View source for Södertälje

{{Short description|City in Södermanland, Sweden}}
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{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Södertälje
| native_name        = 
| nickname           = City of Pretzels
| image_skyline      = Södertälje kollage 2017a.jpg
| image_caption      = Sankta Ragnhild church, Mälarbron bridge, Old city hall, Storgatan street
| image_shield       = Södertälje vapen.svg
| settlement_type    = City
| pushpin_map        = Sweden Stockholm#Sweden#European Union
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = [[Sweden]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Municipalities of Sweden|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Södertälje Municipality]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Counties of Sweden|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Stockholm County]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Provinces of Sweden|Province]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Södermanland]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1300s
| area_footnotes     = <ref name=scb>{{cite web |url=http://www.scb.se/Statistik/MI/MI0810/2010A01/Tatorternami0810tab1_4.xls |title=Tätorternas landareal, folkmängd och invånare per km<sup>2</sup> 2005 och 2010 |date=14 December 2011 |publisher=[[Statistics Sweden]] |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127055525/http://www.scb.se/Statistik/MI/MI0810/2010A01/Tatorternami0810tab1_4.xls |archive-date=27 January 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=10 January 2012  }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 28.51
| elevation_m        = 23
| population_as_of   = 31 December 2020
| population_total   = 73,872
| population_density_km2 = auto
| timezone           = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset         = +1
| timezone_DST       = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +2
| postal_code_type   = Postal code
| postal_code        = 151xx
| area_code          = (+46) 08
| coordinates        = {{coord|59|11|45|N|17|37|41|E|region:SE|display=inline,title}}
| website            = [http://www.sodertalje.se/Sprak/Engelska/ www.sodertalje.se]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="scb_urban_area_population_area_population_density">{{cite web | title=Statistiska tätorter 2020, befolkning, landareal, befolkningstäthet| publisher=[[Statistics Sweden]] | url=https://www.scb.se/MI0810 |date=31 December 2020 | access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>
}}
'''Södertälje''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|s|ɜːr|d|ər|ˈ|t|ɛ|l|j|ə|,_|ˌ|s|ʌ|d|-}} {{respell|SU(R)D|ər|TEL|yə}},<ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Södertälje|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> {{IPA|sv|sœdɛˈʈɛ̂lːjɛ|lang|sv-Södertälje.ogg}}) is a [[Urban areas in Sweden|city]] in [[Stockholm County]], [[Sweden]] and seat of [[Södertälje Municipality]]. It is also a part of [[Stockholm urban area|Greater Stockholm Metropolitan Area]]. As of 2020, it has 73,872<!-- Do NOT add figures for all of Södertälje kommun here. Figure from Statistics Sweden --> inhabitants. Södertälje is located at [[Mälaren]]s confluence in to the Baltic Sea through the lock in the [[Södertälje Canal]].<ref name="ne.se">Nationalencyklopedin, Södertälje. http://www.ne.se/uppslagsverk/encyklopedi/lång/södertälje-(tätort-södertälje-kommun) (hämtad 2020-06-13)</ref> Since year 2000, it is the largest [[Urban areas in Sweden|city]] located entirely within the province of [[Södermanland]].<ref>Statistiska tätorter 2018 – befolkning, landareal, befolkningstäthet, Statistiska centralbyrån, 24 mars 2020</ref>

==History==
[[File:Södertälje 1648.jpg|thumb|Map of Södertälje from 1648]]

===Ancient history===
It is estimated that the first people reached the area around what is today Södertälje during the [[Stone Age]], about 4000 BC. They formed settlements around 3000 BC, when the peasant culture is believed to have reached the area.<ref name="Svartsjo">Svartsjö, Christina 2004, ''Centrumförnyelse i Södertälje - utopi eller verklighet!''. Blekinge tekniska högskola</ref> Around 1500 to 400 BC, the strait between Lake [[Mälaren]] and the [[Baltic Sea]] narrowed due to the [[post-glacial rebound]]. Thereafter boats had to be towed over the sand ridge, which created job opportunities. Trade and service emerged.<ref name="artal" />

[[Ansgar]] passed through Södertälje on his voyages to [[Birka]] in his efforts to Christianize Sweden in 829.<ref name=GelotteSHistoria2011 /> Södertälje was first mentioned in historical sources in 1070, when [[Adam of Bremen]] mentioned the town in a description of the road between [[Skara]] and [[Birka]] in his work {{Lang|la|Gesta Hammaburgensis Ecclesiae pontificum}}. However, the area was inhabited long before then.<ref name="Svartsjo"/> Södertälje received [[Town privileges|city privileges]] in the 1300s.<ref name=GelotteSHistoria2011 />

The castle Telge Hus was built at Slottsholmen during the 1300s. From here, Telgehus county was administered between the years 1318 and 1527. The county included Öknebo, Hölebo and parts of Svartlösa districts. Archaeological excavations have shown that the castle was surrounded by a moat. It is still partially visible on Slottsholmen's northwestern shore.<ref name="Stockholms läns museum Telge hus">{{Cite web|url=https://stockholmslansmuseum.se/besoksmal/telge-hus/|title = Telge hus}}</ref>

Originally, the city was simply called Tälje (several spellings are known; including ''Telge'', ''Talje'', and ''Tælga''). In 1622, the prefix {{Lang|sv|Söder}} 'south' was added to distinguish from the then recently founded town of [[Norrtälje]], located 110&nbsp;km northeast of the city. [[Statistics Sweden]] started using the modern spelling in 1900.<ref name="SCBhistoriskstatistik">{{cite web|title=Historisk statistik efter serie|url=http://www.scb.se/sv_/Hitta-statistik/Historisk-statistik/Digitaliserat---Statistik-efter-serie/|publisher=[[Statistiska centralbyrån]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230122632/http://www.scb.se/sv_/hitta-statistik/historisk-statistik/digitaliserat---statistik-efter-serie/|archive-date=30 December 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

The city first used [[Olaf II of Norway|St. Olof]] in its coat of arms. At the beginning of the 17th century, he was replaced by [[Ragnhild of Tälje]] ({{langx|sv|Sankta Ragnhild}}).<ref>Sven Ingemar Olofsson, "Sankt Olofs stad", ''Södertälje stads historia, del 1'', Södertälje 1968.</ref> After her pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem, her relics are said to have been buried in Södertälje.<ref name="NE-Ragnhild">Nationalencyklopedin 2007, ''Ragnhild av Tälje''</ref>

[[Charles IX of Sweden|Duke Charles]] (Who subsequently became King Charles) actively invested in Södertälje as a commercial and maritime city during his time as Duke of [[Södermanland]], which contributed to growth. A port was built just south of the city. It was not until the 1740s that the city began with industrial manufacturing in addition to shipping and trade.<ref name="Mellander">Mellander Rönn, Fredrika, Sundström, Lisa Andersson, Christina 2006, ''Södertäljes stadskärna'', Stockholms läns museum</ref>

=== 1800s to 1950===
[[File:Södeträlje_badinrättning_1880-tal.jpg|thumb|''Old Bath House'' during the [[seaside resort]] era. Photo from 1880s]]
Södertälje already had a port, but during the 19th century it became necessary to extend it to be able to receive larger vessels.<ref name="Mellander"/> In 1819 the [[Södertälje Canal]] was inaugurated after 13 years of construction. Just over forty years later, in 1860, rail traffic between Södertälje and Stockholm commenced. The [[Western Main Line]] for trains between the east and west coast of Sweden opened in 1862, with a station in the city.<ref name="Svartsjo"/><ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Södertelge |short=x}}</ref>

Around this time Södertälje became known as a [[seaside resort]] for Stockholmers. In 1849 the Södertälje Bathing Facilities in Badparken park was opened, with both a cold bath facility and a hot bath house. The bathhouses and the Societetshus venue have been demolished, but the Bath hotel at Järnagatan street, Strandhotellet hotel, Stadsparken park and Villa Bellevue still remain from the resort era, which lasted for almost a hundred years until 1945.<ref name="Mellander"/>

The tradition of selling the local [[pretzel]]s, {{Lang|sv|Södertäljekringlor}}, is several hundred years old. They had their heyday during the resort era, i.e. around the beginning of the 19th century onwards.<ref name="historiska kringlor">Södertälje kommun 2006, ''Historiska kringlor''. Publicerat: 2006-03-30, hämtat 2007-10-20 från {{cite web|title=Arkiverade kopian|url=http://www.sodertalje.se/templates/Page____508.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026125034/http://www.sodertalje.se/templates/Page____508.aspx|archive-date=2007-10-26|access-date=2009-07-24}}</ref> They were typically sold by older women, often referred to as {{Lang|sv|Kringelgummor}} (English: Pretzel ladies). The pretzels were primarily sold to tourists, especially at the city's railway stations. The sale of pretzels, among other aspects of the resort town, was described in the magazine {{Lang|sv|Svenska Familj-Journalen}} (English: Swedish Family Journal) in 1881.<ref name="familj">Sätherberg, Herman 1881, ''Södertelge'', Svenska Familj-Journalen</ref>

By the 1900s, Södertälje's population had grown to over 8,000 people. Around the turn of the century several large factories were established in the city: Svenska Centrifug AB (1896), AB Södertelge Verkstäder (1897), Baltic (1906), [[Astra AB|Aktiebolaget Astra Apotekarnes Kemiska Fabriker]] (Astra) (1913), Tobaksmonopolet (1915) och Wedaverken (1917). Perhaps most interesting is the formation of [[Vabis|VABIS]], Vagnfabriks-Aktiebolaget in Södertelge (1891). In 1911 it merged with [[Maskinfabriks-aktiebolaget Scania|Scania]] and formed Scania-Vabis. Nowadays, however, the company only uses the name [[Scania AB]].

