Hässelby-Vällingby: Nature Reserves, History and Water Access

Nature Trails and Water Access

Hässelby-Vällingby combines several forms of nature: trails for exercise, woodland landscapes, an English-style park designed according to the ideals of the time, and a small bird lake. The differences lie in the trail layout, the landscape and access to the water.

At Grimsta Nature Reserve, you can go for a walk or jog. The reserve is accessible via park paths from Hässelby Strand metro station. The public starting point and the trails in the nature reserve make this a specific destination for exercise in green surroundings. The park paths constitute the described access to the reserve. Walking and jogging refer to movement within this natural area, not to the route from the station to the reserve.

In the Kyrkhamn-Riddersvik Nature Reserve in Hässelby, pine forests and oak habitats shape the landscape. A blue-marked circular route of just over 7 kilometres runs around the entire nature reserve. The combination of the marked route, its length of just over 7 kilometres and its course around the entire area gives the circuit a clearly recognisable form. In addition to its length, the circuit therefore follows a complete route around the area. The blue marking identifies the route, while pine forests and oak habitats define the reserve’s landscape.

At Riddersviks gård, the English-style park was designed according to the ideals of the time, with winding paths. There, the shape of the paths itself is part of the design of the grounds. The paths are part of the park design, not merely connections between individual points. Råcksta Träsk is a small bird lake. While the park is characterised by its landscaped paths, the small body of water takes centre stage at the Träsk. These two natural sites therefore differ in their visible character without being reduced to the same type of landscape.

Vällingby as a Historical Point of Reference

The opening of Vällingby in 1954 is part of the area’s history. Vällingby was the first so-called ABC city. Vällingby Centrum also opened in 1954. At the time, it became a symbol of the Folkhem concept and the emergence of the new Sweden built by the Social Democrats. The history of the district and that of the Centrum therefore belong to the same year, but each has its own emphasis: Vällingby represents the emergence of the ABC city, while the Centrum is additionally associated with the social transformation of the time. The historical reference therefore encompasses both the development of the area and the significance of the Centrum during this period.

A Specific Reference to Water Access

At Maltesholmsbadet, there is a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the water. Access to the water is implemented there as a specific structural solution. This distinguishes the site from the nature reserves, where park paths, woodland landscapes or a circular route are the main focus. The ramp belongs to Maltesholmsbadet and directs attention to access to the water. At the bathing area, it stands as a separate structural element alongside the nature and park paths described above.

For the overarching travel overview: Stockholm.