There are 76 runic inscriptions to discover in Upplands Väsby. There are also medieval churches, prehistoric traces and trails that pass historic sites. As you explore the area, you’ll encounter evidence from different eras, from the Iron Age and Viking Age to the Middle Ages.
Runes and historic sites
Vikingagården Gunnes gård is located in the Smedby area and is an open-air museum featuring a reconstruction of a Viking Age farmstead from the early 11th century. On a guided visit, you can see one or more of the farm’s buildings and walk among archaeological remains; there may also be animals on the grounds. The Fornslingan trail starts outside the gate and passes the Smedby and Vilunda farmsteads, which date from the Late Iron Age.
Eds kyrka is a medieval church by Lake Edssjön; its oldest parts date from the middle or later half of the 12th century. The church is normally closed to visitors. When staff are available, it may be opened by prior arrangement. Hammarby kyrka is also medieval. It stands on the southern shore of Lake Fysingen; burial grounds and rune stones from pre-Christian times can be found around the church.
Another trace of early history is the stone ship setting at Runsa fornborg, which dates from the 5th or 6th century. A detour from the Upplandsleden leads to the hillfort. This makes it possible to discover historic sites along different trails without limiting the many traces to a single era.
Pilgrimage routes and trails through the landscape
The routes vary considerably in length and character. Birgittavandringen is a nine-kilometre hiking and pilgrimage route in the eastern part of the municipality. It is intended for pilgrims, Sunday walkers and families with children; Fresta kyrka is considered a suitable starting point. At 110 kilometres, Ingegerdsleden is much longer: it runs from Storkyrkan in Stockholm to Uppsala domkyrka and passes several churches, historic sites and other attractions in Upplands Väsby.
Upplevelsestråket comprises twelve stages and is just over 40 kilometres long in total. It follows old waterways between Saltsjön and Lake Mälaren, which were already used for transport during the Viking Age. The Hälsans stig loops in Upplands Väsby are each seven kilometres long. These different route lengths give you a clear guide when choosing between a shorter loop and a longer route with several stages.
The Upplandsleden runs through Sättra and Kairo in western Upplands Väsby. Tegeludden is a good place to stop for a barbecue. A shorter alternative is Sagostigen: this 800-metre nature trail has ten stops with signs and various activities. It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Apoteksskogen also has a marked mountain biking trail.
There are trails for horseback riding, too: several public bridleways run through the area around Sättra gård and Väsby ridklubb in western Upplands Väsby. You’ll find several walking and cycling paths by Frestaån; the area is used for recreation. Hiking, pilgrimage routes, cycling and horseback riding are among the different ways to explore the landscape.
Nature reserves and outdoor experiences
The nature reserves vary in both size and landscape. Vallensjö naturreservat was established in 2006, covers about 16 hectares and consists of natural forest dominated by conifers. Sättra Gårds naturreservat encompasses about 213 hectares of cultural landscape around Sättra gård on Lake Mälaren. Norra Törnskogens naturreservat covers about 108 hectares and lies east of Norrviken. These approximate area figures show just how different the reserves are in scale.
At Eggeby fornpark, natural and cultural landscapes meet archaeological remains and fallow deer. Along the Sinnenas stig nature trail, you can experience 32 of the most common deciduous trees found in Sweden and learn more about them. The wetland along Sandavägen is known for its rich birdlife, including especially large numbers of nocturnal songbirds. Kairobadet, a beach on Lake Mälaren, has an accessible jetty for wheelchair users.
Travel by commuter train
The commuter train journey from Stockholm to Upplands Väsby takes about 28 minutes. Commuter trains from Stockholm City, Märsta and Uppsala stop at Upplands Väsby station. Check the timetable before you travel; the approximate journey time gives you an initial guide for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Upplands Väsby, Botkyrka, Danderyd, Vaxholm, Sundbyberg, Värmdö, Österåker, Södertälje.
See the main travel overview: Stockholm.
