Every design for Mariefred

Gripsholm castle rises by the water and sets the tone for all of Mariefred – a picturesque small town on Mälaren in Strängnäs municipality. The steamer S/S Mariefred chugs into the harbour, a tradition so strong that the town is gladly called the town of steam. If you want more there is the Östra Södermanland Railway, Sweden's oldest museum railway, and the Grafikens hus art centre.

There is something about the narrow streets and the old houses that slows the pace and brings memories back. The Kärnbo church ruin and the Gripsholm stone bear witness that people lived and moved here long before us, and the walk down towards the castle feels just as natural however many times you have made it.

For anyone who grew up or took root in Mariefred, the street pattern on the map becomes a reminder of everyday places – the way to the harbour, the blocks around the square, the view towards the castle. A map t-shirt of the town lets you take that familiarity just about anywhere.