Over thousands of years, recurring floods along the Lower Dalälven have shaped the mosaic landscape of special habitats in Färnebofjärden National Park. More than 100 bird species regularly nest there. The 20-metre-high Skekarsbotornet observation tower offers sweeping views and the chance to spot birds such as white-tailed eagles and ospreys.
The Skekarsboslingan trail winds through the forest and along the river. After about 300 metres, you reach the observation tower; a kilometre farther on is the wind shelter at Brattnäset. The route thus connects the riverbank and forest with two distinctive landmarks, without specifying an overall distance.
A different birdlife awaits you at Lake Tämnaren. It is one of Uppland’s most bird-rich lakes: many protected species nest there, and numerous migratory birds stop over in spring and autumn. Close to the lake, Aspnäs Nature Reserve includes grazed cultural landscapes and flowering meadows. The old manor church at Aspnäs also tells a story of the past: it stands on a site with medieval origins and is open to visitors.
Trails through varied landscapes
Östa Nature Reserve lies on a peninsula in the Dalälven. Sandy beaches, gnarled pines, forest trails and extensive bogs define the landscape. Facilities include a campsite, wind shelters, fire pits, a birdwatching tower, car parks, information boards, dry toilets and bathing areas. Facility conditions may change due to local maintenance, and trail conditions can also vary. Check both before your trip.
The three trails mentioned differ mainly in length and route: Röda stigen is 2.5 kilometres long, easy to walk and passes the beaches at Östa. Gula stigen is about 5 kilometres long. The 10-kilometre Gröna stigen leads to Stormossens fågeltorn and Ingbo Springs. In Östa, you can choose a short beach route or one of two longer trails with different destinations.
In Hårsbäcksdalen Nature Reserve, a 20-metre-deep ravine meets lush vegetation. There are easy-to-walk trails, picnic areas and fire pits; a complete circular walk is about 3.7 kilometres long. In Ingbokällorna Nature Reserve, the crystal-clear water stands out: its blue-green colour changes with the light and the seasons. The largest spring releases 4.3 million litres of water every day.
Five sections of the Upplandsleden trail run through Heby Municipality. Two of them are each 9.5 kilometres long, but pass through different historical settings: Section 19, known as Kyrkstigen in Tärnsjö, runs through a landscape that people have used for a very long time. Section 22 starts at the Tenasjön bathing area in Vittinge. There is a car park for this section; the Rosenbacka bus stop is about 2.5 kilometres from the starting point. Check transport connections before you travel. Trail conditions may also change.
In Skattmansödalen Nature Reserve, several marked paths follow the Upplandsleden for 1.6 kilometres from the ski slope to Ytterkvarn, a site of historical interest. For a nature experience combined with learning about wildlife, Gårdsjö Älgpark offers a seasonal moose tour. It shares insights into moose living in the wild and in the park, and gives you the chance to ask questions during the tour. The approximately one-hour safari takes place entirely outdoors and uses authentic Massey Ferguson “Grålle” tractors from the 1950s and 1960s. Check the latest booking information in advance.
Culture, crafts and seasonal discoveries
Heby Tegelbruksmuseum brings industrial history to life. The museum is housed in a former brewery building made from handmade bricks from Juhlins tegelbruk brickworks. Presses, equipment, tools, bricks and photographs tell the story of the brickworks and the lives of their workers. The permanent exhibition also includes sculptures by Sonja Petterson and paintings by Ă…C Danell. Heby Municipality is also home to a museum of runestones that is open to visitors, as well as several runestones.
Ă–stervĂĄla offers different perspectives on art and crafts: one museum showcases a 1920s carpentry workshop and a large collection of various Ă–stervĂĄla chairs. Studio Kapellet is a space for collaborative art in a former Baptist chapel dating from 1890 in Staffansbo. Its events include performances, workshops and social gatherings; there is also a sculpture garden. The programme for individual events may change. Tant Fridas stig adds to these discoveries with a sculpture park and walking path beside a former brewery building on both sides of the Ă–rsundaĂĄn River.
Seasonal and culinary experiences are also part of the municipality’s appeal. During strawberry season, you can pick your own berries, enjoy fika in the garden and see small animals that children can visit. Chilli peppers are also grown in the municipality and made into sauces, jams and seasonings. More local experiences include tasting menus in rural surroundings, food crafts and savoury pastries. Strawberry picking is seasonal; check current dates for seasonal offerings.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Heby, Östervåla, Tärnsjö, Älvkarleby, Knivsta, Östhammar, Uppsala, Tierp.
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