Nyköping – One of Sweden’s Oldest Towns
Nyköping carries stories from ancient times to the present day. From Bronze Age rock carvings and medieval royal intrigue, to the grandeur of the Swedish Empire and today’s vibrant cultural heritage. Here, history and modern experiences come together, all in one place where the future is shaped by a rich past.
The Nyköping Banquet – A Royal Family Feud at Nyköpingshus
In December 1317, King Birger invited his brothers, Dukes Erik and Valdemar, to celebrate Christmas at Nyköpingshus(Castle). What began as a grand feast soon turned into a dark power struggle. After a night of celebration, the brothers were captured and imprisoned – later executed.
The banquet became a defining moment in Swedish history and remains one of the country’s most talked-about events.
Step Into History Today
Each summer, the drama comes alive in the courtyard of Nyköpingshus. The performance of the Banquet takes you back to the 14th century, with period costumes, authentic settings, and gripping storytelling that captivates both young and old.
Tickets are available from Teater Sörmland – don’t miss the chance to experience history where it actually happened!
Nyköpingshus– From Fortress and Renaissance Palace to Ruins
Nyköping Castle is a symbol of the town’s long and eventful past. It began as a defensive tower built in the 12th century and grew into a mighty fortress during the time of Birger Jarl. In the 1500s, Duke Karl (later King Karl IX) transformed it into a grand Renaissance palace, filled with elegant halls and impressive architecture.
The castle was destroyed in a city fire in 1665 and left in ruins. Some of its bricks were later used in the reconstruction of the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
Today, you can visit the museum in the King’s Tower to explore the castle’s history and the famous banquet through engaging exhibitions. Wander among the ruins and be inspired by the beautiful setting along the Nyköping River.
In summer, the castle courtyard comes to life with cultural and historical events that attract locals and visitors from near and far. Find out more about what you can see and do here.
Did you know...
- People in Nyköping love referring to old names and addresses.
- On the main square, Stora Torget, four centuries are represented in the architecture: the Town Hall (1723), the Governor’s Residence (1810), the City Hall (1969), and the oldest parts of St Nicolai Church, dating back to the 13th century.
- In Koppartorp, you’ll find Tunaberg Church, the only wooden church in Södermanland, dating from the 17th century.
- The Släbro rock carvings by the Nyköping River are one of Sweden’s most impressive ancient monuments, with over 330 figures from the Bronze Age.
- In the early 1900s, Nyköping was an important textile town. Nordiska Kompaniet workshops, linked to the department store in Stockholm, began producing mainly period furniture and interiors in 1905.