===From 1950 until today===
[[File:Södertälje, Södermanland, Sweden (15193509561).jpg|thumb|''Järnagatan'' street in the city centre 1944]]
In the 1950s, conditions in Södertälje's central parts were considered outdated. As the city grew, and modern [[apartment|apartment buildings]] were constructed in the outskirts, the city centre was still predominantly consisted of relatively small wooden houses. Hence, the city council decided on a major renovation of the central areas, where many buildings around the pedestrian section of Storgatan high street (including adjacent Nygatan and Köpmangatan streets) were demolished. Some of the buildings were moved to the Torekällberget City Museum. However, many of the 17th–19th century buildings around Olof Palmes plats, Marenplan, Saltsjötorget and Stortorget were preserved.<ref name="artal">Södertälje kommun 2006, ''Södertäljes historia i årtal'', 2006-03-30, read 2007-10-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20071026125003/http://www.sodertalje.se/templates/Page____487.aspx</ref>

In 1960, Södertälje was still a fairly small town with a largely homogeneous population of 33,000 inhabitants. In the 1960s, however, the demographics of the city changed radically. The industrial boom and the structural transformation led to economic development and increased investments in the city's industries. The large companies [[Scania AB|Scania-Vabis]] and [[Astra AB|Astra]] were in high demand of labour. Recruitment was primarily made from parts of the country that were severely affected by the industrial boom, mainly [[Norrland]]. When the manpower from other parts of the country was insufficient, foreign labour was brought in. Most of the migrant workers came from [[Finland]], but also [[Greece]], [[Italy]] and [[Yugoslavia]].<ref name="Mangfald">Södertälje kommun 2001, ''Mångfald och gemenskap''</ref>
[[File:Sankt Afrems katedral i Södertälje.jpg|thumb|[[Syriac Orthodox Church]] [[St. Aphrem Cathedral, Södertälje]]]]
During the 1970s, immigration from Finland declined, while many Christian [[Assyrian people|Assyrians/Syriacs]] settled in Södertälje, mostly from [[Tur Abdin]], [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lundgren |first1=Svante |title=The Assyrians: Fifty Years in Swedenq |date=15 May 2019 |publisher=Nineveh Press |isbn=978-91-984101-7-4 |page=14}}</ref> At the end of the 1990s, many [[Iraq]]is arrived, as well as [[Finns|Finnish]] and [[Syrian]] people. <ref>Södertälje kommun, Kommunfakta, read 2012-06-11, https://web.archive.org/web/20120805175357/http://www.sodertalje.se/mainupload/dokument/Kommun%20o%20demokrati/Om%20S%C3%B6dert%C3%A4lje/Fakta_2011_sve_web_slutversion.pdf</ref> In 2013, there were reports in the media that a parallel society founded by [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] and [[Syriac people|syriac]] ([[Aramean]]) minorities had emerged, with norms, rules and a banking system without control from society.<ref name="politi_oslo_12juni2013">Oslo 2022. Fremtidens kriminalitetsutfordringer i Oslo, https://web.archive.org/web/20160211060134/https://www.politi.no/vedlegg/lokale_vedlegg/oslo/Vedlegg_2161.pdf, read 11 feb 2016</ref> Swedish law enforcement allocated extensive resources. A trial against the mafia-like organisation {{Lang|sv|Södertäljenätverket}} (English: The Södertälje network) ended in 2013.<ref name="svt_18maj2015">Norsk polisrapport var gammal, http://www.svt.se/nyheter/regionalt/sodertalje/norsk-polisrapport-var-gammal, Sveriges Television, read 10 August 2015</ref>

Södertälje also has a growing population of about 1,500 [[Mandaeans in Sweden|Mandaeans]], most with Iraqi origins.<ref>[https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1137147/FULLTEXT02.pdf "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" pp114-134. ''The Swedish Agency for Support to Faith Communities.''] (Swedish) Retrieved 2018-07-22</ref>

Construction of Almnäs garrison started in 1970. [[Svea Engineer Corps]] and the Engineering Troops Cadet School (INGKAS) relocated to Almnäs. They were joined by Swedint, the Armed Forces International training school, in 1984. During the 1990s, the [[Life Guards (Sweden)|Life Guards]] were also present at Almnäs. After 1996, the armed forces underwent a major reorganisation and left Almnäs altogether in 2004. The area is now a [[business park]].

Many of the city's modern attractions were built in the 1980s. A museum based on the book {{Lang|fr|La Science Amusante}} by French writer [[Arthur Good]] was built. The museum is called [[Tom Tits Experiment]] after the author's pen name [[Tom Tit]]. The new [[Public bathing|bath house]] {{Lang|sv|Sydpoolen}} opened in 1987, and is now one of the most visited bathing facilities in the country. During the 2010 and 2020 centuries, several infrastructure projects were completed or started. Further widening of the canal and the lock was initiated,<ref>url=https://www.sjofartsverket.se/malarprojektet Sjöfartsverket Mälarprojektet</ref> as well as the upgrade of the railway around [[Södertälje Hamn railway station]] to increase capacity.<ref>https://www.lt.se/artikel/klartecken-for-nytt-dubbelspar LT Klartecken för nytt dubbelspår</ref>

===Administrative history===
[[File:Södertäljes_gamla_rådhus,_2017.jpg|thumb|The old ''City Hall'' was built in 1734]]
The City of Södertälje was transformed to a [[Stad (Sweden)|city municipality]] during the [[Swedish municipal reforms of 1862]]. The city grew and subsequently incorporated Västertälje parish in 1946 and Östertälje parish in 1963. The city municipality expanded further in 1967, until it became the seat of the present-day [[Södertälje Municipality]].<ref>Per Andersson, Sveriges kommunindelning 1863-1993, Mjölby, {{ISBN|918778405X}}</ref>

Within the [[Church of Sweden]], Södertälje was part of Södertälje City parish. It incorporated the western part of {{Lang|sv|Södertälje landsförsamling}} in 1946, and received the name {{Lang|sv|Södertälje församling}} (English: Södertälje parish). It has since also incorporated the parish of Tveta. Between 1973 and 2010, part of the city was part of Västertälje parish. The eastern part of Södertälje still belongs to Östertälje parish.

Until 1971, the city belonged to the [[judicial district]] Södertälje Council Court. In 1971, it was changed to Södertälje District Court.

=== Historical population figures ===
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tätorter 1960-2005 |trans-title=Localities 1960-2005 |url=https://www.scb.se/statistik/MI/MI0810/2005A01x/MI0810_2005A01x_SM_MI38SM0703.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331051853/https://www.scb.se/statistik/MI/MI0810/2005A01x/MI0810_2005A01x_SM_MI38SM0703.pdf |archive-date=2010-03-31 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=[[Statistics Sweden]] |language=sv}}</ref><br />

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|+ Population and Area Development
|-
! Year !! Population !! Area (ha)
|-
| 1950 || 25 715 ||
|-
| 1960 || 33 721 ||
|-
| 1965 || 44 362 ||	
|-
| 1970 || 57 494 ||	
|-
| 1975 || 58 408 ||	
|-
| 1980 || 58 711 ||	
|-
| 1990 || 58 097 || 2 408
|-
| 1995 || 57 327 || 2 456
|-
| 2000 || 59 342 || 2 479
|-
| 2005 || 60 279 || 2 529
|-
| 2010 || 64 619 || 2 584
|-
| 2015 || 70 777 || 2 797
|-
| 2018 || 73 872 || 2 851
|}

==Cityscape==
{{Panorama|image  = Södertälje panorama 2015.jpg|width   = 1000| height   = 250|alt     = Panorama of Södertälje from Torekällberget|caption = Panorama of Södertälje from Torekällberget}}
[[File:Skytten 2, Södertälje, 2017.jpg|thumb|The property ''Skytten 2'' (at Strandgatan 13) built in 1854 is one of the city's oldest wooden [[multi-family residential]] buildings]]
During the 1600s, the city was hit by two major fires; in 1630 and 1650. After the fire in 1650, the devastation was vast. All important buildings except the church were destroyed; including the school and town hall. After the fires, extensive [[urban planning]] was implemented under the leadership of Anders Torstensson, where the old irregular [[medieval]] neighbourhoods were replaced by a [[grid plan]] of streets. The 1650s plan remained largely in place until the redevelopment of the city centre in the 1960s, and still characterises many parts of the central areas. Most of the older buildings have disappeared due to city fires or demolition.<ref name="ne.se"/>

[[File:Badhotellet,_Södertälje,_2017.jpg|thumb|The ''Badhotellet'' resort hotel at Järnagatan street opened in 1899]]
The central parts of Södertälje are today mainly the neighbourhood around what is commonly referred to as called Gågatan, which is the pedestrian part of Storgatan street. Stortorget was originally the absolute centre of the city. The reason that the area would subsequently expand (mainly in a southerly direction) is largely due to the fact that the [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]] was placed near the city park. Unlike most other cities in the country, no railroad has ever been drawn through Södertälje's central parts, which meant that very little central area had to be designated for tracks. Another interesting detail is that the old Södertälje largely consisted of wooden houses. It is commonly believed that this is because Södertälje never has been a major administrative centre, such as a [[County seat|county capital]] or [[episcopal see]]. For a trade city, it wooden structures were considered sufficient. The original wooden buildings are especially well preserved in the areas around Fredsgatan and Västgötagatan streets. The older wooden houses that previously existed in the central parts have largely been moved up to Torekällberget, which is Södertälje's [[Open-air museum|open-air city museum]]. The first apartment building in stone was built as late as 1865. The property was at Järnagatan 8, next to Saltsjötorget square, and was built by industrialist DJ Ekeberg. When Järnagatan was lowered in 1907, the basement level became the areas that are occupied by shops today.

Södertälje's old City Hotel is situated on Saltsjötorget square. It was built to accommodate the high demand for rooms that arose during the time the city was a [[seaside resort]]. The [[City council]] decided to commission a new hotel on the site. Architect Ernst Haegglund was hired to design the building. The square also houses the old building for Svensk-Engelska Mineralolje AB, which was completed between 1931 and 1932 after drawings by architect Albin Stark. Between 1991 and 2008, the building served as [[city hall]]. The current city hall was built on the opposite side of the central station. The new building was designed by BSK Arkitekter, and inaugurated in the autumn of 2008 by [[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|King Carl XVI Gustaf]]. The building serves both as municipal offices and [[Cultural center|cultural centre]].

[[File:Strandgatan, Södertälje, 2017c.jpg|thumb|''Strandgatan'' street with several large residential buildings drawn by ''Tore E:son Lindhberg'' in the 1920s]]
The [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]] is situated behind the City Hotel. It is one of few Swedish railway stations with two station houses. The first building is entirely in brick, and was designed in 1860 by [[Adolf W. Edelsvärd]]. The yellow station building was added in the 1910s and was designed by [[Folke Zettervall]]. Today, only the yellow building is used for ticket sales. The older station house is occupied by a bar, café and convenience store. The open square between the two station houses, the bus station and the railway tracks is called Stationsplan.

