent connection to central Stockholm.

Local Buses

Södertälje has a dense network of local city buses operated by SL. These buses connect all the different districts of the city, from the industrial areas in the south to the residential areas in the north. The main bus terminal is located at the Södertälje Centrum station, creating an integrated transport hub. The buses are the primary mode of public transport for traveling within the city to areas not served by the train.

How to Get to Södertälje?

Reaching Södertälje is very convenient by road and rail, as it is located at a major transport junction just south of Stockholm. It is on the main motorway and railway line that connects the Swedish capital with southern Sweden and the rest of Europe. This makes it highly accessible for both domestic and international visitors.

The Open Road: Driving the E4/E20 Motorways

Driving is a very common and practical way to reach Södertälje. The city is located at the junction of two of Sweden’s most important motorways. The E4 motorway is the main north-south highway that runs the length of the country. The E20 motorway is the main east-west route that connects Stockholm and Gothenburg. These two motorways merge just north of Södertälje and run together past the city. This direct motorway access makes the city very easy to reach by car.

Arriving by Air: Nearby Airports

The closest and most convenient major international airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), located about 70 kilometers to the north. Another very convenient option is Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA), which is closer to Stockholm city center. The smaller Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is located near Nyköping, about 70 kilometers to the south. From Arlanda, a direct long-distance train can be taken to Södertälje Syd station.

On Track: A Major Railway Hub

Traveling to Södertälje by train is highly efficient. The city has two main stations. Södertälje Syd is the station for long-distance and high-speed trains. It is a major stop on the main western line, with frequent SJ trains connecting to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen, Denmark. Södertälje Centrum is the main station for the Stockholm commuter rail (pendeltåg) and regional trains, providing a very frequent service to central Stockholm.

Connecting by Coach

Long-distance bus services from companies like FlixBus and Vy Bus4You have regular stops in Södertälje. The main long-distance bus stop is typically located at the Södertälje Syd station. These services provide an economical option for reaching the city from major Swedish cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, as well as from international destinations like Copenhagen and Oslo.

An International Ferry Approach

There is no direct ferry access to the inland city of Södertälje. However, the major international ferry ports in Stockholm and the nearby port of Nynäshamn are easily accessible. These ports have frequent connections to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. From any of these ports, the journey to Södertälje can be completed by car or by a combination of public transport, typically in under an hour.

Driving Distances

The driving distance to Södertälje from 20 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Stockholm, Sweden – 36 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Nyköping, Sweden – 70 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Eskilstuna, Sweden – 72 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Katrineholm, Sweden – 97 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Västerås, Sweden – 97 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Uppsala, Sweden – 102 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Norrtälje, Sweden – 104 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Norrköping, Sweden – 128 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Linköping, Sweden – 167 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
• Örebro, Sweden – 169 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
• Gothenburg, Sweden – 441 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
• Oslo, Norway – 509 kilometers (5 h 40 min)
• Helsinki, Finland – 554 kilometers (11 h 30 min, includes ferry)
• Malmö, Sweden – 580 kilometers (5 h 50 min)
• Copenhagen, Denmark – 622 kilometers (6 h 20 min)
• Luleå, Sweden – 933 kilometers (10 h 40 min)
• Hamburg, Germany – 962 kilometers (10 h 50 min, includes ferry)
• Berlin, Germany – 1,047 kilometers (12 h 20 min, includes ferry)
• Warsaw, Poland – 1,146 kilometers (14 h 50 min, includes ferry)
• Kiruna, Sweden – 1,266 kilometers (14 h 00 min)

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This post was first published 2016-12-28 and was updated 2025-07-25