Vallentuna – Culture, Nature and History

Vallentuna combines cultural and historical sights with walking paths, natural areas and activities by the water. Runic inscriptions, a medieval missal and the history of a rebuilt mill give the place a distinctive historical character. Those who want to spend their stay outdoors will find paths of varying lengths, as well as opportunities for swimming and canoeing. The season also shapes the options: the outdoor pool is a summer destination, while the ice rink and cross-country ski trail depend on winter conditions.

Runes and history in Vallentuna

Runic inscriptions of various kinds can be found in and around Vallentuna kyrka. Associated with the church is a Latin missal written in 1198, considered the oldest surviving Swedish book. Runriket comprises nine cultural and historical sites around Lake Vallentuna in Täby and Vallentuna. It lies in the forests around the lake and is free for everyone to visit; the ancient monuments along Runriket are clearly marked.

Another piece of local history is Väsby kvarn. It stands on a small rise between Vallentuna kyrka and Kvarnbadet, near Vallentuna Centrum. After being destroyed by arson in 2008, the mill was rebuilt and reopened on 19 May 2019. Every year in late May, the event Musik vid kvarnen, featuring music and dancing, takes place at the mill. If you are travelling to Vallentuna for this event, check the dates in advance.

Cultural venues and local history

At Vallentuna Kulturhus, Kulturrummet has 160 seats. The venue is used for theatre, concerts, film screenings, cultural lunches and lectures. At Konstkuben, the Municipality of Vallentuna and Vallentuna Art Association present exhibitions of contemporary art. This offers a choice of different types of cultural programming, from stage events to exhibitions.

The library also offers insights into Vallentuna’s past. In the local history section upstairs, visitors can view around 6,000 photographs from the Vallentuna bildarkiv. The archive contains nearly 9,000 images and documents how people in the region have lived and worked from the late 19th century to the present day. You can borrow literature about Vallentuna from the Vallentuniana collection at the library or read it there.

Walking paths and landscapes

Hälsans stig offers two walking routes in the centre: Centrumslingan is three kilometres long, and the route through Ekeby is five kilometres long. The surface is level and firm; the paths can be used on foot, in a wheelchair or with a walking frame. Kilometre markers are provided, and there are several benches along the way. The two distances offer a clear choice between a shorter and a longer loop, without implying a particular walking time.

Olhamraleden is about four kilometres long and runs from Vallentuna Centrum via Vallentuna IP to Olhamra, ending at the entrance to Angarnsjöängens Nature Reserve. Along the way, the landscape alternates between primeval-looking woodland, rocky areas and bog-like wetlands. Björkby-Kyrkviken Nature Reserve is close to the centre, in an open agricultural landscape by Lake Vallentuna and Vallentuna kyrka. There are many benches and several picnic areas along its waterfront promenade.

More paths and activities in the surrounding area

Nearby, the blue-marked Ubbysjön Runt path runs for two kilometres around Lake Ubby and crosses two sections of boardwalk. There are also two wind shelters and barbecue areas along the path. Veda naturstig is about five kilometres long, with a shorter loop of around 4.2 kilometres. It leads through varied woodland by Lake Storsjön, where many birds can be found along the shore. A picnic table overlooking the lake offers a place to rest; parking is available at the riding school.

Canoeing is possible on Lake Vallentuna. For a winter trip, activities depend on conditions: if the core ice layer is thick enough—at least 15 centimetres—an ice-skating track is prepared, which can be 15 kilometres long in favourable conditions. A cross-country ski trail is also groomed when there is enough snow. Check the actual preparations before visiting. For swimming, the municipally operated Kvarnbadet outdoor pool has a heated 50-metre pool, a 17.5-metre pool for swimming lessons and children who are less confident swimmers, and a paddling pool. It is open from June to August; check the seasonal opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Brottby.

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