Discover Heby: nature, hiking trails and culture

Discover Heby through its varied nature and cultural experiences: The river landscapes and birdlife of Färnebofjärden National Park leave a lasting impression, while hiking trails, historic sites and regional specialities reveal other sides of the area. When planning your trip, it’s worth choosing the experiences that interest you most – from a short walk along the beaches to longer stages and excursions with a cultural focus.

Nature and birdlife

Färnebofjärden National Park features a mosaic of distinctive habitats. Recurring floods along the Lower Dalälven have shaped them over thousands of years. More than 100 bird species regularly breed there. The 20-metre-high Skekarsbotornet offers far-reaching views; from here, you can observe white-tailed eagles and ospreys, among other birds. The Skekarsboslingan trail runs through the forest and along the river: After about 300 metres, you’ll reach the tower, and a kilometre farther on, the wind shelter at Brattnäset.

Lake Tämnaren is also worth exploring for nature lovers. It is one of Uppland’s most bird-rich lakes: Many protected species breed here, and numerous migratory birds stop over in spring and autumn. Aspnäs Nature Reserve has grazed cultural landscapes and flowering meadows close to the lake. The old manor church at Aspnäs stands on a site with medieval origins and is open to visitors.

At Ingbokällorna Nature Reserve, the water is crystal clear and shimmers in different shades of blue-green depending on the light and season. The largest spring releases 4.3 million litres of water each day. Hårsbäcksdalen Nature Reserve offers a different landscape, defined by a 20-metre-deep ravine with lush vegetation.

Hiking and getting around

Östa Nature Reserve lies on a peninsula in the Dalälven. Sandy beaches, gnarled pines, forest paths and extensive bogs define the area. The three named trails vary in length: Röda stigen is 2.5 kilometres long, easy to walk and passes the beaches at Östa. Gula stigen is about 5 kilometres long. Gröna stigen, which is 10 kilometres long, leads to the Stormossens fågeltorn bird tower and the Ingbo-Källorna springs.

Östa has a campsite, wind shelters, fire pits, a bird tower, car parks, information boards, dry toilets and swimming spots. These facilities depend on local upkeep; check their current condition before your visit. Hårsbäcksdalen has easy-to-walk trails, picnic areas and fire pits. A full circular hike through the reserve is about 3.7 kilometres long.

Five stages of the Upplandsleden trail run through Heby Municipality. Stage 19, known as Kyrkstigen in Tärnsjö, is 9.5 kilometres long and passes through a historic landscape that has been used by people for a very long time. Stage 22 starts at the Tenasjön swimming spot in Vittinge and is also 9.5 kilometres long. There is a car park at the starting point; the Rosenbacka bus stop is about 2.5 kilometres away. Check current transport options before travelling.

Culture, crafts and seasonal experiences

Heby Tegelbruksmuseum is housed in a former brewery building made of handmade bricks from Juhlins tegelbruk brickworks. Presses, equipment, tools, bricks and photographs tell the story of the brickworks and the lives of their workers. A permanent exhibition also displays sculptures by Sonja Petterson and paintings by ÅC Danell. Heby Municipality also has a museum of runestones that is open to visitors, as well as several runestones.

Studio Kapellet in Staffansbo, Östervåla, is a place for collaborative art in a former Baptist chapel dating from 1890. Its programme includes performances, workshops, social gatherings and a sculpture garden; individual programmes may vary. Tant Fridas stig connects a sculpture park with a walking path beside a former brewery building, on both sides of the Örsundaån river.

During strawberry season, you can pick your own strawberries in Heby Municipality. There’s also fika in the garden and small animals for children to see. Chillies are also grown in the municipality and made into sauces, jams and spices. The regional offerings also include tasting menus in rural settings, local food crafts and spiced pastries. One farm produces buffalo mozzarella from the milk of its own water buffalo, as well as other cow’s milk cheeses, including white mould cheese, cream cheese and Eldost. These products are sold in the farm shop; availability may vary by season.

The moose tour at Gårdsjö Älgpark offers another seasonal nature experience. It teaches visitors about the lives of moose in the wild and in the park, and you can ask questions during the tour. The approximately one-hour tour takes place entirely outdoors and uses authentic 1950s and 1960s Massey-Ferguson “Grålle” tractors. Check current booking options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Östervåla, Tärnsjö, Heby, Uppsala, Håbo, Älvkarleby, Enköping, Knivsta

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