Vallentuna: Culture, Lakes and Nature

Vallentuna combines cultural history, lakeside landscapes and varied trails to create a destination with many different discoveries. Around Lake Vallentunasjön lies Runriket, with nine cultural and historical sites in Täby and Vallentuna. There are also walking trails in the centre, nature reserves, bathing spots and a cultural scene ranging from runic inscriptions to contemporary art. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore choose Vallentuna according to the pace you want for your holiday: with culture and short walks as the focus, or with nature and lakeside experiences taking priority.

Cultural history around Vallentuna kyrka

One particularly striking place is Vallentuna kyrka. The church and its surroundings feature various runic inscriptions. In addition, a Latin missal from Vallentuna kyrka, written in 1198, is the oldest surviving Swedish book. Runriket is located in the forests around Lake Vallentunasjön, is free to visit, and its ancient monuments are clearly signposted. This allows you to explore the region’s history without limiting your stay to a single museum.

Väsby kvarn also connects history with contemporary cultural life. The mill was rebuilt after a fire caused by arson in 2008 and reopened on 19 May 2019. The annual “Musik vid kvarnen” event features music and dancing at the end of May. Väsby kvarn stands on a small hill between Vallentuna kyrka and Kvarnbadet, near Vallentuna Centrum. At Vallentuna Kulturhus, Konstkuben presents exhibitions of contemporary art; the Kulturrummet, with 160 seats, is used for theatre, concerts, film screenings, cultural lunches and lectures.

Walking trails and waterside landscapes

For an active but manageable day plan, Hälsans stig offers two trails in the centre of Vallentuna: the three-kilometre Centrumslingan and a five-kilometre trail through Ekeby. The surface is level and firm; the trail can be used on foot as well as with a wheelchair or walking frame. Kilometre markers and several benches along the route make it easier to find your way and provide opportunities for breaks. Anyone looking for a longer route through varied landscapes can include the approximately four-kilometre Olhamraleden. It leads from Vallentuna Centrum via Vallentuna IP to Olhamra and the entrance to Angarnsjöängens naturreservat, through an old-growth-like natural forest, across rocky areas and through marsh-like wetlands.

Near the centre, the Björkby-Kyrkviken nature reserve lies in an open agricultural landscape on Lake Vallentunasjön and by Vallentuna kyrka. There are many benches and several picnic areas along its waterfront promenade. This makes it possible to combine an outing with nature observation and peaceful breaks. In the surrounding area, Ubbysjön Runt, a two-kilometre blue-marked trail with two sections along boardwalks, and the approximately five-kilometre Veda naturstig offer further opportunities. Veda also has a shorter loop of approximately 4.2 kilometres; the trail passes through woodland by Storsjön, whose shores are home to many birds.

Swimming days, lakeside experiences and seasonal ideas

The municipally operated outdoor swimming pool Kvarnbadet is open from June to August. It 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. At the Gustavs udde bathing area, there is a sandy beach, a jetty and an accessible ramp into the water. Canoeing is possible on Lake Vallentunasjön. In winter, when the core ice layer is sufficiently thick—at least 15 centimetres—an ice-skating track is prepared, which can be 15 kilometres long in favourable conditions. When there is sufficient snow, a cross-country ski trail is also groomed alongside it.

Choosing Vallentuna as a suitable base

A central location is appealing if you want to include cultural attractions, Vallentuna kyrka, Väsby kvarn and walking trails in your days. For nature-focused outings, you can also consider destinations in the surrounding area, such as Ubbysjön or Veda naturstig. In the library at Vallentuna Kulturhus, visitors can view around 6,000 photographs from the Vallentuna bildarkiv. The collection contains almost 9,000 photographs documenting life and work in the region from the late 19th century to the present day. Literature about Vallentuna from the Vallentuniana collection can be borrowed or read on site; maps and Pilgrim Vallentuna pilgrim passports are also available.

Vallentuna therefore offers both specific cultural destinations and trails, water and seasonal activities. When looking for accommodation, you can base your choice on whether shared discoveries, walks, days by the water or varied outings should shape your stay. For further destination planning, you can also find Brottby.

For the overarching travel overview: Vallentuna.