From castles to coastlines – a scenic road trip through Sörmland

Stretching across the southern shores of Lake Mälaren, Sörmland is celebrated for many things, not least its natural beauty – yet the county's claim to fame is arguably its castle-rich terrain. There are some 400 palaces and mansions here, some of which are world-renowned. It also has an abundance of runic carvings and other historically significant highlights. Add to that a cluster of charming towns and cities – Mariefred, Eskilstuna and Trosa, to mention three – and you have the ideal road trip ahead of you.

Mariefred – walk in Gustav Vasa's footsteps and visit the 'cake castle'

Setting off from Stockholm by car, you'll reach Mariefred in under an hour. Summertime, you can also get here by boat, travelling across Lake Mälaren with the century-old steamboat S/S Mariefred.

Mariefred town centre is a quaint affair, and on the outskirts, the must-visit lakeside palace Gripsholm Castle towers proudly. It'll have you deep-diving into 500 years of Swedish history via several significant features. The palace, built on Gustav Vasa's initiative in 1537, is home to the House of Vasa state apartments and a remarkably well-preserved 18th-century theatre – as well as the world's oldest national portrait gallery.

A bit further east, you'll find another regal gem – the 19th-century Taxinge Castle. Driving here takes just under 20 minutes unless you opt to travel by steam train along the 'museum railway'. Taxinge Castle is nicknamed 'the cake castle', and you'll soon discover why. The elaborate cake buffet served up here includes Swedish classics such as Princess cake and Mazarin. It's hard to imagine a more refined 'fika' setting.

Strängnäs and Eskilstuna – harbour charm, medieval history and eco-shopping

Next, head west towards Strängnäs, a 30-minute drive from Taxinge Castle. This spot's thriving harbour is a draw for sailing enthusiasts, while its waterside hiking trails and local beaches are ideal for road-trippers wanting to stretch their legs or go for a swim.

Over at Eskilstuna, 25 minutes west of Strängnäs, another castle experience awaits in the shape of Sundbyholm Castle. This castle offers dining and accommodation in various buildings dating from the 17th century to the present.

Nearby, you'll find the impressively large 11th-century Sigurd Carving. It is considered one of Sweden's foremost ancient monuments and displays numerous Viking-saga-themed runic inscriptions.

Of equal historical significance, the Rademacher Forges is a cluster of 17th-century buildings that formed part of Sweden's first blacksmith factory site and today functions like a compelling open-air museum.

If shopping is on your agenda, keep it eco-friendly by heading to ReTuna – a shopping mall selling products that are either preloved or crafted from recycled materials.

Stora Sundby Castle is often described as one of Sweden's most beautiful palaces. Though its history stretches back to the Middle Ages, the multi-tower edifice that stands by Lake Hjälmaren today was completed in 1848. A little further south, you'll come across the centuries-old Julita Mansion, idyllically situated on Lake Öljaren.

Nyköping and Trosa – seasonal flavours and a notable nature reserve

Passing Katrineholm Blacksta Vineyard outside Flen is a highlight popular with foodies seeking its seasonal tasting menu, replete with wine from Blacksta and elsewhere. Rooms are available should you wish to stay the night.

As you near the end of your Sörmland adventure, enhance the experience by driving along 'Utflyktsvägen' – a scenic route snaking through Nyköping and Trosa. Between these two spots in the archipelago lies the Stendörren Nature Reserve. Its beautiful hiking trails allow you to hop from island to island, thanks to the many suspension bridges.

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Trosa – an hour's drive from Stockholm – is a picturesque gem studded with restaurants, shops and cultural highlights such as Garvaregården Museum.

If you're tempted to punctuate your road trip with one last castle visit before heading north back to Stockholm, consider the 18th-century Tullgarn Palace. Nestled right on the coast, it captures the charm of Sörmland perfectly.