To the west of the station, across Järnagatan lies Villa Bellevue. During the era when Södertälje was a [[seaside resort]], it was one of the city's most notable buildings. It was built in 1871 by the royal pastry chef Davidsson, after drawings by architect Ernst Jacobsson. The new city hall is situated next-door to the property. Villa Bellevue is located on the border between the city centre and the centrally located neighbourhood of Mariekälla, which is named after one of the city's water springs. On Parkgatan, which is a parallel street to the district's main street Mariekällgatan, lies Villa Walhall. The villa was built in 1875 by engineer Ludvig Jerving. Villa Walhall and Villa Bellevue were considered so typical of the [[resort town]] Södertälje that they were described and depicted in a series of articles in the magazine {{Lang|sv|Svenska Familj-Journalen}} in 1881.<ref name="familj"/>

Most restaurants and bars are located around Lake Maren. Marenplan square (formerly called Stadshamnen port), served as Södertälje's most important port until the construction of Mälarhamnen port in 1880. When Marenplan served as city port, ships carrying goods would moor there, and sell their merchandise to individuals and traders waiting at the quay. Boat traffic to inner Maren continued until 1963, when the Maren Bridge between Strandgatan and Lotsudden was built. The bridge was only intended as a temporary solution, and became demolished in 1993. The Maren Bridge subsequently replaced a [[Footbridge|pedestrian and bicycle bridge]]. The initial plan was to have the bridge removed during the summer months to allow boats to moor in inner Maren seasonally. The bridge subsequently became year-round fixed link. The Sorbonne house lies where Lotsudden and Marenplan meet. It was built in 1905, and served as [[Photographic studio|studio]] for photographer David Sorbon until 1928. The building was completely renovated in 1985–86, to accommodate several residential apartments and a restaurant.

[[File:Maren från Marenbron, 2017.jpg|thumb|Lake ''Maren'' is prominent in the city centre]]
Just above Marenplan lies the square Olof Palmes plats, which was named after the murdered Prime Minister [[Olof Palme]]. Among the buildings on the square is the old bank palace that used to belong to Södertälje Sparbank. Like many other buildings in Södertälje, the city's patron saint [[Ragnhild of Tälje]] (Swedish: {{Lang|sv|Sankta Ragnhild}}) is depicted on the facade. The importance of Olof Palmes plats was especially high when it served as hub for the city buses, which have since been moved to the [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]]. The streets Storgatan, Badhusgatan and Järnagatan begin at Olof Palmes plats.

Most department stores and high street shopping are located on {{Lang|sv|Gågatan}} (English: the Pedestrian street), which is the pedestrian part of Storgatan that runs between Torekällgatan and Stortorget. The pedestrian street is dominated by modern [[department stores]], built during the 1960s.<ref name="artal" /> The largest are {{Lang|sv|Kringlan}} (architect Erik and Tore Ahlsén), {{Lang|sv|Luna}}, {{Lang|sv|Åhléns}} and {{Lang|sv|Telgehuset}} (which initially was a Domus department store). A notable exception to the otherwise modern structures is [[SEB Group|Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken]]s bank palace, which was built between 1901 and 1902 at the initiative of the tobacco trader TH. Gustafsson.  The local architect Tore E: son Lindhberg made the drawings. In 1939, the facade was modernized, and subsequently restored when the building was completely renovated in 1975.

[[File:Södertälje stationshus 2017.jpg|thumb|The yellow station building at the [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]] was drawn by [[Folke Zettervall]] and opened in 1918]]
The hospital on Orionkullen was built 1777–78. Until 1823, the building served as [[lazaretto]] of the [[Royal Order of the Seraphim]]. After 1823, the building became a private residence. From 1844, the buildings were used as city hall and for higher education. In 1907 the council administration moved from Orionkullen, allowing the educational institution to expand. As the school faculty moved to the new [[secondary school]] building at Erik Dahlberg's road, a girls' school moved in. The girls' school at Orionkullen closed in 1968. The building is home to a [[Cultural center|cultural centre]] today.

The area where the secondary school moved is east of [[Södertälje Canal|the canal]], the Museum of Biology and the present day city hospital. After the 1960s upper secondary school reform, the institution became a [[Secondary school|Gymnasium Secondary school]]. Close to the school lies Mälarparken, which is home to the professional [[Miniature golf]] course. They local team has won several championships. The city council offices were also located by the park before moving to the intersection of Nygatan/Torekällgatan. Södertälje's current hospital is across the street from the secondary school. It houses one of the [[Stockholm Regional Council|county]]'s six [[trauma center|trauma centres]]. It opened in 1907, but has been expanded and renovated on several occasions, most recently in 2017.

As the land [[post-glacial rebound]] made Södertälje Canal shallower, it became increasingly difficult for merchants to get between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea to sell their goods. It was decided to build a square in Södertälje, where they could meet to and hold markets. The location of the square was carefully selected so it would be located [[equidistant]] between the city's ports at Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. This way, merchants did not have to drag their goods longer than was absolutely necessary. The main square in Södertälje is thus not primarily designed as a trading place for the city's inhabitants themselves. For hundreds of years, Stortorget was very important because of the lively square trade held there. At that time, Stortorget was regarded as the city's centremost place. In modern times, when most trade is conducted in stores, the importance of the square has diminished. Marenplan has increasingly taken over the role as the most central location in the city. The most famous building on Stortorget is perhaps the old yellow wooden City Hall building, which was opened in 1735. The City Hall originally stood on the west side of the square. It was temporarily relocated to Västra Kanalgatan during the redevelopment of the city centre in the 1960s. Since 1982, the City Hall has been in its present location. Today it houses art galleries and a café. Across the square lies the current Södertälje District Court, which was designed by Åke Lindqvist, and built by Anders Diös.

[[File:Tenngjutartorget, Torekällberget 2015c.jpg|thumb|''Tenngjutartorget'' square with the Wetterholmska building (the red house) at Torekällberget]]
On the northern side of Stortorget square is {{Lang|sv|Sankta Ragnhilds Kyrka}} (English: Church of [[Ragnhild of Tälje]]) from the 1100s–1300s. It is the main church in Södertälje parish in the [[Diocese of Strängnäs]]. After many renovations, the church is today a large building with three arches. The oldest parts consist of grey brick walls that comprise the lower parts of the [[bell tower]] and the two westernmost compartments of the longhouse. Renovations were made after the city fire in 1650. Further additions were made in the 1670s, when the Cronberg-Hackerska [[Choir (architecture)|choir]] in the middle of the southern wall. It was probably designed by [[Erik Dahlbergh]], and is now used as a baptismal chapel. During the fires during the [[Russian Pillage of 1719–21]], it was one of few buildings that survived. A major restoration under the direction of architect B. Romare took place between 1960 and 1961. A few years after this, two of the windows next to the baptismal chapel received new stained glass windows by F. Heybrock. The exterior of the church was repaired in 1986–1987, with the facades partially receiving their current colour scheme.

Above Stortorget and Gågatan lies Nygatan street, which is almost exclusively home to modern buildings. Among them, Roxyhuset (English: the Roxy house) is worth mentioning. The building was designed by architect Björn Hedvall, and was completed in 1939. Its lower level housed a [[Movie theatre|cinema]] until 1992, when it moved to Lunagallerian on Storgatan street. After this, the Roxy House was partially renovated, and a convenience store, restaurant and nightclub moved in. Nygatan street is also home to Södertälje's old [[Telegraphy|Telegraph station]]. It was built 1939–1940, after drawings by U. Ahlbom. Around the time the telegraph station was put into operation, automation of the Swedish telephone network began. The station was subsequently closed after just 30 years. Below the station lies Torekällskolan school. It is the oldest of the city's schools that is still in use. Since its opening in 1869, it has been rebuilt on numerous occasions.

[[File:Holmfastristning 2008a.jpg|thumb|The [[Holmfast Inscriptions]] from 1050 to 1080 describe the building of Holmfastvägen road]]
Holmfastvägen road begins in the city's central parts, and connects to the area Geneta in the western parts of the city. The road originally went all the way to Näsby, next to Lake Måsnaren. It was built during the 11th century, thus marking the early importance of the area around Södertälje. A large runic inscription called the [[Holmfast Inscriptions]] (Swedish: {{Lang|sv|Holmfastristningen}}) describe the construction by Viking Holmfast, including reinforcing the land and building bridges. Archaeologists find it likely that Holmfast's old bridges remain under the roadway. Around the engraving, which is located in close proximity to the road, have today been cleaned up and put up signs from the [[Swedish National Heritage Board]] with translations of the inscription.<ref name="Rundata311">[http://www.nordiska.uu.se/forskn/samnord.htm Project Samnordisk Runtextdatabas Svensk] - [[Rundata]] entry for Sö 311.</ref><ref name="Rundata312">[http://www.nordiska.uu.se/forskn/samnord.htm Project Samnordisk Runtextdatabas Svensk] - [[Rundata]] entry for Sö 312.</ref>

[[Retail park]]s are a fairly new feature in Södertälje. Until the early 2000s, the only really large collection of shops, apart from local neighbourhood centres, was {{Lang|sv|Weda}} in the eastern part of the city. With the construction of {{Lang|sv|Moraberg köpcentrum}}, just east of Weda, availability of shops increased. The area around [[Scaniarinken]] previously contained some shops, but has subsequently been extended to form {{Lang|sv|Vasa handelsplats}}. Some shops are also located around Hansaplan in the area Södra, close to [[Södertälje Hamn railway station]].

===Bridges===
[[File:Svängbron öfver Södertelge kanal SFJ 1881.png|thumb|The first [[swing bridge]] across [[Södertälje Canal]] 1881]]
Until 1924, when the [[Södertälje Canal|upgraded canal]] opened, there was just one single bridge connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. It was a [[swing bridge]], near the old lock, at Mälarehamnen. It was built in 1910 at [[Södertelje Verkstäder|Södertelge Verkstäder]]. After it was replaced by a more modern bridge, the old swing bridge was moved to [[Stäksundet]] in the province of [[Uppland]].<ref name=UKFEnBro>{{cite web|url= http://www.ukforsk.se/lokalhist/Riksettan-Bro.pdf|title= En bro för mycket|date=2014-08-09|website= ukforsk.se|publisher= Upplands-Bro Kulturhistoriska Forskningsinstitut|access-date=2014-08-09}}</ref>

[[File:Gamla svängbron, Södertälje (1).jpg|thumb|The second swing bridge was in use 1910-1924]]
At times there was also an iron bridge that was rolled out over the lock itself. It was also possible to use rowing boats to cross. Boat services were usually operated women, predominantly [[dalkulla|dalkullor]]. A crossing would cost 2–5 [[öre]], depending on season. The rowing boats could carry up to around five people. At the narrowest place, the distance across was just 12 metres. Embarking by Viksgatan street was especially popular.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Many were willing to pay to avoid having to walk to the swing bridge and back again if they lived around the areas of Tältet or Hagaberg. During the winter, simple [[footbridge]]s supported by pontoons were laid out – making the crossing free of charge.

