Holiday apartment in Järfälla – Nature, Culture and Lake Mälaren

Järfälla reveals its distinctive character through a varied combination of nature, history, activities and local culture. Between preserved landscapes, historic sites and attractions for different seasons, the area offers a diverse picture of the locality.

Nature by Lake Mälaren

Görvälns naturreservat nature reserve lies on the shore of Lake Mälaren. It encompasses coniferous forests, rocky areas, deciduous forests, as well as pasture and arable land. Numerous cycling and walking paths run through these different landscapes. Another natural area is Västra Järvafältets naturreservat nature reserve, which preserves a rural landscape with gravel roads and paths winding through the countryside. There are picnic areas, barbecue facilities, toilets, bathing opportunities, ski slopes and birdwatching towers.

A fish-rich stream flows through Norra Igelbäckens naturreservat nature reserve and serves as an important habitat for many species. Molnsättra naturreservat nature reserve contains an old cultural landscape in private ownership, with grazing livestock. Hästa klack naturreservat nature reserve combines coniferous forest, open forest edges and traces of an older cultural landscape.

History and Culture

There are also historic sites on Lake Mälaren. Gåseborg is one of the best-preserved hillforts on Lake Mälaren. Gåsberget offers views over Lake Mälaren. Görvälns slott is a manor estate dating from the 17th century; it includes a surrounding park and an arboretum. Görvälns skulpturpark sculpture park is located by Görvälns slott and features several permanently installed works of art. It is open year-round and admission is free.

Järfälla kyrka was built at the end of the 12th century. Two rune stones stand beside the church, indicating that the site was already significant during the Viking Age. Two eight-kilometre trails connect nature and culture in different ways: Görvälnturen is a cultural hiking trail that runs mostly through a natural area, while Sandviksturen is characterised by nature along the shore of Lake Mälaren.

The digital cultural walks in Järfälla are 2 to 4 kilometres long, suitable for children and available with English text. Järfälla kyrka can be reached on foot, by bicycle, by the Kungsängen/Bålsta line commuter train or by bus to the Barkarby stop; from there, a short walk follows.

Leisure and Activities

Brukets friluftsområde has a 900-metre cross-country ski track. The area also has a 300-metre alpine ski slope with a drag lift and a conveyor-belt lift. The mountain bike trail there is 2.8 kilometres long and has an elevation difference of 68 metres.

Ängsjö friluftsområde offers year-round leisure activities, including fitness trails, an outdoor fitness area, a beach, canoes, a sauna and paths through nature. There is also a nine-hole disc golf course. During the summer season, canoes and kayaks are rented there, while cross-country skates are available for rent in winter.

Museums and Local Events

Järfälla hembygdsmuseum also has a location at Skälby gård, Skälby gårds väg 20. It is open, among other occasions, on café Sundays and on the day of the local community centre. Bolindermuseet presents the 100-year history of the Bolinder works. The Koffsan collection displays finds from the archaeological excavation of an inn on the island of Koffsan in Lake Mälaren. It is located in the open lounge of the library in Jakobsberg.

Järfälla Hembygdsförening organises walks, bicycle tours, bus tours, lectures and slide shows in various parts of Järfälla. Görvälnsdagen, featuring a celebration of Sweden’s National Day on 6 June, is the largest annual event organised by Järfälla Hembygdsförening and is aimed at all age groups.

Other places at the same level: Huddinge, Boo, Sundbyberg, Upplands Väsby, Enhörna, Nynäshamn, Tyresö. The page about Järfälla also provides another way to explore the area.

To the higher-level travel overview: Stockholm.