Explore Täby through different layers of history: from medieval wall paintings and rune sites to trails through natural and cultural landscapes. When planning your visit, consider which themes you would like to combine. Church art and historical insights offer a different focus from a circuit of Runriket, a shorter trail or seasonal outdoor activities.
Church art and history
Täby Church dates from the mid-13th century and is known for its well-preserved wall paintings. Albertus Pictor created them in the 1480s. One particularly well-known motif is “Dödens schackspel” (Death’s Chess Game), located in the western vault. Alongside the church’s age, this links a specific work to a particular place inside the church.
The permanent exhibition Täbys historia – från forntid till nutid is located in the main library. It explores how people have lived in Täby over time and brings together the history and cultural heritage of Täby. The exhibition is for all age groups, with a particular focus on primary-school-age children. Karby gård is an art and cultural centre; several art exhibitions are held in its main building each year.
Ensta krog also offers a glimpse into history: it opened in the 1680s on the post road between Stockholm and Åbo, and was a central location for more than 125 years. Its long history and position on a historic post road give this example a different focus from the church paintings or the exhibition on Täby's history.
Rune sites around Lake Vallentuna
Runriket comprises nine sites around Lake Vallentuna and covers a distance of 3.5 Swedish miles. The entrance is at Jarlabankes bro, just north of Täby Church. From there, you can go around the lake and continue into Runriket by bike, car or bus. This gives you different ways to find your bearings in the area, as well as the option of visiting individual historic sites.
Across the wider region, all nine Runriket sites have information boards about the history of each location, as well as further information about runes and runestones. You can also listen to the content on your mobile phone in Swedish and English. This allows you to distinguish the history of a particular site from the general information about runes and runestones. Jarlabankes bro is also a specific reference point for starting your visit to Runriket and finding your way around the lake.
Trails, routes and seasonal options
For a trail with an archaeological focus, try the Forn- och naturstigen near Täby prästgård and Skogberga: it is three kilometres long, starts in Täby kyrkby and passes a Viking Age burial ground. A digital guide to this trail is available in the Upptäck Historien app. The Stolpaleden is a similar length, at about three kilometres, and has 14 information posts. There is also a trail of about 1.3 kilometres through easy terrain at Ensta krog. Compared by length, this trail is shorter; the other two each offer their own information and historical context.
In winter, ski tracks are laid on the 5- and 10-kilometre exercise trails at Ensta krog when snow conditions allow. The two distances differ considerably, but whether tracks are laid depends on conditions. The local public transport bus stops at Ensta krog on Stockholmsvägen. Check the current timetable before you set off, as bus connections may change.
Nature and other activities
The wetlands at Mörtsjön and Käringsjön are among the municipality's most valuable habitats for plants and animals. The Skavlöten recreation area is in the Rönninge by-Skavlöten Nature Reserve, at the northern end of Lake Rönninge. Skavlöten has a swimming beach with a shoreline and jetties. For a different kind of exercise, Täby has 30 kilometres of riding trails.
The skatepark next to Åva Upper Secondary School covers 800 square metres and is intended for skateboarding, kick scooters and inline skating. It has a separate track with obstacles for kick scooter riders; another area is reserved exclusively for skateboarding and inline skating. Beginners and experienced riders are welcome, and the facility is intended for all age groups. This sets the skatepark apart from the longer trails and historic sites, both in its size and in its designated areas.
The Trafiklekplatsen playground in Centralparken features a half-scale road layout where visitors can practise road safety using a bicycle or kick scooter. A larger, weather-protected pergola and several picnic tables with benches provide space to rest, enjoy fika and have picnics. These practical opportunities to practise and places to take a break complement the cultural and nature themes that Täby offers when planning a stay.
For the general travel overview: Täby.