[[File:Sodertelje Klaffbron 1960-tal.jpg|thumb|The first [[bascule bridge]] was used 1924-1971]]
There are currently three places where it is possible to cross [[Södertälje Canal|the canal]] on foot or by car, plus two railway bridges. The northernmost link is the Mälarbron bridge, which has three predecessors: the [[swing bridge]] from the 19th century, and another swing bridge that was used between 1910 and 1924. Both stood about 150 meters south of the current Mälarbron bridge. In 1924, the first [[bascule bridge]] opened. It was often referred to as simply {{Lang|sv|Klaffbron}} or {{Lang|sv|Landsvägsbron}} (English: "the Bascule bridge" or "the Country Road Bridge"). It was a double flap bridge with two fixed bridge vaults on each side. Ragnar Hjort made the architectural design. After [[World War II]], it could no longer handle the increased traffic volume. Hence, the current Mälarbron was commissioned, and opened in 1971. It is equipped with a control tower. Today the bridge together with the whole route from [[Landsort]] in to [[Mälaren]] is remote controlled from the locks in Södertälje.

The most central crossing is at the [[Lock (water navigation)|canal lock]], and consists of the two bridges Marenbron, which crosses Lake Maren, and Slussbron, which crosses [[Södertälje Canal|the canal]] itself. In 1963, the first bridge over the Maren was built. It was intended as a temporary link, and was subsequently demolished in 1993. The Marenbron was later replaced by a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The initial plan was to have it removed during the summer, allowing small boats to reach the inner parts of the lake. It did however become a year-round fixed link. In September 2003, a [[referendum]] among the residents of [[Södertälje Municipality]] was held, where they could decide if they wanted a new car bridge to be commissioned at the site. The costs were estimated to 40 million [[Swedish krona]]. At the referendum, 56.5 percent voted no and 39.4 percent favourably, meaning no new car bridge was built. Suggestions to build an [[arch bridge]] or [[bascule bridge]] for pedestrians and cyclists have been brought forward. It would allow boats to pass under and reach the inner parts of Lake Maren in the centremost parts of the city. Pedestrians have also been able to cross the canal itself by walking across the lock gates.

[[File:Södertälje kanal, flygfoto 2014-09-20.jpg|thumb|''Järnvägsbron'', ''E4-bron'' and ''Saltsjöbron'' bridges]]
The Saltsjöbron and E4-bron bridges constitute the southernmost crossing for cars and pedestrians. They run between the districts of Södra and Viksängen in Södertälje's southern parts. Saltsjöbron is a [[bascule bridge]], and the road that goes across it is called Viksängsleden. It is equipped with a bicycle and pedestrian path. E4-bron is a [[vertical-lift bridge]], crossed by the eponymous [[European route E4|E4 Motorway]], and marks the southern fork with [[European route E20|E20]]. It was built in the 1960s, together with the motorways around the city. Saltsjöbron was built in 2002 to relieve the E4-bron, and to provide an alternative in case of mechanical failure after one occurred in 1990.

Parallel to Saltsjöbron and E4-bron lays the railway bridge predominantly used by local and freight trains. It opened in the summer of 2010, and is hence the youngest bridge in the city. It replaced the old railway bridge from 1921, which was located immediately east of the current bridge. The old bridge was replaces as it was unable to handle heavy trains, nor deep-going maritime vessels. It was also too noisy. The distance between the bridge pillars on the new bridge is wider, to enable [[Södertälje Canal|the canal]] to be broadened further. The old railway bridge had a small pedestrian path. After it was demolished in autumn of 2010, pedestrians must cross at Saltsjöbron instead. The old railway bridge replaced an even older bridge from 1860 that crossed around the area of Tältet. That bridge was demolished in the 1920s, when Saltskog railway station had been closed and replaced [[Södertälje Hamn railway station|Södertälje Södra railway station]] (subsequently renamed Södertälje Hamn).

The [[Igelsta Bridge]] is the southernmost of the city's bridges. It is the main route for long distance and regional trains across [[Södertälje Canal]]. It is 2140 meters long, reaches as high as 48 meters above the canal, making it Sweden's tallest and longest railway bridge (after the Swedish part of the [[Øresund Bridge]]). Igelstabron spans between [[Pershagen]] and Hall. The bridge forms part of the Grödingebanan on the [[Western Main Line]] and opened in 1995. [[Södertälje Syd railway station]] is located on the bridge's eastern [[abutment]].

====Accidents and incidents====
On 13 February 2016, all four members of the English rock band [[Viola Beach]] (along with their manager Craig Tarry) were killed during their first overseas tour when their car fell from a bridge in Södertälje.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35572838 |title=Viola Beach die in car crash in Sweden |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 February 2016 |access-date=13 August 2016}}</ref> The [[Swedish Police Authority]] opened an inquiry and found that Tarry, who was driving, had no traces of alcohol nor drugs in his blood.<ref name="bbc-inquiry">{{cite news|title=Viola Beach crash inquiry begins in Sweden|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35576251|access-date=16 February 2016|work=[[BBC News]]|date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=siddique>{{cite news|author=Haroon Siddique and agency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/25/viola-beach-driver-was-not-intoxicated-when-car-crashed |title=Viola Beach driver was not intoxicated when car crashed |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 February 2016 |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> They also found that Tarry had engaged the brakes before reaching the bridge, ruling out the possibility that he had fallen asleep, and authorities said the incident ultimately remained "completely inexplicable".<ref name="local">{{cite news|title=Viola Beach crash driver was not drunk, autopsy suggests|url=http://www.thelocal.se/20160225/viola-beach-crash-driver-was-not-drunk-autopsy-suggests|access-date=26 February 2016|work=[[The Local]]|date=25 February 2016}}</ref>

===Church buildings===
[[File:Stortorget Södertälje.jpg|thumb|Church of [[Ragnhild of Tälje]] at Stortorget]]
Södertälje belongs to the [[Diocese of Strängnäs]] within the [[Church of Sweden]]. A total of eight [[Church (building)|church buildings]] are located within Södertälje. The oldest and most important to this day is ''Sankta Ragnhilds kyrka'' (English: Church of [[Ragnhild of Tälje]]) from the 1100s–1300s, which is located on the main square Stortorget. Further churches belonging to Södertälje parish are {{Lang|sv|Sankt Mikaels kyrka}} (St. Michael's Church) in Geneta, {{Lang|sv|Hovsjö kyrka}} (Hovsjö Church) and {{Lang|sv|Lina kyrka}} (Lina Church) in Lina Hage. Lina kyrka was designed by Tallius Myhrman. It is renowned for its design, and has been depicted in several Swedish architecture magazines.<ref name="SodertaljeKyrkorKapell">{{cite web|title=Svenska kyrkan i Södertälje|url=https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/sodertalje/kyrkor|author=Södertälje kyrkliga samfällighet|publisher=Svenska kyrkan|access-date=2020-06-13}}</ref>

[[File:Sankt Ansgars kyrka, Södertälje, 2017.jpg|thumb|''Sankt Ansgars kyrka'' is the city's Catholic Church]]
The main church in Östertälje parish is {{Lang|sv|Alla Helgons kyrka}} (All Saints' Church) in Östertälje. The parish also operates {{Lang|sv|Hagabergs kapell}} (Hagaberg's chapel) on the grounds of Hagaberg [[Folk high school]]. It was built in 1894 as a chapel on Vartofta farm in [[Västergötland]]. The chapel was moved to its present location in 1914, after having been dismantled and transported by train. In the centre of the Brunnsäng area lays the church Brunnsäng kyrka, which is the youngest in the city. There is also a chapel at Södertälje hospital.<ref name="SodertaljeKyrkorKapell" />

There are several congregations not affiliated with the Church of Sweden in the city. The [[Catholic Church in Sweden]] has ''Sankt Ansgar's'' church by Mälarbron. The associated parish has members from a vast hinterland around the city. There is a sizable community of Orthodox Christians in Södertälje. The [[Syriac Orthodox Church]] has two bishops in the city, besides five Syrian Orthodox churches, two soccer teams and a TV channel that airs programs in Neo-Aramaic, Arabic and English.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/12/05/368640533/swedens-tolerance-is-tested-by-tide-of-syrian-immigrants?t=1601486186445 | title = Sweden's Tolerance Is Tested By Tide Of Syrian Immigrants | newspaper = NPR.org | date = December 5, 2014 | access-date = September 30, 2020}}</ref> The minority group of [[Sweden Finns]] have services in the Finnish language within the Church of Sweden. There is also a Finnish-speaking [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal congregation]].<ref>[http://www.sodertaljenhelluntaiseurakunta.com/ Finska Pingstförsamlingen i Södertälje] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528050634/http://www.sodertaljenhelluntaiseurakunta.com/|date=28 May 2007}}</ref>

==Transportation==
===Roads===
The [[European route E4|E4]] and [[European route E20|E20 Motorways]] have their southern fork after which they form separate roads at Saltskog junction in Södertälje.<ref name="NESodertalje2020-06-06">Nationalencyklopedin, Södertälje. http://www.ne.se/uppslagsverk/encyklopedi/lång/södertälje-(tätort-södertälje-kommun) (hämtad 2020-06-06)</ref> Other major roads passing through the city are [[Riksväg 1]] (to [[Trosa]] and further south), and Länsväg 225 (to [[Nynäshamn]] via [[Ösmo]]). These towns, plus Mariefred, Stockholm, Trosa and Gnesta, are served by regular buses. Riksväg 57 (to Katrineholm via Flen ) also begins in Södertälje.<ref name=nvdb>{{cite map|url=https://nvdb2012.trafikverket.se/SeTransportnatverket |title=Nationell vägdatabas (NVDB) |trans-title=National road database |publisher=Swedish Transport Administration |language=sv |access-date=2017-11-04}}</ref><ref name=tsfs2012:73>{{Cite web |url=https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/TSFS/TSFS%202012_73.pdf |title=Transportstyrelsens föreskrifter om vägvisningsplan för riksvägar och länsvägar i nummergruppen 100–499 |work=Transportstyrelsens författningssamling |pages=7–12 |year=2012 |publisher=[[Swedish Transport Agency]] |language=sv |issn=2000-1975 |id=TSFS 2012:73 |access-date=2017-11-04}}</ref>

