Botkyrka: Hiking Trails, Culture and Nature

In Botkyrka, long hiking routes meet short cultural trails, protected nature and places with very different stories. The trails give you the opportunity to get to know the landscape and its traces over different time scales: from a walk along several lakes to a 32-kilometre section of the Sörmlandsleden.

Hiking trails with different focuses

The Grödingeleden is 32 kilometres long and runs from Lida via Grödinge and Näslandet to Skanssundet. Along the way are archaeological remains, former farm ruins, hillforts and viewpoints; the route also follows Stora Träsket and passes through old coniferous forest. The route therefore combines impressions of the landscape with traces of history.

For a shorter outing, Sjöslingan in Vinterskogen Nature Reserve is 3.2 kilometres long. It passes through old forest and along the lakes Brosjön, Mellansjön and Övrasjön. The Sankt Botvid pilgrimsled runs for about eight kilometres between Salems kyrka and Botkyrka kyrka. Six meditation spots, trail signs and a brochure with a map and texts accompany the route. Aspens naturstig is just over seven kilometres long and runs around the southern part of Lake Aspen. Its stops include cultural sites and archaeological sites; in wetlands, boardwalks and floating bridges cross the terrain.

The trails range in length from Sjöslingan to the extensive Grödingeleden, and each has its own natural and cultural highlights. There are also 35 kilometres of interconnected exercise trails at Lida, linking Lida, Harbro and Brantbrink. Lida has three prepared mountain biking trails: a green one measuring 2.8 kilometres, a blue one measuring 7.1 kilometres and a red one measuring 4.7 kilometres.

Nature by the water and in the forest

Botkyrka offers swimming spots by inland waterways, lakes and the sea. If you prefer to explore the area on foot, there is an observation platform in Snäckstavik, in the eastern part of the wetland. From there, you can watch birds, including garganeys, whooper swans, green sandpipers and wood sandpipers.

Mälarskogen Nature Reserve combines varied mixed forest with rocky areas and views over Lake Mälaren. It can be reached on foot from the Hallunda and Norsborg metro stations; the stations are about 1.5 kilometres south of the reserve. SL buses also run nearby. The nearby metro stations and SL buses offer useful reference points for planning your visit.

Traces of culture, crafts and art

Kulturspår Botkyrka consists of three short, signposted walking trails that tell the history of their respective locations. Audio tracks complement the stops with personal stories. The trails can be reached from the Fittja, Hallunda and Norsborg metro stations. Historical traces are also the focus at Hågelby-Skrävsta: two signposted walking trails, Skrävstastigen and Saltbergstigen, explain how people lived here over the millennia. The largely preserved landscape includes archaeological sites and agricultural land.

Hågelbyparken is a manor estate used as a public park. Visitors can stroll through the large park and visit the 4H farm. Hågelby Hus serves afternoon tea with scones and accompaniments, fine pastries and carefully selected teas. The menu and availability may change. Hogslaby holds several open days each year, when members of the public can try activities including blacksmithing, bread baking and wool processing.

Tumba bruksmuseum explores the history of Swedish banknotes and the lives of the people who lived and worked at the Tumba paper mill. Exhibitions and the historic surroundings bring these themes to life; general tours of the mill and tours of the paper workshop are also available. Visitors can make paper there themselves. Botkyrka kyrka, the oldest church in the parish, was built in honour of Saint Botvid; the church’s origins date back to the 12th century. There is an access ramp at the entrance.

Mångkulturellt centrum offers exhibitions, a specialist library, an art education workshop, events, a shop and the Tavernan restaurant. Its work shares knowledge, understanding and ways of expressing the effects and significance of migration on people’s lives in Sweden. Contemporary art is the focus at Botkyrka konsthall in Fittja, with exhibitions, guided tours, artist talks, workshops and performances. Admission is free; check the opening hours before your visit.

The grounds of Subtopia feature murals, stencil art and graffiti by artists from the local area and beyond; a digital guide lets you explore independently. This includes Lilla Väggen, a 20-metre-long urban art wall that is open to everyone around the clock. At Lida, Accropark offers climbing, balancing and ziplining high up in the treetops. Seasonal opening arrangements apply to this activity and may change.

Discover more destinations: Tumba, Grödinge, Botkyrka, Stockholm, Björkö, Tyresö, Djurhamn, Vallentuna.

Go to the main travel overview: Stockholm.