Discover Haninge: Nature, Trails and History

Haninge can be discovered through a wide range of experiences: protected natural areas, coastal trails and archaeological remains each give a stay its own focus. The municipality has one national park, 21 nature reserves and several other protected areas. Whether you are mainly interested in hiking, experiencing island nature or learning about history, the specific places and what makes them special offer helpful guidance when planning your excursions.

Nature among forests, rocks and wetlands

Tyresta National Park is located in Haninge and Tyresö and offers peace and quiet as well as old-growth forest. More than half of the forest in Tyresta consists of genuine old-growth forest; the area of old-growth forest is described as the largest of its kind south of the Dalälven. On Ornö, Norra skogen Nature Reserve covers 389 hectares. Its landscapes include natural forest, bare rocky areas and wetlands; a large part of Nybysjön is also within the reserve. On Muskö, the Maren wetland is a particularly valuable habitat for birds.

Hiking trails and coastal landscapes

The Sörmlandsleden trail runs through Haninge Municipality. Stage 4 starts at Tyresta by and ends at Rudans gård. You can reach the Rudan recreation area by commuter train to Handen station, then walk directly from the southern exit. On Gålö, hiking trails pass through pastureland, coastal meadows, forests and coastal landscapes. The area is also suitable for paddling, cycling, fishing and birdwatching.

If you are looking for a route with a strong coastal feel, there is one between Skälåker and Havtornsudd: the trail follows the shore for much of its length. Skälåker is considered the archipelago’s longest sandy beach. Havtornsudd is a good place to watch migrating seabirds in early spring. In Sundby Nature Reserve, an easy circular trail just over six kilometres long starts at Sundby gård. The reserve covers the southern part of Ornö and nearly 30 smaller islands. The options therefore vary in trail length, coastal scenery and season.

Archaeology and maritime history

Jordbrogravfältet is one of Sweden’s largest Iron Age burial grounds, with 800 known graves. It is within walking distance of Jordbro commuter train station. For a different glimpse into history, visit the Dalarö shipwreck area: around 30 shipwrecks dating from the 17th to the 20th century are registered in the Dalarö area. Three representative wrecks have been made accessible as part of the Dalarö skeppsvraksområden initiative. A boat is required for diving. Before each dive, a dive operator applies through Dalarö Dykpark for permission to moor at the buoy. In Dalarö, other activities include walking, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding.

On Muskö, the Grytholmen open-air museum features crofts, a smithy, a boathouse, boats and a retirement cottage. Visible traces of peat extraction from the First and Second World Wars remain in Slätmossen Nature Park. Stenhuset also tells of an earlier period: it is the ruin of Sundby’s first manor house, which was burned down by the Russians in 1719. Hammerstahus, meanwhile, is a 14th-century castle ruin.

Island destinations and getting there

Utö’s historic mining village brings together traces of medieval iron mining, historic buildings and Sweden’s oldest surviving windmill. A museum beside the mine shafts tells the story of the mines. Utö also has hiking trails and paths leading to cliffs and sandy beaches; bicycles are available to rent. The island can be reached year-round by regular archipelago boats, most easily via Årsta brygga, which you can reach by bus from Västerhaninge. Check current departure times when planning your trip.

Huvudskär Nature Reserve encompasses an archipelago area with around 200 islands and skerries. Waxholmsbolaget serves Huvudskär during the summer season; timetables may change. On Ornö, the best way to explore the island is by bicycle. Kyrkviken has a museum, a library, guest jetties and a bicycle rental service; individual offerings may change. The islands, landscapes and historic sites each offer a different focus—choose the activities that interest you most when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dalarö, Ornö, Västerhaninge, Tungelsta, Handen, Haninge, Utö, Österhaninge, Vendelsö, Muskö

For the main travel overview: Stockholm.