===Trains===
[[File:Järnvägsbron, Södertälje kanal, 2017.jpg|thumb|The railway bridge for local and commuter trains]]
Given the many railways that go to or through Södertälje, services are both frequent and diverse. International trains to cities like Oslo and Copenhagen call in Södertälje, in addition to local, regional and national services. There are four stations within the urban area of the city: [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Södertälje Centrum]] (central station), [[Södertälje Syd railway station|Södertälje Syd]], [[Södertälje Hamn railway station|Södertälje Hamn]] and [[Östertälje railway station|Östertälje]].<ref name="JVGSotertaljeValskog">{{cite web |url= https://www.jarnvag.net/banguide/sodertalje-valskog |title=Järnväg.net Södertälje-Valskog|website= Järnväg.net |publisher= Jarnvag.net |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref><ref name="JVGGoteborgStockholm">{{cite web |url= https://www.jarnvag.net/banguide/goteborg-stockholm |title=Järnväg.net Gäteborg-Stockholm|website= Jarnvag.net |publisher= Järnväg.net |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref><ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm">{{cite web |url=https://www.jarnvag.net/banguide/jarna-stockholm |title=Södertälje - knepig järnvägsstad |website=Jarnvag.net |publisher= Järnväg.net |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref>

Due to its topography and the fact that it is divided by a canal, it has been difficult to build good train connections in and through the city.<ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm" />  Despite this, Södertälje is one of the largest railway hubs in Sweden.<ref name="NESodertalje2020-06-06" /> When the railway to Södertälje was commissioned, it was decided that [[Western Main Line|the main line]] would not be drawn through what was then the immediate city centre. The decision was one of the factors behind the urban planning of the area Mariekälla, just south of the Järnatullen city toll.<ref name="runeberg.org">Svenska Familj-Journalen / Band 20, årgång 1881 / 368, https://runeberg.org/famijour/1881/0372.html</ref>

The railway station in Södertälje became {{Lang|sv|Södertelge Öfre}} (English: Södertälje Upper).<ref name="runeberg.org"/> Its initial name of {{Lang|sv|Södertelge}} caused confusion as it was then well outside the city, which was resolved by the name change. The [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|central station]] was named {{Lang|sv|Södertelge nedre}} (English: Södertälje lower). In 1885, the stations' names were changed again, with Södertelge upper being named Saltskog, and Södertelge nedre becoming Södertälje Central. Both railway stations opened in October 1860, together with the railway to Stockholm. The railway would subsequently become extended further south towards Katrineholm and Gothenburg and become the [[Western Main Line]].<ref name="JVGGoteborgStockholm" /><ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm" /> The railway Norra Södermanlands Järnväg through the northern part of the province of [[Södermanland]] opened in 1895, which meant that Södertälje also got a railway connection to Eskilstuna.<ref name="JVGSodertaljeNybybruk">{{cite web |url=https://www.jarnvag.net/banguide/sodertalje-nybybruk|title=Södertälje – Nybybruk Östra Södermanlands Järnväg |website=Jarnvag.net |publisher= Järnväg.net |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref> Södertelge Öfre opened with a simple wooden station building with two platforms and a warehouse. A modern stone building replaced the old station in 1885.<ref name="BanvaktSaltskog">{{cite web |url=https://banvakt.se/ostertalje-strom/saltskog/ |title=Saltskog station|website=Banvakt.se |publisher=Banvakt, Jöran Johansson |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref> 
The [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]] stands out by having two station buildings. The oldest is entirely in red brick, and was designed by the railway architect [[Adolf W. Edelsvärd]]. The yellow building was added in the 1910s and was designed by [[Folke Zettervall]] . In October 1921, the station [[Södertälje Hamn railway station|Södertälje Södra]] opened together with the new double track through the city.<ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm" /> Södertälje Södra replaced the old railway station in Saltskog, whose station house was demolished in 1947<ref name="BanvaktSaltskog" /> or possibly earlier.<ref>"Stationshus 1855–1895", Gunilla Linde,  W Edelsvärd som järnvägsarkitekt. SJK bok 47, 1989. 117 sidor</ref> 
[[File:Södertälje Syd station.jpg|thumb|[[Södertälje Syd railway station]] is situated on the [[Igelsta Bridge]]]]
The next traffic diversion occurred in 1994, when the [[Igelsta Bridge]] opened. Unlike the other bridges in Södertälje, it is built on sail-free altitude above the canal. [[Södertälje Syd railway station]] (English: Södertälje South) is located on its western [[abutment]]. It is the city's current station serviced by long distance [[inter-city rail|inter-city]] and [[high-speed rail]]. The old railroad below the bridge is used by commuter trains. Platforms are located both on the bridge, and on the old tracks below.<ref name="JVGGoteborgStockholm" /><ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm" /> The waiting hall is situated on a concourse level between the tracks. After Södertälje Syd opened, the stations in the city once again changed their names. Södertälje Södra became Södertälje Hamn (English: port), and the Central Station became Södertälje Centrum. Igelsta station had previously changed name to Östertälje.<ref>Föreningen Svenska Järnvägsfrämjandet, ''Södertälje och järnvägen'', Klart spår, nr 1/2003</ref>

Today, Södertälje is a railway hub<ref name="NESodertalje2020-06-06" /> for [[Svealandsbanan]], the [[Western Main Line]] and Nyköpingsbanan. Both the more recent Grödingebanan for long-distance trains and the old main line run in the direction towards Stockholm. The many railways that pass through Södertälje mean that it is possible to travel to Sweden's three major cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö) without changing trains.<ref name="JVGGoteborgStockholm" /><ref name="JVGJarnaStockholm" /><ref name="JVGSotertaljeValskog" /><ref name="JVGJarnaAby">{{cite web |url= https://www.jarnvag.net/banguide/jarna-aby|title=Järnväg.net Järna-Åby|website= Järnväg.net |publisher= Jarnvag.net |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref>

===Waterways===
{{Main|Södertälje Canal}}
[[File:Östanvik Södertälje kanal, 2017a.jpg|thumb|M/S Östanvik entering [[Södertälje canal]]]]
The first functioning [[Södertälje Canal|canal through Södertälje]] was built between 1806 and 1819<ref name="NESodertalje2020-06-06"/> after drawings by water engineering engineer Eric Nordewall.<ref>{{Runeberg|filename=nf|htmlno=|chapter= Nordewall, Erik}}</ref> The canal has since been extended and broadened on several occasions.<ref name="NESodertaljeKanal">Nationalencyklopedin, Södertälje kanal. http://www.ne.se/uppslagsverk/encyklopedi/lång/södertälje-kanal (hämtad 2020-06-06)</ref> Within the scope of the Mälarprojektet initiative, the canal was expanded between 2016 and 2020 to handle vessels that are 160 meters long and 23 meters wide. The project encompassed a longer and wider [[Lock (water navigation)|lock]], and dredging of the sides of the canal to make them straighter. The width of the water surface was thus kept unchanged.<ref name="SFVMalarproj">{{cite web|url=http://www.sjofartsverket.se/malarprojektet|title= Sjöfartsverket: Mälarprojektet|website= sjofartsverket.se|publisher= Sjöfartsverket|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref>

Every day, over 40 boats pass through [[Södertälje canal]], carrying more than 5 million metric tonnes of goods each year. Of these, about 4 million tonnes are shipped into Lake [[Mälaren]], and 1 million tonnes to the [[Baltic Sea]]. Primarily, coal, cement, iron, limestone and chalk are carried through the canal. The port of Södertälje also acts as a transhipment terminal from rail to trucks and ships.<ref name="soeport">{{cite web|title=Arkiverade kopian|url=http://www.soeport.se/swe_default.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070729205038/http://www.soeport.se/swe_default.asp|archive-date=2007-07-29|access-date=2007-09-22}}</ref>

The port of Södertälje consists of four [[wharf]]s: Sydhamnen, Oljehamnen, Igelsta, and Uthamnen. Sydhamnen primarily handles containers and [[roll-on/roll-off]] cargo, including imported cars. The oldest wharf is Uthamnen. Here, smaller quantities of odd bulk cargo are handled, mainly road salt. Combustible goods are primarily transported to the Igelstahamnen to the Igelsta [[heating plant]]. Oljehamnen handles imports of gas, liquid chemicals, oil and similar products. Since the 1950s, the port of Södertälje has been important for the Swedish import of cars. About 80,000 cars are handled per year, which corresponds to about 30 percent of total national car imports. Cars shipped to Södertälje are of Volkswagen, Škoda, Audi, Ford, Porsche, Opel and Mercedes brands.<ref name="soeport"/>

===City buses===
Owing to Södertälje's location close to a [[Counties of Sweden|county border]], both [[Storstockholms Lokaltrafik|SL]] and Sörmlandstrafiken operate buses in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sormlandstrafiken.se/sv/res-med-oss/var-trafik/resa-over-lansgransen/ |title=Resa Över Länsgränsen, Södertälje Vårdinge|date=2020-06-06 |publisher=Sörmlandstrafiken |access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref> The [[Transit bus|city bus network]] consists of around fifteen bus lines. They use the [[Södertälje Centrum railway station|Central Railway Station]] as hub. Before Järnagatan street became pedestrian, most buses would use that round through the city centre. Most now take Nygatan street.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lt.se/artikel/datidens-bussar-fick-plats-vid-saltsjotorget|title=Dåtidens bussar fick plats vid Saltsjötorget|date=2016-10-21|publisher=Länstidningen Södertälje|access-date=2020-06-06}}.</ref> In addition to regular city buses, there are special services adapted to [[pensioner]]s and people with [[Disability|disabilities]] known as Närtrafiken buses.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sl.se/nartrafiken |title=SL Närtrafiken|date=2020-06-06 |website=sl.se|publisher=SL|access-date=2020-06-06}}</ref> [[Night service (public transport)|Night services]] operate all night both weekends and weekdays. The city is served by two circular bus routes, one on each side of [[Södertälje Canal|the canal]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sl.se/ficktid/vinter/V797.pdf |title=SL Tidtabell 797 |date=2019-12-15 |website=sl.se |publisher=SL |access-date=2019-12-15 |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704172654/https://sl.se/ficktid/vinter/V797.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sl.se/ficktid/vinter/V798.pdf |title=SL Tidtabell 798|date=2019-12-15 |website=sl.se |publisher=SL |access-date=2019-12-15}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Saltskogsfjärden,_flygfoto_2014-09-20.jpg|thumb|[[Scania_AB|Scania]] headquarters by [[Saltskogsfjärden]] in Södertälje]]
Södertälje is particularly known for its two large companies, [[Astra Zeneca]] and [[Scania AB|Scania]]. Measured in sheer number of companies, the retail, wholesale and restaurant sectors dominate, with about 1,000 companies. The building and construction industry has about 600 companies in the Södertälje, and some 450 companies in the consultancy sector. In total, there are over 4,000 businesses in the city. Södertälje has a high number of small businesses with five or fewer employees.

