An open-air museum, medieval churches, bathing spots and trails give a stay in Upplands Väsby a variety of possible focuses. Those interested in cultural history will find striking buildings and traces of the past; those who prefer the outdoors can choose from walking paths, longer routes and destinations by the water.
Open-Air Museum and Trails
Gunnes gård is an open-air museum in the Smedby district. It reconstructs a farm from the early 11th century and recreates the surroundings and life on a farm in the Late Iron Age, also known as the Viking Age. The description of the site thus brings together two historical references: the reconstructed farm and the way of life it depicts. The Fornslingan begins in the lower animal pasture below Gunnes gård.
Gunnes gård can be reached from Upplands Väsby station via a walking path of about 2.5 kilometres through Smedbyskogen forest. Järnvägsparken is right by the station, with walking paths running along the Väsbyån. If you are considering routes of different lengths, you can also take the Upplevelsestråken trail system into account: it is about 40 kilometres long in total and divided into several stages. The total length refers to the system, not to a single stage. As trail conditions and access points may change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
Bathing Spots by Lake Mälaren and Fysingen
There are several options by the water, too. Kairobadet is a beach on Lake Mälaren. An accessible bathing pier is provided for wheelchair users. Bus route 532 connects Upplands Väsby station with the Kairo stop at Kairobadet. As public transport information may change, check the current timetable before travelling.
Fysingenbadet is a natural bathing spot behind Löwenströmska Hospital, by Lake Fysingen; a gravel cycle path leads there. Sättrabadet, meanwhile, is a small bathing spot on Lake Mälaren in the west of Upplands Väsby. These descriptions offer different points of reference when choosing an outing: a beach, a natural bathing spot or a small bathing area. The Sättra Gård nature reserve adds another perspective on the landscape. It encompasses a cultural landscape around Sättra farm on Lake Mälaren.
Churches and Older History
At the churches, it is worth looking at their construction phases and fittings. The oldest parts of Eds kyrka date from the middle or latter half of the 12th century. Its vaults were painted by Albertus Pictor in 1487. The church is usually closed to visitors. After contacting the parish, it may be opened for a personal prayer service, provided staff are available. If you would like to plan a visit, contact the parish first.
The present-day plastered grey stone church, Hammarby kyrka, was built around 1200. One of its oldest furnishings is an oak altar from the 1460s. Fifteen runestones, intact or fragmentary, have been preserved at Fresta kyrka: some in the masonry and others in the churchyard. A Baroque organ came to Fresta in 1788. Fresta kyrka is not always open to visitors, so check in advance if you are planning a visit.
Art, Ice Skating and Spiritual Trails
Visitors can see art at Väsby Konsthall. As exhibition programmes may change, it is worth checking what is currently on offer before visiting. Vilundaparken has two ice rinks, which are open for public skating at certain times during the ice season. Opening times vary, so check the current schedule in advance.
The Birgittavandringen offers a different kind of exploration: its twelve stations feature reflection materials inspired by the life of Saint Birgitta. Together with the historic churches, the open-air museum and the paths by the water, it shows the many different ways to enjoy a stay in Upplands Väsby. When looking for a place to stay, you can use these interests as a guide to finding hotels in Upplands Väsby that suit your travel plans.
For the broader travel overview: Upplands Väsby.
