Things To Do
in Katrineholm

Katrineholm is a mid-sized Swedish town nestled in Södermanland County, well connected by rail and road to Stockholm and the surrounding region. The city blends green parks, waterways, and a compact town center with historic charm. Outside town edges, forests and lakes beckon for outdoor adventures year-round.

Visitors will find a welcoming, easygoing atmosphere with convenient access to Sweden’s capital and nature alike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and orientation
morning
:

Arrive in Katrineholm and check into your accommodation near the train station. Take a leisurely stroll around the town center to get your bearings. Soak in the peaceful atmosphere by the nearby canal.

afternoon
:

Head to the tourist information center to pick up maps and local tips. Enjoy a light lunch at a café in Stora Torget square. Explore nearby shops and kiosks to sample Swedish pastries.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant offering traditional Swedish cuisine. Try meatballs with lingonberries or fresh lake fish. Relax with a walk under the glow of streetlamps along the small-town streets.

day 2
Laxön Nature Reserve exploration
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to Laxön Nature Reserve. Wander along scenic trails through pine forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Keep an eye out for local bird species and take in the fresh Swedish air.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the shores of Lake Yngen with panoramic views. Dip your toes in the water or rent a canoe for a short paddle. Capture photographs of the serene landscape and wildlife.

evening
:

Return to Katrineholm for a casual dinner at a bistro near the river. Sample seasonal salads or grilled specialities sourced from local farms. Unwind with a quiet evening stroll before heading back to your room.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee and pastry$3-6
🏨Budget hotel per night$70-120
🥗Groceries for basic week$40-70
🚗Gasoline per liter$1.80-2.20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strong rail and road links to Stockholm and other cities
  • Safe and clean environment with a friendly vibe
  • Access to forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation within reach
  • Compact town center that’s easy to navigate on foot
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Smaller selection of haute cuisine and high-end entertainment
  • Winter travel can feel colder and darker
  • Some services and shops may have shorter hours outside peak season
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
  • "Var är toaletten?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Kan du tala engelska?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kan du rekommendera en restaurang?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
  • "Jag skulle vilja beställa" - I would like to order
  • "Jag förstår inte" - I don’t understand
  • "Talar du engelska?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Katrineholm

Visit one of these nice places.

Stortorget and the historic town center

A central square surrounded by traditional architecture, ideal for street photography and golden-hour street scenes.

Katrineholm City Park (Stadsparken)

Lush green spaces, pathways, and seasonal blooms provide vibrant photos and peaceful scenery.

Riverside walk and bridges

Waterfront views and reflections along the town’s waterways offer calm, scenic compositions.

Local church spire and town views

Historic church architecture and vantage points overlooking the town make for striking skyline shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Katrineholm

Katrineholm sits in a region where Swedish classics meet modern Nordic cooking. Expect hearty flavors, seasonal produce, and simple preparations that highlight local ingredients.

Katrineholm Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar med potatis och lingonsylt

Swedish meatballs with potatoes, creamy gravy, and lingonberry jam; a quintessential comfort dish found in many eateries.

Must-Try!

Gravad lax med hovmästarsås

Cured salmon with dill sauce served as an appetizer or part of a Swedish smörgåsbord.

Räksmörgås

Shrimp sandwich on dark rye with mayonnaise, egg, and dill; a popular lunch choice at cafés and delis.

Raggmunk med bacon

Crispy potato pancake served with fried bacon and lingonberries; a hearty Nordic staple.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Katrineholm Market

Weekly central market offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and seasonal local products.

Stortorget Street Food Stalls

Seasonal stalls around the town center serving Nordic snacks, pastries, and coffee.

Seasonal Farmers' Market

Markets hosted outdoors during warmer months with local meats, fish, berries, and honey.

Climate Guide

Weather

Katrineholm experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally mild to warm, winters are cold with possible snowfall, and spring and autumn bring variable weather with comfortable outdoor temperatures. Rain is spread throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Fika culture

Take a break for coffee and pastries with friends; it’s a daily social ritual and a good way to connect with locals.

Punctuality and queues

Be on time for appointments; queues are orderly and respectful; wait your turn in line.

Greetings and personal space

A simple hej or hello is common; maintain personal space and a calm, friendly demeanor in public spaces.

Respect for privacy

Swedes value privacy and subtlety; avoid intrusive questions and loud behavior in public areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sweden is known for being safe for travelers. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded places, use well-lit routes at night, and follow local guidance during any outdoor activities. In medical emergencies, call 112 for assistance.

Tipping in Katrineholm

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Sweden, tipping is not obligatory. If service is exceptional, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. Service charges are often included in larger restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Days lengthen, trees begin to bloom, and outdoor terraces reopen. Bring layers for variable temperatures and showers.

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor dining, lake visits, and al fresco photography. Expect occasional rain.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and cooler air; great for forest walks and tranquil landscape photography. Pack a warm layer.

Winter

Cold and often snowy; good for winter walks, Northern lights-like skies if you’re lucky, and cozy indoor spots. Dress in layers and protect extremities.

Nightlife Guide

Katrineholm at Night

Katrineholm’s nightlife centers on the town center, with casual bars, pubs, and small venues offering light music and social ambiance. It’s typically relaxed and community-oriented, with most spots closing by around 1-2 am and a focus on conversation and good company rather than large-scale club scenes.

Hiking in Katrineholm

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sörmlandsleden – Katrineholm segment

A portion of the long-distance trail passing through forests and lakes near Katrineholm.

Nature reserves near Katrineholm

Protected areas offering easy to moderate hikes with diverse flora and fauna.

Lakeside trails

Gentle trails along local lakes ideal for easy day hikes and picnics.

Airports

How to reach Katrineholm by plane.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Major international and domestic hub; roughly 1.5-2 hours away by train or car from Katrineholm.

Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO)

Budget-friendly international and domestic flights; about 1.5-2.5 hours by road or rail from Katrineholm.

Örebro Airport (ORB)

Smaller regional airport with limited connections; approximately 1.5-2 hours by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is highly walkable, with most amenities reachable within 15-20 minutes on foot. Side streets, parks, and the riverside are pedestrian-friendly, though some peripheral areas involve short bus or bike rides. Overall, Katrineholm is comfortable to explore by walking or cycling.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with schools and parks nearby.

Students and Young Professionals

Educational facilities and commuter links attract a younger demographic.

Seasonal Visitors

Tourists and day-trippers from Stockholm and beyond visit for nature and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A widely followed sport with local clubs providing matches and community leagues.

Ice hockey

A staple winter activity with local teams and indoor arenas.

Cross-country skiing

Forest trails become cross-country routes in winter.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offer year-round play.

Transportation

Traffic

Katrineholm has a straightforward road network and a central train hub. In town, traffic is usually light, and most residents rely on cars or rails for longer trips. Cycling is common in good weather, and public transit connects to nearby towns and Stockholm. Parking in the center is generally available, though market days can increase competition for spaces.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Katrineholm.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie main courses, salads, and plant-based dishes. For a safe choice, ask for meat-free versions or daily veggie specials.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden provides universal healthcare; travelers should have travel insurance. In Katrineholm, you’ll find a local hospital (Katrineholms sjukhus) and general practitioners. For specialized care, regional facilities in nearby cities are accessible, and emergency services operate 112.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide