A seaport with a population of 13,000, Nynäshamn gained prominence in 1901, when a railway line connected the town to Stockholm. Over the century, this seaside retreat became a playground for the rich and famous and an industrial center. It also played host to the Olympic regatta in 1912.
Nowadays, the otherwise sleepy Nynäshamn takes on a new persona as soon as the weather starts to warm up. Summers in the city are all about exciting events from fairs and markets to its famous Harbor Party that attracts thousands of tourists from across Europe. Travelers who love the sea, and arrive with ferry tickets to Nynäshamn, should plan their visit to coincide with this special time in the city’s annual calendar. A pleasure to discover, Nynäshamn is green and friendly, brimming with scenic escapes, old churches, Viking relics, and evidence of people having lived here since the Stone Age.
The journey across the Baltic Sea, from Ventspils to Nynäshamn, is a laidback 7 hour and 30-minute trip that will undoubtedly put you in the right mood for a Swedish vacation. Ferryscanner can help book your ferry tickets to Nynäshamn on any of the six sailings per week on this route, operated by Stena Line. However, Ventspils is not the only location connected to the city. It is also possible to get ferry tickets to Nynäshamn from Visby and Gdańsk.
Lately, Nynäshamn is becoming a popular stop with cruise ships departing from or arriving at Stockholm. Sadly, many passengers skip getting off at the port, thinking Nynäshamn is only a suburb of the capital. In actuality, it has an entirely different vibe which nature lovers will highly appreciate.
If traveling by air, Stockholm’s domestic and international airports are roughly 50 to 85km from Nynäshamn. In addition to a commuter train connecting the two cities, a regular bus service also operates on this route. The bus takes an hour and costs €26. Alternately, a 45-minute taxi from Stockholm is a more expensive possibility at around €100.
The Port of Nynäshamn is a vital cruise and ro-ro ferry harbor, 60km from Stockholm. Moreover, as the southernmost dock in the archipelago, it holds an advantageous position in the Baltic Sea. Another distinguishing feature of the port is the presence of the 260-meter-long SeaWalk. This retractable floating pier helps accommodate larger ships that cannot come too close to the shore. The ferry terminal at the Port of Nynäshamn is 1.3km from the city. It has a waiting lounge, toilets, internet access, and a kiosk. Besides taxis, a shuttle bus operates from the harbor to the town in the morning and the afternoon. One-way fare for the trip on the bus is around €4.
Tourists need not travel all the way to Stockholm to enjoy the seaside since Nynäshamn boasts a hearty mix of quaint bathing spots and conventional beaches. In fact, while you will find sand and sun at several beaches in Sweden, it is only near Nynäshamn that you can catch that perfect surf break.
Nickstabadet is a family-friendly spot located in the heart of the city, near the train station. A lovely waterfront to sunbathe, its main attraction is the diving station with platforms at different heights. The campground nearby has a kiosk, mini-golf, and a waterslide, while the beach itself is a large area perfect for a relaxing time.
Five minutes from the center is a small bathing area that borders what looks like a lake. In reality, this large, almost enclosed area connects to the sea, offering warm, calm, and shallow saltwater for families to enjoy. There aren’t any amenities here, so bring along food and drinks. The beach is sandy with a few grassy patches, and the views all around are purely stunning.
Only 30 minutes south of Nynäshamn is the glorious Torö Stenstrand, also known as Surf Beach. The breaks here are so in demand that during surf season, it is common to meet 40 to 50 surfers at the beach on any given day. A pebble beach with limited facilities, Torö Stenstrand also plays hosts to surf championships annually.
Andra Pumpviken edges along the wide seven square kilometer bay of Nynäsviken. As a result, the water here is calm and perfect for a dip in the sea. A secluded part of the coastline, you won’t find typical beachgoers here, even though it is only 10 minutes from the center. This sandy, grassy strand has amazing hiking trails and cliffs in its background. There are barbeque pits, benches, toilets, and space for pitching tents. Andra Pumpviken is reachable on foot from Lövhagen.
A chance to immerse yourself in nature, Knappelskär is a sandy seaside surrounded by forested areas and cliffs. A drive to the bay takes 7 minutes, or you can catch a ride on the bus that runs during the summers. Factor in the 20-minute walk from the parking to the beach, which promises astounding views, shallow waters, and a cave reachable only by kayak. There’s a café nearby, but do bring tents if you plan to camp here overnight.
Nynäshamn is a culinary mecca, heaven for nature enthusiasts, and a destination packed with places and experiences hard to find elsewhere in Europe. So, while the thought of enjoying the tradition of afternoon coffee and cake, known as Fika, is tempting, make sure you don’t miss out on Nynäshamn’s many other treasures.
Nynäshamns Ångbryggeri is singlehandedly responsible for putting Sweden on the micro-brewery map. Started in 1997, the city’s most famous steam brewery bottles over 800,000 drinks annually. They typically have over 25 different flavors of beers and ales, from classics to special seasonal editions. Open to the public in July and August, you can visit the brewery during these months for tastings as well as free and paid guided tours.
The city’s iconic coastal road is a delight to walk on as it meanders through Nynäshamn’s idyllic surroundings. Offering the best spot in town to view the open horizon, you can also drive or bike the entire route. Along the way, while taking in the crispness of the fresh air, you’ll come across enchanting log cabins, parking spots near vantage points, and cafes serving delicious local fare.
If you aren’t already staying at the best hotel in Nynäshamn, at least plan for a spa day there. Guest spa packages at Nynäs Havsbad start from €90 per adult and include the use of the sauna, heated pool, and two-course dinner. Other facilities at the hotel’s spa include lounging areas, three types of saunas – steam, wood, and low temperature, and of course, gorgeous views from the outdoor heated pool. However, do take note that children below 15 years are not allowed.
The funkiest museum in Nynäshamn, Mopedum, displays various objects and mopeds from 1952 to 1979. A look back into a colorful period of Swedish history, hours simply whiz past while admiring vintage goodies such as jukeboxes, old posters, clothing, nostalgic knick-knacks, and local signs in English. The staff here is super enthusiastic about their collection. Situated close to the harbor, entry tickets to what is also called the Swedish Nostalgic Museum costs €7 per adult.
The Stockholm Archipelago includes over 30,000 islands and islets. Boat tours to some of the more prominent isles are a regular feature during the summers, not only reserved for tourists but enjoyed by the locals equally. Among the famous islands to visit are Rånö, Ålö, and Nåttarö. Upon reaching the city, having used your ferry tickets to Nynäshamn, make sure you book a full-day tour to Nåttarö. The trip, costing €70, includes the 30-minute boat transfer, bicycles to ride around the island, and a traditional lunch at a café.
Traveling around Nynäshamn is as simple as it can get. Walking permits you to enjoy the beauty of the environment while renting a bike gives you better access to the places around town. Summertime is when boats are available for trips to nearby islands. On the other hand, bring along a vehicle when booking your ferry tickets to Nynäshamn, as driving around opens up the entire region for unhurried exploration. Taxis are a good option if traveling to a particular place. However, they are not the most economical for full-day sightseeing.