A Latin missal from Vallentuna Church, written in 1198, is the oldest surviving Swedish book. This remarkable discovery leads to a place where runic inscriptions, historic sites and the landscape around Lake Vallentuna come together.
Discover Runes and History
Vallentuna Church was built mainly from grey stone between 1150 and 1250. Runic inscriptions of various kinds can be found in and on the church. Runriket also explores the area's cultural history: the area includes nine sites around Lake Vallentuna in Täby and Vallentuna. Prehistoric monuments are clearly marked, and information boards explain their history.
Jarlabankes bro is a possible starting point for visiting parts of Runriket. From there, you can explore these sections by bicycle, on foot or by public transport. Each way of getting around offers a different way to engage with the sites, and there is no need to follow a single, fixed route.
The church's construction history also offers a distinct point of reference: it was built between 1150 and 1250, while the missal dates from 1198. Together with the runic inscriptions, these details give a sense of the many layers of Vallentuna's history.
Shorelines, Birdlife and Trails
The Björkby-Kyrkviken nature reserve lies close to the centre of Vallentuna. Its open cultural landscape extends to Kyrkviken, where tufted ducks, mallards and other birds breed. There are plenty of benches and several rest areas along the waterfront promenade, so you can enjoy the landscape with stops along the way.
Ubbysjön offers a different kind of natural environment: reeds, shrubs and open water form a varied mosaic that supports birdlife. The lake is one of Vallentuna's most bird-rich lakes. A two-kilometre hiking trail marked in blue circles Ubbysjön, combining views of the water with a walk along the shore.
Naturstig Veda is another way to explore the landscape on foot. The trail passes through varied woodland by Storsjön and is about five kilometres long. If you are looking for a shorter option, you can take the approximately 4.2-kilometre loop. Boardwalks lead through the swamp forest, where changing water levels create conditions for rich biodiversity. The two distances can help you choose a route that suits your visit.
Angarnssjöängen also has several clear landmarks: the birdwatching tower and Midsommarberget are on the southeastern side, north of Örsta, and are considered the best viewpoints. Near Örsta, the Roslagsleden passes through the southeastern part of Angarnssjöängen. The easy-to-walk Sjöängsslingan is 6.7 kilometres long and also lies within the area.
Art, Performance and Events
At Vallentuna Kulturhus, Konstkuben hosts art exhibitions featuring professional artists. They are organised by Vallentuna Municipality and the Vallentuna Art Association. Utställningsrummet has a different role: Kultur Vallentuna organises, produces or rents the exhibitions shown there. The building is also home to The Pattern Parade, a permanent artwork.
The Kulturrummet programme includes cultural lunches and jazz concerts, as well as performances by students from the culture school and art exhibitions. Vallentuna Teater adds concerts, current cinema releases, theatre performances, Live on Bio events and lectures. This gives you several different ways to experience culture.
A recurring event in the annual calendar is Musik vid kvarnen: held every year in late May at Väsby kvarn, it combines dance and music. The exact event dates may vary, so check the dates before making plans.
Getting Around and Staying Active
Vallentuna has a public transport network of buses and trains. The Roslagsbanan runs through Vallentuna and forms part of the regional rail network. Check the current timetables for specific departures.
Kvarnbadet has a heated 50-metre pool, a 17.5-metre pool for swimming lessons and children who are less confident swimmers, and a paddling pool for the youngest visitors. Canoes are also available to rent; a life jacket is included in the rental price. Facilities and services may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Vallentuna, Brottby, Täby, Sollentuna, Upplands Väsby, Värmdö, Sigtuna, Södertälje.
Return to the main travel overview: Stockholm.
