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Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria hikes in Södermandland

On 22 May, Crown Princess Victoria took part in her 22nd hike, this time in Södermanland. The hike in Södermanland began at Nerhyttan’s farm, where County Governor, Liselott Hagberg welcomed the Crown Princess.

Crown Princess Victoria then rode an Icelandic horse to the Skottvång mine where she met with members of the public who wanted to take part in the hike alongside her.

Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Kungl. Hovstaterna

At Skottvång mine, the Crown Princess had the opportunity to learn more about the mining area. The mine was in use until 1921 when it was shut down.

Afterwards, the hike continued along the Sörmland Trail. During the walk, Crown Princess Victoria learned about ancient remains in the area and the work on cultural, environmental walks. They next arrived at Stenhuggarmon where a bright beach valley with pebble rock from 5000 BC is visible. After lunch at Mellan Marviken, Her Royal Highness took part in a canoe ride to the southern end of Nedre Marviken where Sörmlandsleden sails.

Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Kungl. Hovstaterna

The hike then continued on foot along the Sörmland Trail toward Ådal’s mill along the Laketorp River where hikers learned about the remains of a silver mine which once belonged there. Next, Crown Princess Victoria and the members of the public who were taking part in the hike travelled by steam train to Mariefred from Leggesta. They learned more about the locomotive, the wagons and about Sweden’s seven narrow-gauge railways that were previously used for passenger traffic from the museum association Östra Södermanlands Järnväg.

The Crown Princess’s hike in Södermanland ended at Gripsholm’s Castle in Mariefred.

Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Kungl. Hovstaterna

Crown Princess Victoria started doing hikes in Sweden’s provinces after her 40th birthday in 2017. She wanted to experience Sweden in different ways and to promote the importance of nature in Sweden, especially to those who live and work in these provinces.

Södermanland is the duchy of one of Victoria’s godsons, Prince Alexander, the first son of her brother, Prince Carl Philip and his wife, Princess Sofia.