S/S Ejdern

About the museum

The screw steamer Ejdern was launched in 1880 at Göteborgs mekaniska verkstad (Gothenburg Mechanical Workshop) and built for traffic in the Gothenburg archipelago. She is one of Sweden’s oldest preserved steamers of the typical archipelago-boat type, and today she is described as the world’s oldest propeller-driven, coal-fired steamboat with its original engine still in operation. For a few years around 1900 she operated on Lake Roxen, among other places, before coming to Södertälje.

In Södertälje she ran on Lake Mälaren and Saltsjön for the company Södertälje Ångslups AB. Later the ship was taken over by her own captain and engineer, who continued to run her for about thirty years. The town bought the ship in 1957, and for a time she was used as a café and waffle bakery before falling into disrepair. She was rescued in 1964, just before she was to be scuttled in Landsortsdjupet, and was then restored and approved again for passenger traffic under steam.

The museum association Ångfartyget Ejdern preserves the ship as a living memorial to communication history and runs the operation with volunteers. During the summer, trips for the public are arranged from Södertälje to, among other places, Birka, Adelsö, Mariefred, Vaxholm and Stockholm. The 2026 season has ended, and the ship is in Motala for winter maintenance.

Highlights

• Steamboat from 1880 with its original engine still running
• Coal-fired screw steamer of the typical archipelago-boat type
• Saturday trips to Birka and Adelsö
• Café on board

Operated by

Museiföreningen Ångfartyget Ejdern

Admission & discounts

Tickets are bought via Tickster, most easily through the links in the timetable, or through the office. Purchased tickets are not refunded. Payment on board is by Swish and ordinary cards. Membership of the museum association costs SEK 200 per year (family SEK 300).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A rollator can be brought on board, but some destinations are not suitable. The toilet on board is small and not adapted for people with reduced mobility. A limited number of bicycles can be brought along after contacting the office.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Among other things, the association organises bathing trips for children and young people to Farstanäs. Dogs may come along if they show consideration for other passengers.

Getting there & parking

The ship usually departs from Borgmästarudden in Södertälje; departure points and timetables are under Resmål (destinations) on the website. From Mälarehamnen in Södertälje the ship could not call in 2026, as the quay is being renovated.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café on board with hot and cold drinks and coffee buns; your own picnic basket is welcome. Smoking is not allowed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit