Area Code 16 – Eskilstuna-Torshälla

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The Swedish area code 016 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Eskilstuna–Torshälla region, located in Södermanland County (Södermanlands län) in the central–eastern part of Sweden. The code serves the municipalities of Eskilstuna and Torshälla, including the city of Eskilstuna itself, the urban area of Torshälla, and surrounding localities such as Kjula, Skogstorp, and Hällbybrunn. Administratively, the region is part of the larger Stockholm–Mälaren economic zone, but it retains its own distinct numbering area.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within Sweden, the national trunk prefix 0 is used before the area code. Thus, to call a number within the 016 region from another part of Sweden, you dial: 016 – subscriber number. The subscriber number length is typically 6 to 7 digits, resulting in a total national significant number (NSN) of 8 to 9 digits (excluding the leading 0). For example, a local number might be formatted as 016-12 34 56.

For international callers, the Swedish country code +46 replaces the leading 0. Therefore, the same number is dialed as +46 16 12 34 56 (the area code is written without the leading 0). When calling from abroad, you must omit the trunk prefix 0 and use the international access code of your country (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the United States).

Numbering Plan and Overlay Considerations

As of the current Swedish numbering plan, the 016 area code does not have an overlay code. The region is served exclusively by 016, and no other NDC overlays the same geographic area. This simplifies dialing: callers within the 016 area can use local 7-digit dialing (without the area code) for calls within the same exchange, though this practice is becoming less common with the rise of mobile and VoIP. For calls from mobile phones, it is always recommended to use the full national format (016-xxx xxx) to ensure proper routing.

Service Providers and Number Portability

Geographic numbers in Sweden, including those in the 016 range, are allocated to fixed-line operators such as Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and various local ISPs. Since the introduction of local number portability, subscribers can retain their 016 number when switching providers, as long as they remain within the same geographic area. However, geographic numbers are generally tied to a physical address, and moving outside the 016 area may require a change of number.

Practical Examples

• Local call from Stockholm to Eskilstuna: 016-123 456
• International call from the UK to Eskilstuna: 00 46 16 123 456
• International call from the US to Torshälla: 011 46 16 123 456

When dialing from a mobile phone within Sweden, you can use the same national format (016-xxx xxx) regardless of your location. For VoIP services, ensure that you configure the number in international format (+4616...) to avoid routing issues.