Dating from the 17th century, the charming town of Eskilstuna is located on the River Eskilstunaan, which connects Lake Hjalmaren and Lake Malaren. Surrounded by scenic countryside, there are endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. In the 17th and 18th centuries its iron and steel industry grew rapidly, soon rivaling that of Sheffield, England. Eskilstuna is still one of the chief centers of the Swedish metal industry, with cutlery and precision instruments of particular importance.