Guides

Things to do in Eskilstuna in winter: forges and Munktell

What to do in Eskilstuna in winter: the Rademacher forges outdoors first, then Munktellmuseet indoors.

In winter, let Eskilstuna’s forges set the scene, then give the machines your indoor time. Rademachersmedjorna works as a short outdoor start, while Munktellmuseet gives you the bigger industrial story under a roof. The city museum, art museum and swimming hall give you options when you want to stay inside a little longer.

1. Start outdoors at Rademachersmedjorna

Keep the first part of your winter day outdoors among the old forge buildings. The outdoor exhibition tells stories of the people behind the ironwork, so you can get something from the site even when individual doors are shut. Then move on to an indoor museum rather than depending on workshop openings.

Good to know

  • The grounds are free and accessible around the clock; that does not mean the buildings are open.
  • The museum forge and children’s play forge are summer features. Check individual craftspeople’s hours for winter visits.
  • Choose a daylight visit and shoes with good grip if there is snow or ice.

2. Head inside Munktellmuseet

Make this the indoor anchor of your day. Tractors, engines and construction machines tell the story at a scale that is easy to appreciate, whether you know your machinery or not. Being able to sit in the old vehicles makes the visit especially appealing with children.

Good to know

  • Admission is paid, with free entry for the youngest children; check current prices on munktellmuseet.com.
  • The published regular pattern is Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. Check holiday exceptions before travelling.
  • A free Swedish and English audio guide works through QR codes on your phone.
  • The museum café follows the museum’s opening hours, making it a useful fika stop.

3. Explore Eskilstuna stadsmuseum

If the weather rules out a longer walk, carry on with local history indoors. Steam engines and the mechanical workshop connect neatly with Munktellmuseet, while Faktotum offers hands-on experiments. Lilla Stadsmuseet gives children a playful route into the city’s past.

Good to know

  • Check the museum’s current exhibition and opening information through Visit Eskilstuna before you go.
  • Lilla Stadsmuseet is designed for children and adults to explore together.
  • There is a small café and a shop, so you can take a break without leaving the museum.

4. Slow down at Eskilstuna konstmuseum

Swap machinery for paintings in a former gear workshop. The museum combines historical collections with changing exhibitions of contemporary art and craft. It is a good choice if you want an indoor stop with a different mood rather than another industrial collection.

Good to know

  • Find it at Portgatan 2, in the old Bolinder Munktell workshop.
  • Check the current exhibitions and opening hours through the museum link on Visit Eskilstuna.
  • Lunch restaurant P-2 is next to the museum; check its own serving hours if you want to eat here.

5. Finish with a swim at Munktellbadet

A swimming afternoon is a useful alternative when you have had enough museum time. Children have the family area, while swimmers have the long pool and adults can look into River Relax. Choose the part of the building that suits your group rather than assuming one ticket covers every experience.

Good to know

  • Check current admission and opening times through the operator link on Visit Eskilstuna; choose the pool area you actually want to use.
  • River Relax has an age restriction; check the current rules before planning a family visit.
  • Food and drink are available at the entrance and in the family swimming area.

Quick tips

  • Do the forge walk in daylight, then keep your indoor bookings and opening hours in charge of the afternoon.
  • Munktellmuseet’s regular Sunday closure matters: check your date before making it the centrepiece of a winter weekend.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Eskilstuna on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Eskilstuna (all year) Rademachersmedjorna: visitor information Munktellmuseet: plan your visit Eskilstuna stadsmuseum Eskilstuna konstmuseum Munktellbadet