=== Large corporations===

[[Astra AB]] was founded in 1913 by pharmacist Adolf Rising. Initially, the company had only ten employees, but already developed strongly during the first years. The company started with only five employees, but grew exponentially in its first years of trading. One of the reasons was an increased need for medication due to [[World War I]]. The company merged with its British competitor [[Zeneca]] in 1999, and formed the pharmaceutical group [[AstraZeneca]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/231213.stm|title=Zeneca and Astra merge to form drug giant|access-date=5 July 2011|publisher=BBC News|date=9 December 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/corporate-profile-the-arranged-marriage-1072830.html|title=Corporate Profile: The arranged marriage|access-date=5 July 2011|newspaper=The Independent|date=24 February 1999|archive-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227195051/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/corporate-profile-the-arranged-marriage-1072830.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The company's pill factory in Gärtuna in south-eastern Södertälje is the largest of its kind in the world, employing over 3,200 people.<ref>{{cite web|title=Produktion och varuförsörjning|url=http://www.astrazeneca.se/om-oss/verksamheten-i-sverige/produktion|publisher=AstraZeneca|access-date=13 January 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Astra_S%C3%B6dert%C3%A4lje_2013.jpg|thumb|[[AstraZeneca]] premises by the [[Södertälje Canal]]]]

In 1891, [[Vabis]] started as manufacturier of railway cars, petrol engines, automobiles, trucks, motor-powered draisines, motorboats and marine engines.<ref name="vabis1907">{{cite web |url=http://www.kb.se/Ot/LIBRIS_ot/Aff_tryck1900-20/4o/T-w/Vagn/Vagn.htm |title=(Brochure of 1907) |publisher=Vagnfabriks Aktiebolaget i Södertelge |date=1907 |access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> In 1911 they merged with [[Maskinfabriks-aktiebolaget Scania]] and formed ''Scania-Vabis''. The company only uses the name [[Scania AB]] today. The head office remains in its original location, by [[Saltskogsfjärden]] south of the city centre of Södertälje. Together with its subsidiaries, Scania currently employs over 9,000 people in Södertälje, making the Group the largest employer.<ref>Södertälje kommun, 2010, Fakta om Södertälje</ref>

===Retail trade===
Most retail shopping is available in the city centre; predominantly on Storgatan and Järnagatan streets, but also adjacent areas. The ''Kringlan'' department store was one of the first modern department stores when it opened in 1965.<ref>Stockholms läns museum. Inventering av kulturmiljöer i Södertälje kommun: Södertälje stadskärna, page 154, https://www.sodertalje.se/contentassets/801b52a57aed44f592a5d6bf3ff8bb96/7-sodertalje-stadskarna.pdf</ref>
The name Kringlan (English: The [[Pretzel]]) is a reference to the long-lasting local tradition of selling pretzels in Södertälje.<ref name="historiska kringlor" /><ref name="familj"/> Other department stores include ''Luna'' and ''Telgehuset''. Retail shopping outside the city centre is mainly located in Moraberg on the eastern side of the [[Södertälje Canal|canal]], as well as Vasa Handelsplats in the western part. Larger stores are also located around Hansaplan in the Södra area.

==Education==
[[File:Täljegymnasiet (School).jpg|thumb|''Läroverket'' upper secondary school building from 1913]]
[[KTH Royal Institute of Technology]] has a campus in Södertälje, where they conduct university education within [[Mechanical engineering]], [[Logistics]] and other subjects all the way up to [[Master's degree in Europe|Master's level]] including [[Master of Science in Engineering]]. Education is given in cooperation with the city's two large corporations [[Scania AB]] and [[AstraZeneca]]. In 2018, KTH moved in to a newly built campus in ''Södertälje Science Park'' drawn by the architect firm [[White (architecture firm)|White]]. The Royal Institute of Technology has 1,200 students and hired researchers in Södertälje.<ref>{{cite web|title=KTH Södertälje med fokus på hållbar produktion|url=https://www.kth.se/utbildning/kontakt/campus/kth-sodertalje-med-fokus-pa-hallbar-produktion-1.22223|author=Kungliga Tekniska högskolan|publisher=Kungliga Tekniska högskolan|date=2020-03-20|access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=KTH Södertälje|url=https://whitearkitekter.com/se/projekt/kth-sodertalje/|author=White arkitekter|publisher=White arkitekter|access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=KTH får nytt campus i Södertälje|url=https://www.fastighetssverige.se/artikel/kth-far-nytt-campus-i-sodertalje-r-n-20096|author=Henrik Ekberg|work=Fastighetssverige|date=2016-02-24|access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Minister inviger Södertälje Science Park och nya KTH Södertälje|url=https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2018/01/minister-inviger-sodertalje-science-park-och-nya-kth-sodertalje/|author=Sveriges Regering Utbildningsdepartementet|publisher=Sveriges Regering Utbildningsdepartementet|date=2018-01-29|access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref>

Several universities conduct higher education at the learning centre Campus Telge. When it started it was located in Mariekälla, but moved to new premises that previously housed the headquarters of [[Astra AB]] in 2015. Both individual courses and whole university programmes are offered within a variety of subjects, meaning students can study at the campus all the way until graduation. Education within Yrkeshögskolan (English: Higher Vocational Education) is also held.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lt.se/artikel/har-ar-nya-campus-telge|title=Här är nya Campus Telge|date=2015-01-22|publisher=LT Södertälje|access-date=2020-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Campus Telge Externa Anordnare|url=https://campustelge.se/externa-anordnare/|author=Campus Telge|publisher=Campus Telge|date=2020-04-06|access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref>

Hagabergs folkhögskola started as a Bible Institute in 1910, and became a [[folk high school]] in 1957. It is run by the [[Swedish Evangelical Mission]]. Around 250 students study at the academy, of which 20 reside at the [[boarding school]]. The curriculum mostly centres on studies of Christian theology. The general introductory course for students pursuing a career within the [[Church of Sweden]], as well as {{Lang|sv|Allmän kurs}}, which is mostly non-religious and supplements normal [[secondary school]] education.<ref>{{cite book |editor=[[Gunnar Carlquist|Carlquist, Gunnar]] |year=1937 |title=Svensk uppslagsbok. Bd 21 |location=Malmö |publisher=Svensk uppslagsbok AB |page=972}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hagabergs historia – Hagaberg – folkhögskola, konferens och vandrarhem|url=http://www.hagaberg.fhsk.se/om-hagaberg.html|work=www.hagaberg.fhsk.se|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024551/http://www.hagaberg.fhsk.se/om-hagaberg.html|archive-date=2015-09-24|access-date=2018-10-16|language=sv-SE}}</ref><ref>Hagaberg 100 år: från bibelinstitut till folkhögskola 1910-2010, Hagabergs folkhögskola, Södertälje, {{ISBN|978-91-633-6863-9}} (inb.), Libris 12031311</ref>

In 2017, Södertälje had 13 [[secondary schools]], five of which were [[State school|municipal]] and eight operated as [[charter school]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/skola-och-forskola/gymnasieskola/vara-gymnasieskolor/|title=Våra gymnasieskolor|date=2017-01-09|website=sodertalje.se|publisher=Södertälje kommun|access-date=2020-06-17}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:Castor_5,_S%C3%B6dert%C3%A4lje,_2017.jpg|thumb|''Oktoberteatern'' at Marenplan]]
Södertälje's primary [[theatre]] is Oktoberteatern at Marenplan, which has a number of new productions each year. The venue opened in 1928. It originally contained a cinema called Castor, but was turned in to a theatre after a renovation in 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/teatrar--biografer/oktoberteatern/|title=Oktoberteatern|date= 2018-12-03|access-date=2020-06-16}}</ref><ref>Stockholms läns museum. Inventering av kulturmiljöer i Södertälje kommun: Södertälje stadskärna, page 34, https://www.sodertalje.se/contentassets/801b52a57aed44f592a5d6bf3ff8bb96/7-sodertalje-stadskarna.pdf</ref> Södertälje is also home to Sweden's only professional Finnish-language theatre group; Teatteri Kipinä.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/teatrar--biografer/ostergatan-31/ |title= Hemmascen för Sveriges enda professionella finskspråkiga teatergrupp – Teatteri Kipinä|date= 2016-12-01 |website= sodertalje.se |publisher=Södertälje kommun |access-date=2020-06-16 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |url= https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=103&artikel=198253
|title= Nya teaterprojekt i Södertälje|date= 2003-03-13 |newspaper= Sveriges Radio |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

One of the most popular [[Cultural center|cultural centre]] around the city is Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna (English: The Cultural Centre in Ytterjärna). The complex houses a theatre, café, conference rooms and offices. It opened in 1992, and won second prize for Sweden's most popular modern building in 2001. During construction, special attention was paid to the acoustics of the premises, which has resulted in many concerts being held here. The concert hall has about 500 seats, and together with other anthroposophical activities receives about 30,000 visitors annually. Other cultural activities include exhibitions on architecture and garden art.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/teatrar--biografer/kulturhuset-i-ytterjarna/|date= 2016-12-01 |title= Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna |website= Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna|access-date=2020-06-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://ytterjarna.se/guide/kulturhuset-i-ytterjarna/ |title= Kulturhuset i Ytterjärna|website= Ytterjarna.se|publisher=Ytterjärna|access-date=2020-06-16}}</ref>

The stages Estrad and Trombon at the City Hall often show theatre as well as concerts and film. The association Molto has organised concerts and creative activities for youth since 2008. A recurring tradition in Södertälje is the local [[revue]] ''Täljerevyn'', which makes humorous cabarets about the city, local traits and politics every year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Täljerevyn – 2015 - Sodertalje|url=http://www.sodertalje.se/Se--gora/Utgallrade-sidor-for-arkivering_KOF-ta-ej-bort/Evenemangsarkiv-2011/Taljerevyn--2015/|work=www.sodertalje.se|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160204092410/http://www.sodertalje.se/Se--gora/Utgallrade-sidor-for-arkivering_KOF-ta-ej-bort/Evenemangsarkiv-2011/Taljerevyn--2015/|archive-date=2016-02-04|access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref>

