Sodertalje Attractions

Southwest of Stockholm is the industrial town of Södertälje (pop. 60,000), which grew out of a Viking trading post situated between Lake Mälar and the Baltic. Originally called simply Tälje, it took the name of Södertälje when the town of Norrtälje was founded. The diverse cultural and sporting life in Södertälje attracts thousands of travelers each year. Most visitors arrive at one of six different railway stations.

Its industrial development was fostered by the construction of the Södertälje Canal (1807-19) and the railroad line from Stockholm to Göteberg, which passed through Södertälje. In Stortorg are St Ragnhild's Church (which preserves some 13th century work), the new Town Hall (1965) and other modern buildings. The old Town Hall was moved to the banks of the canal. In an open-air museum (Östra Sörmlands Museet) on the Torrelkällberg old houses and workshops have been re- erected. There is also a working bakery which makes a local specialty, Södertälje kringlor. 2km/ 1.25mi south of the town is a bathing station, Södertälje Havsbad.