A visit to nature in Norrtälje can begin with a special question: How would you like to get there? Ängsö National Park is accessible only by boat. This makes the journey part of the planning, while elsewhere you can explore the city’s history on foot or follow trails on the islands. These different experiences offer varied perspectives on the archipelago landscape, nature and culture.

Island Nature and Getting There

Ängsö National Park is in Norrtälje Municipality. You can get there by private boat or kayak, on scheduled seasonal services from Stockholm or Furusund, or by booking a water taxi. If you plan to take a seasonal service, check the timetable beforehand. In the park, archipelago scenery, meadows and pastureland alternate with mixed forest. Flower-rich meadows, paths through woodland and meadows, and diverse birdlife shape the visit; guided tours take place in spring and early summer. There is no accommodation or food service in the national park, so bring your own food, drinks and drinking water.

The Svenska Högarna Nature Reserve has a different character: Sweden’s largest marine nature reserve combines rich marine life with a barren outer archipelago landscape. Bare rock, smoothed by the water, defines the scenery. On Storön, several trails lead around Ytterhamnen, Innerhamnen and the lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll also find a Trojaburg, a stone labyrinth and a cemetery. Nature and cultural heritage meet on the same island, with plenty to explore beyond a single attraction.

In and near Riddersholm Nature Reserve, birch groves, pastures, hazel woods and coastal meadows alternate. You’ll also find walking trails, a bathing beach, a campsite, a hostel and a guest harbour in or near the reserve. Take the SL bus from Tekniska Högskolan towards Norrtälje; at Norrtälje bus station, change to a bus towards Kapellskär and continue to the Riddersholm stop. Check the latest timetable before travelling.

Trails with Different Perspectives

On Singö, marked trails make it possible to explore some of the island’s most scenic areas. Bus stops are located along the trail network on Singö and Fogdö. You can take the bus to a stop and then hike back; it’s also worth checking the latest services. For a longer hike, try stage 7 of the Roslagsleden trail: it covers 16 kilometres from Penningby to Norrtälje and passes historic sites such as Länna Church and a hillfort near Kyrksjön. Different from this is the route from Kärleksudden, which follows a scenic waterfront promenade into central Norrtälje.

In the heart of Norrtälje, the cultural heritage trail Å-promenaden focuses on the Norrtäljeån river. The walking trail runs from Lommaren to the river mouth at the harbour, is about three kilometres long and uses 37 signs to explain historic sites and the history of buildings. Recorded audio contributions, featuring information narrated by actress Molly Malmros, add to the experience. Vänligheten offers another way to explore the city’s history: this digital literary walk is based on a novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, starts in front of the city library and takes around 45 minutes to explore the city using a mobile phone and headphones. The two formats offer different planning details: Å-promenaden gives an approximate distance, while Vänligheten gives an approximate duration.

Cultural Sites and Activities

There are plenty of ways to spend the day beyond the walking trails. Norrtälje Municipality has 31 bathing spots. At Vigelsjö Nature Reserve in central Norrtälje, visitors can use five pétanque courts. At Färsna gård, you can go for a walk, visit the animals and enjoy a picnic in the countryside. If you’re interested in paddling, the Roslagsbro–Kvisthamraviken canoe route is one of the municipality’s canoe routes.

For a glimpse into the past, head to Wira bruk, a preserved historic cultural landscape and Sweden’s first blade forge. There is a museum in the Äldstehuset, and a small café with outdoor seating by the Viraån river. Penningby slott adds another historic highlight: the castle was built in the late 15th century and served as a fortified castle in the Middle Ages. Its two basement levels retain their original medieval character. Together with the historic sites along the Roslagsleden trail, these places show how hiking trails and buildings offer different ways to explore the past.

Discover more destinations: Edsbro, Grisslehamn, Gräddö, Herräng, Norrtälje, Bergshamra, Spillarsboda, Rånäs, Hallstavik, Svanberga, Väddö, Södersvik, Vagnsunda, Skebobruk, Arholma, Yxlan, Rimbo, Blidö, Vätö.

For the full travel overview: Stockholm.