===Museums===
[[File:Nora kvarn, Torekällberget, 2015b.jpg|thumb|The windmill at ''Torekällberget'']]
Torekällberget [[open-air museum]] (colloquially referred to as just {{Lang|sv|Torekällberget}} or simply {{Lang|sv|Berget}}) with the city museum Södertälje Stadsmuseum, is one of the most popular{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} sights to visit in the city. The museum first opened in 1929 when the landmark [[windmill]] and a few other buildings were moved to the site. In connection with the redevelopment of the city centre in 1961, many old buildings were moved to Torekällberget. The museum is divided into the environments "Staden" (English: the City) and "Landet" (English: the Countryside). The urban environment is built around the main square Tenngjutartorget, where markets often are held. The square is surrounded by buildings from the 1700–1800s. Several species of domestic animals are kept at the museum. The environment conveys a picture of life in rural farms around Södertälje in the 1800s and earlier. There is also a stage where ballroom dancing and performances are often arranged during the summer months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=103&artikel=5445728 |title=Torekällbergets torg får officiellt namn - Sveriges Radio P4 |newspaper=Sveriges Radio |date=2013-02-16|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2013-02-01|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/globalassets/politiska-dokument/kommunstyrelsen/sammantradeshandlingar/2013/2013-02-22/16_ks20130222.pdf |title=Namn på torg på Torekällberget i Södertälje|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/torekallberget/om-torekallberget2/museets-historia/ |date= 2017-01-18 | title=Torekällberget - Museets |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

The vehicle museum [[Marcus Wallenberg-hallen]] (English: The Marcus Wallenberg Hall) is situated by [[Saltskogsfjärden]], next to the headquarters of [[Scania AB]]. The museum is named after the industrialist [[Marcus Wallenberg Jr.]] The collections include a number of older vehicles and environments; like the first mass-produced car in Sweden from 1903. It also features railway cars that were owned by the [[Swedish State Railways]], used between the late 1800s until the early 1900s. Exhibited objects have been restored to their original condition. A little less than half of the museum consists of newer vehicles manufactured during the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scania.com/group/en/home/contact-us/the-scania-museum-marcus-wallenberg-hall.html |title=The Marcus Wallenberg Hall |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/sevardheter--museer/marcus-wallenberg-hallen/ |date=2016-12-01|title=Marcus Wallenberg-hallen |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

[[File:Tom Tits Experiment 2013 01.jpg|thumb|The science museum ''Tom Tits Experiment'']]
Södertälje is home to a large science museum based on the book ''La Science Amusante'' by French writer [[Arthur Good]]. The museum is called ''Tom Tits Experiment'' after the author's pen name [[Tom Tit]]. It started as a temporary exhibition at Södertälje Hall of Arts (Swedish: Södertälje Konsthall), but became so popular that it was turned in to a permanent museum. The museum is located in an old industrial building at Storgatan street. Today, it is the largest [[Science museum#Science centre|Science centre]] in Sweden. It occupies four floors, and has a park that is open during the summer season. The exhibitions contain more than 400 science experiments. Tom Tits Experiment received around 190,000 visitors in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Tits Experiment: namnet.|url=https://www.tomtit.se/Om-oss/om-oss/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142516/https://www.tomtit.se/Om-oss/om-oss/|archive-date=2018-06-12|access-date=2018-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Tits som bok|url=http://kulturdelen.nu/2010/tom-tits-som-bok/|access-date=15 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Good|first=Arthur|author2=Hellgren A. E.|title=Tom Tits experiment: vetenskapliga förströelser|series=Ungdomens Bibliotek; 66|year=1898|publisher=Ad. Johnson|location=Stockholm|language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Tits Experiment: Om Oss|url=https://www.tomtit.se/Om-oss/|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref name=GelotteSHistoria2011>{{cite book |last=Gelotte |first=Göran |date=2011 |title=Södertäljes historia |url=https://destinationsodertalje.se/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sodertaljes-historia-sv.pdf |location=Trosa |publisher=Ryter |access-date=21 June 2020 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307080922/https://destinationsodertalje.se/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sodertaljes-historia-sv.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{Lang|sv|Saltskog gård|italic=no}} (English: Saltskog manor) was the home of the [[Business magnate|industrialist]] and mecenate Carl Fredrik Liljevalch.<ref>{{ugglan|artikel=Liljevalch, 3. Carl Fredrik|url=https://runeberg.org/nfbp/0284.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sok.riksarkivet.se/sbl/Presentation.aspx?id=10277 |title=Carl Fredrik Liljevalch - Svenskt Biografiskt Lexikon |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref> Today it serves as a museum. The farm dates back to the 16th century. Liljevalch acquired it in 1881. Previously, the farm had been owned by the families Lovisin, Gyllenstierna, Dufva and Tamm. Liljevalch did however became the first to actually settle there permanently. He took an active part in the daily activities on the farm, and aspired that Saltskog gård would serve as a textbook example of ideal farming. He undertook extensive renovations of the farm and the estates to make them a cultural centre filled with art. An extension was made to the main building; and a smaller villa was added, together with a barn, stables and outhouses. The garden contains several unusual species of trees and is designed as an [[English landscape garden]]. Two new commemorative rune stones were carved. Today, the manor is run by a non-profit association. They have restored much of the premises in their original condition. There are several artist [[studio]]s and exhibition halls. Concerts, lectures and exhibitions are held all year round. During the summer season, theatre is also performed in the gardens.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gelotte|first=Göran|title=Saltskog gård: Liljevalchs hem|edition=[2., kompletterade uppl.]|year=2001|publisher=[Göran Gelotte]|location=[Södertälje]|language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Gelotte|first=Göran|title=Saltskog gård: kort historik|year=1990|publisher=[G. Gelotte]|location=[Södertälje]|language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Saltskog gård|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/konst-i-sodertalje/saltskog-gard/|date=2016-12-01|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gården & Carl Fredrik Liljevalch|url=http://www.saltskoggard.se/gard.htm|last=Rönnby|first=Sven Erik|publisher=Stiftelsen Saltskog Gård|date=2016-12-01|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

[[File:Biologiska museum Södertälje.jpg|thumb|''Biologiska Museet'' museum of biology]]
{{Lang|sv|Biologiska Museet|italic=no}} (English: The Museum of Biology) was donated to the city by patron Carl Fredrik Liljevalch. The building is in Art Nouveau style, and located on Erik Dahlbergs road. It opened to the public in 1913, thus making it the oldest museum in the city. The exhibitions were created by Gustaf Kolthoff and his son Kjell Kolthoff, and show animals and birds from the province of Sörmland (where Södertälje is located) in their natural environments. In total, there are over 100 different species on display. Kjell Kolthoff painted the large [[diorama]]s that have remained to this day. The museum was completely renovated and reopened in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/kultur-konst-och-sevardheter/sevardheter--museer/biologiska-museet/ |date= 2016-12-01|title=Kultur och Fritid Södertälje kommun - Biologiska museet|access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sodertalje.se/kultur-och-fritid/torekallberget/om-torekallberget2/biologiska-museet/ |date= 2017-01-20|title=Biologiska museet |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hovmark|first=Lennart|title=Biologiska museet|year=1984|publisher=Södertälje kulturnämnd|location=Södertälje|language=sv|url=https://www.sodertalje.se/contentassets/d8bd7785c2de422ea7990804dc695bd8/broschyr-1983-biologiska-museet-scannad-20170119.pdf|isbn=91-7594-007-8|id=libris 7650557}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kolthoff|first=Gustaf Isak|title=Vägledning i Biologiska muséet, Södertälje
|year=1913|location=Södertälje|language=sv}}</ref>

The world's oldest propeller-driven steamship which still has its original engine is S/S Ejdern. It was originally built by [[Götaverken]] in Gothenburg in 1880. During its first years, Ejdern operated in the Gothenburg archipelago, Lake Roxen, and several ports in central Sweden. Since 1906, it has had its home port in Södertälje.  The first route from the port in Södertälje was to Mörkö, and cargo hauls in eastern Lake Mälaren . Between 1914 and 1957, the boat had one single owner, Rickard Fredmark. He sold the boat to the City of Södertälje. At that time, the ship was unprofitable and in very poor condition. The city subsequently decided that the boat was to be scrapped. In 1964 the boat was donated to an association for the preservation of old boats. Enthusiasts of this particular vessel broke out and formed {{Lang|sv|Museiföreningen Ångfartyget Ejdern}} (English: The Museum Association S/S Ejdern), who still own the boat today. Since 1976 they operate museum routs around Södertälje. From 1984, the boat is once again coal powered. S/S Ejdern has a capacity of 90 people, and often operates the route to [[Adelsö]] and Viking city [[Birka]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ejdern.org/4_ff_fartyget/main.html |title=Ångfartyget Ejdern Historik |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/ejdern_1880.htm |title=Fakta om fartyg - S/S Ejdern (1880) |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author = Per G. Fagerholm|title = Ångfartyget Ejdern - lokaltrafik till sjöss under ett sekel|year = 1978|publisher = Rabén & Sjögren|location = Stockholm|isbn = 91-29-50721-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/sv/Sjofart/Fartyg/Skeppslistan/
 |title=Sjöfartsverket Sveriges skeppslista 2010|year=2010
|publisher=Sjöfartsverket|pages=47–48 |language=sv|access-date=2010-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218152935/http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/sv/Sjofart/Fartyg/Skeppslistan/ |archive-date=2010-12-18}}</ref>

[[File:Wendela Hebbes hus, 2017.jpg|thumb|''Wendela Hebbes hus'' museum]]
Wendela Hebbes hus (English: Wendela Hebbe's house) is a museum of [[Wendela Hebbe]], who was the first female professional [[journalist]] in Sweden. She became employed at the newspaper ''[[Aftonbladet]]'' in 1841, where she wrote about theatre and music, and translated books. Besides being a journalist, she also wrote fairy tales. The building is a yellow wooden house, with two floors. It first stood at Snäckviken, close to the headquarters of [[Astra AB]]. The property was purchased by [[Lars Johan Hierta]] in 1863 to serve as a summer house for Wendela, her daughter Signe and the jointly unrecognised son Edvard Faustman. After being acquired by Södertälje Municipality it was moved to its present location between the canal and Marenplan in the city centre, and underwent extensive renovations. The venue houses a restaurant and a museum section with furniture and paintings from the Hebbe and Faustman families. It also acts as a [[Cultural center|cultural centre]], hosting theatres and exhibitions.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Matsson, Per Eric|title=Wendela Hebbes hus i Södertälje: en nyinvigd författarboning|year=1998|journal=Parnass (Stockholm)|volume=1998|issue=6 |publisher=Stockholm : Datarutins kundtjänst, 1993- |pages=28–29|issn=1104-0548}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://wendela.se/?page_id=634 |title= Wendelas Vänner - Museet |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

