Knivsta: Nature Trails, Lakes and History

Along the Knivstaån, a largely accessible walking path runs from the station through the town centre to the Gredelby groves. Along the way, you can experience Knivsta’s many different sides, on trails, by lakes and at historic sites—from nature experiences to traces of the Middle Ages.

Nature Reserves and Landscapes

There are six nature reserves in Knivsta Municipality: Södra Lunsen, Trunsta-Gredelby hagar, Rickebasta alsumpskog, Moralundsskiftet, Kungshamn-Morga and Ängbyskogen. Gredelby hagar and Trunsta träsk combine a wetland with natural pasture kept open by grazing livestock, and offer good opportunities for recreation. In the Kungshamn-Morga nature reserve on Ekoln, a bay of Lake Mälaren, the landscape includes grazed meadows, lakeside meadows and woodland.

The shallow, reed-fringed Säbysjön is a good place for birdwatching. Moralundsskiftet offers a different experience: it is home to old, untouched mixed coniferous forest, with many large pines and spruces up to 250 years old. Those looking to experience different natural landscapes can compare wetlands and pastureland, lakeshores and old-growth forest.

Walking Trails and Outdoor Activities

Accessible footpaths run for long stretches along both sides of the Knivstaån. The walking path leads from the station to the Gredelby groves; Knivsta station is accessible by train and bus. The two described sections of the Upplandsleden also offer contrasting landscapes: the route from Lunsentorpet to Knivsta passes through rocky woodland, pastureland and nature close to residential areas. The section from Knivsta to Forsbyån starts on the east side of the station and ends at Forsbyån. Along the way, open agricultural landscapes alternate with spruce forest, deciduous woodland and riverside scenery.

For a checkpoint-finding challenge, try Hittaut Knivsta: use a map or app to find checkpoints across four difficulty levels. They are located in urban areas, parks, residential neighbourhoods and woodland near built-up areas. The approximately five-kilometre MTB trail alternates between easy and challenging sections. At the bike park in Knivsta, you can practise jumps and drops. If you’d rather play disc golf, the outdoor area at CIK has a free nine-hole course that can be used without a reservation.

Lakes and Swimming

Each winter, when weather conditions permit, skating loops are cleared on Valloxen. There is also a centrally located swimming area at Valloxen in Knivsta.

History and Special Places

Mora Stenar commemorates a meeting place in Knivsta, documented since the Middle Ages, for the election of kings. The first king documented as elected there was Magnus Ladulås, in 1275. Several Mora stones are on display in a museum building erected in 1770 at the present-day memorial site, on the initiative of Gustav III. Husby-Långhundra Church also brings together different periods: its western section was built in the 12th century, and its medieval lime paintings are attributed stylistically to the Tierp School. A medieval-themed market is held at the church every year in early June.

Broborg is considered the largest hillfort in Uppland. A path leads from the car park to the hilltop, where there are views over the Långhundraleden valley. As trail conditions may change with the seasons, check them before setting out. Other remains from the Iron Age include the Hönsgärde burial ground, with marked paths, and Vallbyåsen, where more than 300 graves are still visible. At the summit of Vallbyåsen, several standing stones now mark the parish boundary between Husby-Långhundra and Östuna. The runestone U463 near Alasjön stands close to its original location and is well preserved.

Architecture and natural formations offer further highlights: Noors träslott by Säbysjön is one of the few surviving 17th-century Carolinian wooden castles in Sweden. Near Lagga, Laggagrottan forms a large cavity among glacial erratic boulders in a small woodland area. It is considered an adventurous place for children, where they can climb among the rocks.

Discover more destinations: Knivsta, Enköping, Håbo, Tierp, Heby, Uppsala, Älvkarleby, Östhammar.

Go to the main travel overview: Uppsala.