In Knivsta, open pastures, reed-fringed lakes and ancient forests meet trails through a wide variety of landscapes. Gredelby Hagar and Trunsta Träsk combine a wetland with a natural pasture kept open by grazing livestock. At Ekoln, a bay of Lake Mälaren, the Kungshamn-Morga Nature Reserve includes grazed meadows, waterside meadows and woodland. Nature here is not a single scene, but a changing mix of habitats.
Meadows, reeds and ancient forest
The shallow, reed-fringed Lake Säbysjön is ideal for birdwatching. Moralundsskiftet offers a different experience: the nature reserve contains old, untouched mixed coniferous forest. Among numerous mature pines and spruces stand trees up to 250 years old. Those interested in the landscape will find different highlights at these sites: reeds and birdwatching by the lake, grazed land at Ekoln, and a forest defined by its ancient trees.
Walking through changing landscapes
Two sections of the Upplandsleden trail pass through different surroundings. The section from Lunsentorpet to Knivsta runs through rocky woodland, pastureland and nature close to settlements. The section from Knivsta to Forsbyån starts on the east side of the railway station and ends at Forsbyån. Along the way, open farmland, spruce forest, deciduous woodland and waterside landscapes alternate. The routes therefore differ mainly in the landscapes they pass through.
A walking path along the Knivstaån also leads from the station through the centre to the Gredelby groves. It is largely accessible, with accessible footpaths running along both sides of the stream for much of the way. Knivsta station can be reached by train and bus. At Broborg, a path leads uphill from the car park. Trail conditions may vary seasonally; at the top, there are views over the Långhundraleden valley.
Activities on trails and by the water
For trail cycling, the MTB route in Knivsta is about five kilometres long and includes both easy and challenging sections. At the bike park, you can practise jumps and drops. Hittaut Knivsta is a free health and leisure activity: using a map or app, you search for checkpoints across four difficulty levels. They are located in urban areas, parks, residential neighbourhoods and forests near settlements.
Another way to stay active is the free nine-hole disc golf course on the CIK outdoor grounds, which can be used without a reservation. Every winter, when weather conditions permit, skating circuits are cleared on Lake Valloxen. Särstabadet has jetties, a diving tower and a barbecue area, as well as an accessible bathing jetty and a bathing wheelchair. Seasonal facilities may vary.
Traces of history and culture
Mora Stenar marks a meeting place in Knivsta, documented since the Middle Ages, for the election of kings. The first king documented as having been elected there was Magnus Ladulås in 1275. Several Mora Stones are displayed in a museum building erected in 1770 on Gustav III’s initiative at the present-day memorial site. Husby-Långhundra Church also brings together several historical periods: its western section was built in the 12th century, and its medieval lime paintings are stylistically attributed to the Tierp School. A medieval-themed market is held there every year in early June.
Broborg is considered the largest hillfort in Uppland. Hönsgärde is an Iron Age burial ground with marked paths. More than 300 graves are visible on Vallbyåsen; several standing stones on the summit now mark the parish boundary between Husby-Långhundra and Östuna. Another testament to the past is the well-preserved runestone U463 near Alasjön, which stands close to its original location. By Lake Säbysjön, Noors Träslott is one of the few surviving Carolingian wooden castles in Sweden dating from the 17th century.
Natural formations and art also add to these discoveries. Laggagrottan is a large cavity among glacial erratic boulders in a small wooded area near Lagga. It is considered an adventurous place for children, where they can climb among the rocks. Knivsta Centrum för idrott och kultur features four large-scale artistic installations; a collection of 26 works from the municipal art collection is also on display there.
Discover more destinations: Knivsta, Älvkarleby, Östhammar, Enköping, Tierp, Håbo, Uppsala, Heby.
Back to the main travel overview: Uppsala.