{{Lang|sv|Södertälje Konsthall|italic=no}} (English: Södertälje Museum of Arts) showcases various exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and other artistic installations. The museum opened in 1968, and relocated to its current premises in Luna in 1978.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sodertaljekonsthall.se/om-oss/ |title=Södertälje Konsthall — Om oss |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref> In 2015, Grafikens Hus (English: House of Graphics) decided to relocate to the city from nearby Mariefred, meaning there would be two art museums in Södertälje.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grafikens hus återuppstår i Södertälje|url=http://www.sodertalje.se/Nyheter/Grafikens-hus-ateruppstar-i-Sodertalje/|publisher=Södertälje kommuns webbplats|date=17 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lt.se/artikel/konsthallen-hotas-av-grafikens-hus |title=Konsthallen hotas av Grafikens hus |date=24 February 2016 |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

===Libraries===
Södertälje's city library was originally run by an independent association, but was taken over by the city council in 1945. It moved to its present location in 1978.<ref name=GelotteSHistoria2011 /> Lectures, courses and theatre are also held at the premises. The library has branches in Hölö, Järna, Enhörna, Hovsjö and Mölnbo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Våra bibliotek - Biblioteken i Södertälje|url=https://bibliotek.sodertalje.se/web/arena/vara-bibliotek|work=bibliotek.sodertalje.se|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref> The libraries in Enhörna, Hölö and Mölnbo are combined school and public libraries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Enhörna bibliotek|url=https://bibliotek.sodertalje.se/web/arena/-/enhorna-bibliotek|work=bibliotek.sodertalje.se|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hölö bibliotek|url=https://bibliotek.sodertalje.se/web/arena/-/holo-bibliotek|work=bibliotek.sodertalje.se|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mölnbo bibliotek|url=https://bibliotek.sodertalje.se/web/arena/-/molnbo-bibliotek|work=bibliotek.sodertalje.se|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref>

==Sports==
[[File:Södertälje_SK_vs_Leksands_IF,_Axa_Sports_Center_2007-03-22.jpg|thumb|[[Södertälje SK]] playing in [[Scaniarinken]]]]
In [[basketball]], [[Södertälje BBK]] or SBBK is one of the best in the country, and ''Södertalje KINGS'' became Swedish Champions in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In total SBBK has won 10 golds for the male team ''Södertalje KINGS'' and 12 golds for the female team ''Telge Basket''. SBBK has in total 132 Swedish Championships since the star in 1968.{{Clarify|date=June 2022}} [[Täljehallen]] is the home for SBBK.

The city is home to [[Södertälje SK]], a classic and successful [[ice hockey]] team currently playing in Sweden's second-highest league – [[HockeyAllsvenskan]] – with [[Scaniarinken]] as their home arena. [[Assyriska FF]] and [[Syrianska FC]] are also two successful [[football (soccer)|football]] clubs started in 1974 and 1977. They play at the same arena; [[Södertälje Fotbollsarena]].

The [[Södertälje Rugbyklubb]] was formed in 1968.<ref>[http://www.svenskalag.se/SRK Södertälje Rugbyklubb]</ref> The Södertälje Storm Rugby League club are a pioneering [[Rugby league]] team, playing in the Swedish National Rugby League, which was formed in 2015.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

There is an indoor swimming arena in which elite training and races are held, named ''Sydpoolen'' (English: the South pool).
{{Further|topic=the association football club|Södertälje FC-72}}

==Climate==
Södertälje, and the rest of Stockholm region has a [[humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Dfb'') and displays four distinct seasons. Due to the city's high northerly latitude, daylight varies widely from more than 18 hours around midsummer, to only around 6 hours in midwinter. Södertälje has much warmer and sunnier weather than other locations at the same latitude mainly because of the influence of [[Gulf Stream]].

Summers have an average daytime high temperatures of {{convert|20|-|23|C|F}} and lows of around {{convert|12|°C|°F|abbr=on}}, but there are periods of heat waves and many days with temperatures above {{convert|25|°C|°F|abbr=on}}+). Winters are cold, though sometimes milder with temperatures ranging from {{convert|-3|to|1|C|F}}, while spring and autumn mainly cool.

Annual precipitation is {{convert|640|mm|in|abbr=on}} with light to moderate rainfall throughout the year. Snow mainly occurs from December through March, but snow cover duration varies between winters.
{{Weather box
|location = Södertälje, 1991-2020 normals and extremes
|collapsed = 
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 11.1
|Feb record high C = 11.9
|Mar record high C = 18.3
|Apr record high C = 26.0
|May record high C = 28.5
|Jun record high C = 30.3
|Jul record high C = 32.4
|Aug record high C = 31.3
|Sep record high C = 26.3
|Oct record high C = 22.5
|Nov record high C = 15.6
|Dec record high C = 13.0
|year record high C = 
|Jan avg record high C = 7.0
|Feb avg record high C = 7.8
|Mar avg record high C = 13.0
|Apr avg record high C = 20.0
|May avg record high C = 24.5
|Jun avg record high C = 26.9
|Jul avg record high C = 28.9
|Aug avg record high C = 27.4
|Sep avg record high C = 22.2
|Oct avg record high C = 16.1
|Nov avg record high C = 11.0
|Dec avg record high C = 7.6
|year avg record high C = 29.5
|Jan high C = 0.9
|Feb high C = 1.4
|Mar high C = 5.1
|Apr high C = 11.1
|May high C = 16.7
|Jun high C = 20.5
|Jul high C = 23.2
|Aug high C = 21.9
|Sep high C = 16.7
|Oct high C = 10.2
|Nov high C = 5.3
|Dec high C = 2.2
|year high C = 
|Jan mean C = -1.6
|Feb mean C = -1.7
|Mar mean C = 1.1
|Apr mean C = 5.7
|May mean C = 10.8
|Jun mean C = 15.1
|Jul mean C = 17.9
|Aug mean C = 16.8
|Sep mean C = 12.2
|Oct mean C = 6.9
|Nov mean C = 3.0
|Dec mean C = -0.1
|year mean C = 7.2
|Jan low C = -4.1
|Feb low C = -4.5
|Mar low C = -2.5
|Apr low C = 0.9
|May low C = 5.4
|Jun low C = 10.0
|Jul low C = 13.0
|Aug low C = 12.2
|Sep low C = 8.2
|Oct low C = 3.9
|Nov low C = 0.7
|Dec low C = -2.5
|year low C = 
|Jan avg record low C = -14.7
|Feb avg record low C = -14.3
|Mar avg record low C = -11.3
|Apr avg record low C = -5.4
|May avg record low C = -0.9
|Jun avg record low C = 4.2
|Jul avg record low C = 8.1
|Aug avg record low C = 6.3
|Sep avg record low C = 1.1
|Oct avg record low C = -4.1
|Nov avg record low C = -7.0
|Dec avg record low C = -12.2
|year avg record low C = -17.3
|Jan record low C = -23.7
|Feb record low C = -23.6
|Mar record low C = -21.8
|Apr record low C = -9.6
|May record low C = -4.8
|Jun record low C = 1.3
|Jul record low C = 6.2
|Aug record low C = 3.5
|Sep record low C = -4.5
|Oct record low C = -9.4
|Nov record low C = -11.8
|Dec record low C = -25.0
|year record low C = 
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 44.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 37.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 33.9
|Apr precipitation mm = 34.4
|May precipitation mm = 40.2
|Jun precipitation mm = 68.9
|Jul precipitation mm = 72.1
|Aug precipitation mm = 73.7
|Sep precipitation mm = 59.1
|Oct precipitation mm = 59.6
|Nov precipitation mm = 57.8
|Dec precipitation mm = 58.0
|year precipitation mm = 639.6
|snow colour = green
|Jan snow cm = 
|Feb snow cm = 
|Mar snow cm = 
|Apr snow cm = 
|May snow cm = 
|Jun snow cm = 
|Jul snow cm = 
|Aug snow cm = 
|Sep snow cm = 
|Oct snow cm = 
|Nov snow cm = 
|Dec snow cm = 
|year snow cm = 
|Jan sun = 
|Feb sun = 
|Mar sun = 
|Apr sun = 
|May sun = 
|Jun sun = 
|Jul sun = 
|Aug sun = 
|Sep sun = 
|Oct sun = 
|Nov sun = 
|Dec sun = 
|year sun = 
|source 1 = SMHI Open Data <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.smhi.se/data/meteorologi/ladda-ner-meteorologiska-observationer#param=airTemperatureMinAndMaxOnceEveryDay,stations=all,stationid=97120 | title=Ladda ner meteorologiska observationer &#124; SMHI }}</ref>
|source 2 = SMHI 1991-2020 normals <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.smhi.se/data/meteorologi/dataserier-med-normalvarden-for-perioden-1991-2020-1.167775 | title=Dataserier med normalvärden för perioden 1991-2020 &#124; SMHI }}</ref>
}}

==Notable people==
[[File:Björn_Borg_in_aktie,_Bestanddeelnr_930-2092.jpg|thumb|Tennis player [[Björn Borg]] grew up in Södertälje]]
*[[Hasse Aro]], host of TV show ''[[Efterlyst]]''
*[[Kennedy Bakircioglu]], footballer
*[[Nicklas Bergfors]], ice hockey player
*[[Mats Berggren]], writer
*[[Björn Borg]], tennis player (born in [[Stockholm]], youth in Södertälje)
*[[Louay Chanko]], footballer
*[[Johan Edlund]], guitarist and vocalist of [[Tiamat (band)|Tiamat]] 
*[[Jan Guillou]], author and journalist
*[[Carl Hagelin]], ice hockey player
*[[Harry Källström]], rally driver
*[[Felix Michel Melki]], football player
*[[Alexander Michel Melki]], football player
*[[Patrik Nordin]], ski mountaineer and cross-country skier
*[[Karin Rådström]], chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks
*[[Torsten Sjögren]] (1896–1974), psychiatrist, geneticist and eugenicist
*[[Bengt Westerberg]], former leader of the [[Liberal People's Party (Sweden)|Liberal People's Party]]
*[[Erkan Zengin]], footballer (born in [[Kulu, Konya]], [[Turkey]] youth in Södertälje)

==References==
*{{in lang|sv}} [https://runeberg.org/nfch/0111.html article ''Södertälje''] from [[Nordisk Familjebok]] (1919)
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* Official website of [http://www.sodertalje.se/ ''Södertälje'']
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Södertelge |short=x}}

{{Localities in Södertälje Municipality}}
{{Municipalities of Stockholm County}}
{{30 most populous cities of Sweden}}
{{50 most populous urban settlements of Scandinavia}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sodertalje}}
[[Category:Södertälje| ]]
[[Category:Populated lakeshore places in Sweden]]
[[Category:Populated places in Södertälje Municipality]]
[[Category:Municipal seats of Stockholm County]]
[[Category:Swedish municipal seats]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the Baltic Sea]]
[[Category:Cities in Sweden]]