Nacka: Nature, History and Culture

Nacka combines city life and island landscapes. Nature, industrial history and culture offer different ways to shape your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nacka, you can start by considering which destinations and activities you want to focus on during your trip. From central Stockholm, Nacka is reachable in 15–20 minutes by bus from Slussen or by commuter ferry from central Stockholm. Check the connections for your travel date.

Nature and time outdoors

Hellasgården is located in the large Nackareservatet recreation area, right on Stockholm’s southeastern border with Nacka. The area has hiking trails, illuminated routes, an outdoor gym and opportunities for outdoor swimming at Källtorpssjön and Söderbysjön. In the Tollare nature reserve, there are many paths and an illuminated route for walking or running. In the Erstavik area, Nacka Municipality maintains the green, blue and new white trails; marked trails and small roads are suitable for walking or cycling.

The Nyckelviken nature reserve is characterised by large stands of old oak trees, with meadows among densely green clusters of trees. At the Nyckelviken farm, visitors can see cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep and pigs during the day. The availability of animals may vary seasonally. For a different view of the landscape, head to the summit of Himlaberget, which is just over 70 metres high: from there, the view stretches across Baggensfjärden and the islands beyond.

Other destinations in Nacka Municipality also combine trails with viewpoints or opportunities to observe wildlife. The observation tower in “Ryssbergens nature reserve” can be reached on foot via a path, either from the entrances at Marinstaden and Birka or from the roundabout at the eastern end of the Kvarnholm Tunnel. At the southern edge of Rudsjön in the Velamsund nature reserve, there is a birdwatching tower on the eastern side of the lake and an adapted viewing platform with easy access. The pier at Kyrkviksbadet is accessible to wheelchair users. The Järla sjö–Sickla sjö waterfront promenade can be extended along the water all the way to Hammarby Sjöstad.

Industrial history and historic sites

The industrial remains at Nacka ström and Källtorpssjön date back to the 16th century. A cultural history walk along Nacka ström covers witch trials, the industrial community and mill operations. In Nacka Municipality, the walk is about 2.1 kilometres long and takes 1.5 hours. This lets you combine an outing with specific themes from local history, rather than focusing on just one historical aspect.

The Nacka Local Heritage Museum presents Nacka’s earliest history and displays objects used by farmers and crofters in the 19th century. It also provides information about shoemaking and textile production for household use. Buses 71, 404 and 443 run from Slussen towards Jarlaberg; from the Jarlaberg stop, continue on foot to Nyckelviken. Check the connection before you travel. Another historical walk in Boo goes through the Skogsö nature reserve.

Svindersvik is one of the oldest surviving summer houses and a well-preserved piece of 18th-century Nacka. Brygghuset has a seasonal café serving baked goods and lunch. Check current opening information before visiting.

Culture and planning your visit

For art and culture, Nacka konsthall offers around six exhibitions a year, all with free admission. Kulturhuset Dieselverkstaden offers performing arts, music, visual arts and creative activities. These options complement the historic walks and nature destinations with a different programme for your stay.

You can also weigh up the different themes when planning your trip: Hellasgården and Tollare have illuminated routes, while Nyckelviken offers different experiences with its old oaks, meadows and farm. Those interested in local history can explore both the trail along Nacka ström and the museum and Svindersvik. The connection from Stockholm is a useful starting point for travelling to Nacka; for individual destinations, consider the routes and bus connections described separately.

Discover more destinations: Älta, Saltsjöbaden.

Return to the main travel overview: Nacka.