Upplands Väsby: Viking Farm, Churches and Hiking Trails

Traces of the Viking Age, medieval churches, and trails through cultural and natural landscapes define Upplands Väsby. As you explore, you can focus on archaeological sites or discover a variety of hiking and pilgrimage trails. Nature reserves and trails with their own themes are also among the options.

The Viking Age and medieval churches

Vikingagården Gunnes gård in the Smedby area is an open-air museum and a reconstruction of an early 11th-century Viking farm. The Fornslingan trail begins outside the gate and passes the Smedby and Vilunda farms, which date from the Late Iron Age. A guided visit to Gunnes gård includes a visit to one or more farm buildings and a walk among archaeological remains; you may also see animals on the farm grounds.

Eds kyrka is located by Lake Edssjön. Its oldest parts date from the mid- or later 12th century. The church is normally closed to visitors, but it can be opened by prior arrangement when staff are available. Hammarby kyrka is a medieval church on the southern shore of Lake Fysingen. Numerous burial grounds and runestones from pre-Christian times are located around it; Upplands Väsby has a total of 76 runic inscriptions to discover.

Pilgrim trails and routes through history

The Hälsans stig loops are each seven kilometres long, while the Birgittavandringen is nine kilometres long. This hiking and pilgrimage trail is in the eastern part of the municipality and is intended for pilgrims, Sunday strollers, and families with children. Fresta kyrka is suggested as a suitable starting point. The Upplevelsestråket, which is just over 40 kilometres long and has twelve stages, and the 110-kilometre Ingegerdsleden cover considerably greater total distances. The latter runs from Storkyrkan in Stockholm to Uppsala domkyrka, passing several churches, historic sites, and other attractions in Upplands Väsby. The Upplevelsestråket follows old waterways between Saltsjön and Lake Mälaren, which were already used for transport during the Viking Age.

The Upplandsleden passes through the Sättra and Kairo areas in western Upplands Väsby. A detour leads to Runsa fornborg; the stone ship setting there dates from the 5th or 6th century. Tegeludden on the Upplandsleden is a good place to stop for a barbecue. The route thus combines specific opportunities for a break with insights into the area's history.

Nature reserves and nature trails

Vallensjö nature reserve was established in 2006, covers about 16 hectares, and consists of natural woodland dominated by conifers. The approximately 213-hectare Sättra Gårds nature reserve encompasses a cultural landscape around Sättra gård by Lake Mälaren. Norra Törnskogen nature reserve covers about 108 hectares and lies east of Norrviken. Eggeby fornpark offers a different combination of nature and history, with a cultural landscape, archaeological remains, and fallow deer.

There are several walking and cycling paths in the area around Frestaån, which is used by the public for recreation. The natural wetland along Sandavägen is home to a rich variety of birdlife, including many nocturnal songbirds. Along the Sinnenas stig educational trail, visitors can experience and learn about 32 common Swedish deciduous tree species. The 800-metre-long Sagostigen is a nature trail with ten signposted stations and various activities. It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Other trails cater to a range of interests: Apoteksskogen has a marked mountain biking trail. Several public bridleways are located in the area around Sättra gård and Väsby ridklubb in western Upplands Väsby. Kairobadet is a beach on Lake Mälaren, with an accessible jetty for wheelchair users.

Getting there and getting around

Commuter trains from Stockholm City, Märsta, and Uppsala stop at Upplands Väsby station. The commuter train journey from Stockholm to Upplands Väsby takes about 28 minutes. Check the timetable before departure when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Upplands Väsby, Lidingö, Österåker, Sollentuna, Nacka, Nynäshamn, Yxlan, Nykvarn.

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