Eskilstuna is an industrial city with a newfound passion for art, culture and music. Learn about the city’s metalsmithing heritage at an open-air museum, visit a Renaissance castle and admire fine art at one of the top galleries in Sweden. The Eskilstuna River flows through the city and is lined with beautiful parks and gardens.
Things to do in Eskilstuna
Rademachersmedjorna brings the city’s industrial heritage to life with beautifully preserved forges and metalsmithing workshops. The neighbourhood has been reimagined as an open-air museum, complete with working iron, gold and silver workshops. Local artisans operate the workshops and are happy to teach you about the centuries-old metalsmithing traditions.
Eskilstuna Konstmuseum showcases fine art from throughout the centuries. The museum occupies a former tractor manufacturing factory and has an industrial chic vibe. Works range from 17th-century oil paintings to contemporary sculptures. There’s a special focus on Swedish artists from the 20th century, including prominent Expressionist painter Vera Nilsson.
Step back in time at Stora Sundby Slott, a Renaissance castle set on the banks of Lake Hjälmaren. Dozens of Gothic turrets give the castle a fairy-tale feel. You're free to stroll around the manicured gardens and enjoy lunch at the café housed in the former orangery. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of the lavish castle.
Take a dip at Munktellbadet, a family-friendly bathing complex complete with indoor and outdoor pools. You’ll be amazed by the 2.5-metre-deep lagoon complete with hundreds of colourful fish. Retreat to the adult’s only spa zone to enjoy saunas, steam rooms and a solarium, while features like a climbing wall and floating obstacle course keep kids entertained.
Getting around Eskilstuna
Eskilstuna is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Local buses are a good way to cover longer distances. The city is a 1.5-hour drive from Stockholm and one hour by train and Stockholm Arlanda Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.