Visit Nynäshamn – Coastal Sweden South of Stockholm

The History of Nynäshamn Municipality

Nynäshamn Municipality has a rich and layered history stretching from prehistoric times to the present day.

From Prehistoric Settlements to Viking Age Heritage

The region has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological remains include Stone Age settlements, Bronze Age burial cairns, Iron Age grave fields and Viking Age runestones. More than fifty documented ancient sites across the municipality are preserved and marked with information signs.

Sorunda is one of the most historically rich areas in the Stockholm region, with numerous runestones, ancient burial grounds, hill forts and cultural landscapes shaped by centuries of farming.

In Ösmo, archaeological discoveries show that people lived here as early as 4,000 years ago. Rock carvings from the Bronze Age — including ships and solar symbols — can still be found in the area around Gryt.

Nynäshamn – A Young Coastal Town

Unlike Sorunda and Ösmo, the town of Nynäshamn itself has a relatively short history.

Until the late 19th century, the area consisted mainly of Nynäs estate and scattered small farms. At the end of the 1800s, Professor Hjalmar Sjögren purchased the estate and envisioned creating a seaside resort, a villa town and Stockholm’s southern port, connected by railway.

Construction of the harbour began in 1898, followed by the railway line (Nynäsbanan), inaugurated in 1901. Ferry traffic to Gotland started shortly after. These developments transformed the area into a growing harbour town.

Nynäshamn became a municipal borough in 1911 and officially a city in 1946.

Seaside Resort and Early Industry

At the beginning of the 20th century, Nynäshamn developed as a spa and seaside resort. Several hotels were built, including Badhotellet, Parkhotellet and Strandhotellet. King Oscar II visited the site of a planned luxury hotel in 1903, although that particular hotel was never completed.

The First World War led to a decline in the spa activities, but industrial development continued. Holmers mechanical workshop started in 1903. In 1913, the Televerket workshops relocated from Stockholm to Nynäshamn. In 1928–29, an oil refinery was established — today one of the municipality’s major employers.

Torö and Landsort – Maritime Heritage

Torö reflects the municipality’s strong maritime identity. Coastal life, fishing and open Baltic Sea landscapes have shaped the area for generations.

Further south lies Landsort (Öja), the southernmost outpost of the Stockholm archipelago. Landsort Lighthouse is Sweden’s oldest lighthouse still in operation. The area has a long military history and remains a living archipelago community.

Nearby is the historic pilot cemetery (Lotskyrkogården), believed to have been used since at least the 17th century, likely serving sailors and pilots navigating the Baltic Sea.

Churches and Cultural Heritage

Churches across the municipality reflect different historical periods:

• Ösmo Church dates back to the 12th century and contains medieval paintings by Albertus Pictor.

• Sorunda Church is one of the largest rural churches in Södermanland, with origins in the late 12th century.

• Torö Church was likely built in 1699.

• Nynäshamn Church was completed in 1930.

Johannesdal in Sorunda was the home of writer Moa Martinson. The cottage remains preserved and open for guided visits during the summer.

A Municipality Formed in 1971

The modern Nynäshamn Municipality was formed in 1971 when Nynäshamn, Sorunda and Ösmo were merged through national municipal reform.

Today, the municipality combines ancient heritage, rural traditions, maritime identity and modern coastal infrastructure within the Stockholm region.