2 September , 2025
16.8 C
Stockholm
Rural landscape with cows at Torekällberget. Photo: © StockholmMuseum.com

Torekällberget
– 19th-Century Sweden in Södertälje’s Living Museum

Rural landscape with cows at Torekällberget. Photo: © StockholmMuseum.com
💡Summary
Step back in time to 19th-century Sweden at Torekällberget. This engaging article takes you through the idyllic, preserved village of Södertälje, offering a glimpse into traditional Swedish living. Uncover fascinating historical facts, charming architecture, and authentic Swedish culture.

Torekällberget Museum: A journey through time

Nestled in the heart of Södertälje, the Torekällberget Museum invites visitors to step into the Swedish countryside of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This open-air museum transforms history into a living experience with its charming historical buildings, farm animals, and scenic hilltop setting.

Offering a more intimate and budget-friendly alternative to Skansen, Torekällberget is ideal for families seeking an authentic and tranquil cultural outing.

A living history experience

At Torekällberget, history is more than a story—it’s something you can walk through, touch, and experience. The museum is divided into “Staden” (City) and “Landet” (Countryside), allowing guests to explore urban trades and rural farm life. From cobbled streets to blacksmith shops and artisan demonstrations, it’s an immersive dive into everyday Swedish life from a bygone era.

Historic buildings and craftsmanship

The museum features carefully relocated and restored buildings, including

  • Traditional wooden farmhouses
  • A 19th-century schoolhouse
  • A wooden church and bell tower
  • A functioning blacksmith’s workshop

Each structure authentically captures the architecture and atmosphere of the time.

Nature and tranquility

Perched on a picturesque hilltop, the museum offers peaceful walking trails, scenic picnic spots, and panoramic views over Södertälje. It’s an ideal location for slow-paced exploration and family outings.

🎨 Preserving Södertälje’s Past on a Hilltop
Founded in 1929 with the relocation of the Nora windmill, Torekällberget began as a response to the threat of urban expansion. Today, its collection of rescued buildings, divided between town and country settings, continues to celebrate traditional Swedish life. Seasonal events like Midsummer festivities and Christmas markets add vibrant cultural experiences year-round.

Meet the farm animals

A highlight for families is the museum’s collection of traditional Swedish livestock, which helps recreate the sights and sounds of rural life:

  • Sheep: Native heritage breeds
  • Cows: Including Swedish Red and Mountain breeds
  • Horses: Draft and riding horses central to 19th-century farming
  • Pigs and Chickens: Staples of rural Swedish homesteads

Honoring Swedish cultural heritage

Torekällberget is more than a museum—it’s a cultural institution that educates, preserves, and celebrates Sweden’s rural past. Whether you’re a local history buff or a curious traveler, this museum offers an enriching, hands-on encounter with Sweden’s agrarian traditions.

Visit Info

English Torekällberget

Swedish Torekällberget

Address
📍Källgatan 15
🗺️Södertälje
Contact
📞+46 (0)8–523 014 22
🌐https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/torekallberget/
✉️torekallberget@sodertalje.se
Getting there
🚌Bus 751 departs from the bus stop near the commuter train station and goes up to Torekällberget.
🚗Commuter train: Get off at Södertälje Centrum. A walking path leads from Södertälje Centrum up to Torekällberget and takes about 10 minutes. Please note that it's a steep hill. Use a map/GPS as signage is limited.
🅿️There is parking available directly adjacent to the museum at Källgatan 15, with approximately 200 spaces.
Other Info
ℹ️An open-air museum showcasing 19th-century life in Södertälje.
🏛️ Did You Know?
The Maritime Museum in Stockholm showcases Sweden’s naval history and model ships.

Torekällberget