Nacka: Culture, Nature and Archipelago

Nacka brings together the big city and the archipelago. Its diversity is reflected in old cultural landscapes, forest trails, nature reserves, and places devoted to art and history. In Nyckelviken Nature Reserve, expansive meadows and old oaks meet preserved 18th-century buildings and traces of former cultural landscapes. For planning your trip, you can choose from walks of about two kilometers as well as longer routes.

Nature and Activities in Nyckelviken

A walk in Nyckelviken leads to wide-ranging lake views and hilltop viewpoints. The cultural history trail passes through cultural landscapes, by historic buildings and archaeological remains, and through forest areas. During the day, you can visit the farm and observe cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep, and pigs in their enclosures; which animals are there may vary. When there is enough natural snow, a groomed 2.4-kilometer ski trail is also prepared.

Nackareservatet also combines nature and recreational activities. Its varied vegetation gives it the highest biological diversity among Nacka’s nature reserves. Hellasgården is a recreation center in the reserve, with changing rooms, a sauna, and food service. The area includes hiking trails, illuminated exercise trails, an outdoor sports field, and outdoor swimming areas at Källtorpssjön and Söderbysjön.

Walks with Different Highlights

In Velamsund, options range from the illuminated 2.5-kilometer trail and the approximately two-kilometer Snigelstigen to the four-kilometer green trail and the six-kilometer red loop. Viewpoints offer views across Baggensfjärden and the islands beyond. At Rudsjön, there is an accessible viewpoint with a birdwatching tower. The area also includes a swimming area, barbecue sites, a playground, and a warming hut with a shower and toilet in the Magasinet building.

For a longer tour, the Booleden runs for about 15 kilometers from the Boo local history museum in Orminge to Strömmen farm on the border with Värmdö. Along the way are lakes, viewpoints, ancient remains, and cultural heritage sites. Another way to explore the area’s history is the approximately two-kilometer cultural history walk in Boo: marked stops make it possible to follow the route independently. It passes through Skogsö Nature Reserve and by the Skogsö Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Stäket in 1719. Skogsö also preserves hillforts and several burial grounds from the Late Iron Age. The walk there is about seven kilometers long and follows forest trails and roads.

Museums, Art and History

The Nacka local history museum explores the area’s early history and displays objects owned by farmers and crofters in the 19th century. Other topics include shoemaking and domestic textile production. When the museum is open, free guided tours of Nyckelviken are offered. On Sundays at 1 p.m., Stora Nyckelviken offers tours of the main building when the local history museum is open. Check the dates before your visit. In 1746, wholesale merchant Herman Petersen bought Stora Nyckelviken and had the yellow, two-story building that still stands today built there.

During the summer season, the Nordic Museum organizes tours of Svindersvik; dates may change. Svindersvik is a well-preserved 18th-century site in modern-day Nacka. Those interested in the Battle of Stäket can use HAMN’s digital tour, which explains the historical background and course of the battle. The physical museum closed in 2023.

In Sickla, Nacka konsthall is located on the ground floor of Dieselverkstaden. It presents around six contemporary art exhibitions a year, all with free admission; the program may change. Dieselverkstaden also hosts visiting performances, exhibitions, and gatherings with associations, amateurs, and professionals. At Duvnäs gård, the house and studios have been a museum and art gallery since 2007; Olle Nyman’s studio has been preserved unchanged since his death. In Kummelnäs, Skulptörens verkstad presents techniques using stone, terracotta, wood, concrete, and plaster, as well as various casting methods. Visits to the craft demonstrations, current art exhibition, and Renqvist’s studio can be booked.

Getting There from Stockholm

Nacka can be reached from Stockholm by boat, car, bus, bicycle, or the Saltsjöbanan suburban railway. The journey is usually estimated at 10 to 20 minutes; this is a general guideline. Check current connections before setting out. When planning your hotel stay, your interests can help guide your choice: museum visits and tours may be subject to opening hours or seasonal availability, while the walks described range from short strolls to longer routes.

Discover more destinations: Älta, Saltsjöbaden, Nacka, Drottningholm, Tyresö, Stockholm, Upplands Väsby, Sigtuna.

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