Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations to Visit in Sweden in 2018
Tom Tits. Photo: Tom Tits
Södertälje:
Where worlds meet Steeped in rich history, surrounded by generous nature, and presenting a range of inspiring, enlightening activities, Södertälje makes for a relaxing but uplifting holiday – just 30 minutes by train from Stockholm. By Linnea Dunne
“We’re right by the water and have 24 nature reserves, yet we’re only a stone’s throw from Stockholm. There’s the charming town centre, great museums and activities, and true multiculturalism: there are people from all over the world here – it’s almost like being abroad, but at home,” says Aljoša Lagumdžija, head of Södertäljebyrån, a modern kind of tourist office. He first came to Södertälje because of basketball, a hint to the town’s reputation as a great place for 48 | Issue 108 | January 2018
sports fans. “Björn Borg actually grew up here,” Lagumdžija laughs. “That garage door he used to practise his backhand against has become quite the visitor attraction!” With more than half of Södertälje’s residents born abroad and around 80 languages spoken locally, it is quite obvious where the phrase ‘where worlds meet’ came from – but Lagumdžija explains that the expression is symbolic and fig-
urative too. Take Tom Tits Experiment, for example: Sweden’s biggest science centre, which brings together old and young across two large buildings and an outdoor park, attracting great numbers of international visitors who want to learn and explore to open the door to new discoveries. Or look at Ytterjärna, a place developed based on the anthroposophist philosophy, boasting a highly unusual culture centre without 90-degree angles and a wealth of experiences to boost wellbeing and inner peace. “It’s a gorgeous place with plenty to explore: beautiful forest walks, organic local produce, a White Guide listed restaurant and an eco-hotel with rooms decorated in different colours in order for guests to pick the