Gripsholm Deer Park — ancient oaks and fallow deer in Mariefred
Within walking distance of central Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle lies an oak pasture with centuries-old trees, fallow deer, and views across Lake Mälaren.
8 November 2026 · Current
Gripsholm Deer Park has served as royal pasture since the 17th century, when King Karl XI enclosed the hills for the castle. Today the nature reserve is home to around a hundred fallow deer that keep the rolling pastures open.
Giant oaks and biodiversity
The oak landscape is among the most biodiverse in the Mälaren valley. Its sunlit giant oaks and lindens shelter rare wood-living beetles, owls, woodpeckers, and bats.
Walking paths, views and visitor tips
Well-marked walking paths wind from the car park near the steamer pier and heritage railway up onto the ridges with views toward Gripsholm Castle and Lake Mälaren.
The reserve is open year-round. Visitors should keep dogs on a lead and keep a respectful distance during early-summer calving and the autumn rutting season.
Read more at Länsstyrelsen Södermanland — Gripsholms Hjorthage.