Strängnäs finally got its rail service in 1895. Enthusiasts as Bishop Thore Strömberg had not, despite twenty of work years, found enough support for the idea until then. Lake systems were important for transports in Sweden in this period and which of the two systems, canals or railways, that was preferable was not obvious. For residents in Strängnäs the lake of Mälaren offered good opportunities for travelling and transport during this period, at least during the ice-free season. The railway-question in Strängnäs may be seen in five periods: First from 1850 to 1870, the second from 1870 to 1880, the third 1881-1888, the fourth 1889-1889 and the last and fifth 1890-1895. Finally on September 30, 1895 a railway track could be open between Strängnäs and Åker styckebruk, inaugurated by King Oscar II.