Knivsta: Nature, Trails and History

Knivsta combines waterside nature and hiking and cycling activities with buildings and stories from different eras. You can tailor your stay to different interests: one outing follows a section of the Upplandsleden from a railway station to a river, while another passes a lake. In town, you can also enjoy walks, art and architecture.

Water and Nature near Knivsta

In the town of Knivsta, easily accessible natural areas with shores, woodland and old meadows and pastures lie close to the centre. These include the Gredelby hagar and Trunsta träsk nature reserves. The birdwatching tower offers a good view across the landscape, and you can also observe birdlife at Trunsta Träsk from there. Särstabadet offers a different perspective on the water: this bathing spot is centrally located in Knivsta, by Lake Valloxen.

The two sections of the Upplandsleden mentioned above also offer different experiences. Section 1:2 begins at Knivsta C, on the east side of the railway line at Knivsta station, and ends at Forsbyån. Section 1:1 passes Branthammarsjön. There, you’ll find a shelter and a fire pit with a lovely view of the water. This gives you a clearly designated start and end point, as well as a lakeside stop with a place to rest, to suit different hiking plans.

If you’re looking for a shorter outing of discovery, the tree walk features 20 common Swedish tree species that grow in and around the towns of Knivsta and Alsike. The walk therefore covers both places.

Cycling and a Round at Särstabadet

The MTB loop in Knivsta offers around five kilometres of trail riding, with both easy and challenging sections. At the bike park, you can practise jumps and drops in a varied, fast-paced setting. The loop and bike park therefore offer two different focuses: trail riding on a route, or practising specific riding techniques.

Särstabadet also has a nine-hole adventure course. To play, pay and collect the equipment at the till at Granna restaurang och café. You can factor this practical sequence into your day’s plans.

Architecture, Art and Knivsta’s Past

S:t Stefans kyrka, also known as Knivsta gamla kyrka, was consecrated in 1303. It is a Gothic hall church made of grey stone, with brick ornaments decorating the gables, the areas around the windows and the entrances. You can admire both the building’s form and the details on its façade. Sockenmagasinet stands close to the old church. Built in 1758, the building now serves as a museum run by the local heritage association, with historical farming objects and other sights.

Knivsta’s railway station is also connected to the town’s architectural history: the station building is the last of its type still standing at its original location. At Knivsta Centrum för idrott och kultur (CIK), art and event spaces come together. CIK has a performing arts venue with 398 seats, including six accessible seats. It also features four artistic installations and individual works from the Knivsta Municipality art collection.

Two walks guided by mobile devices focus on different themes. “Knivsta förr och nu” presents local Knivsta personality Lennart Runnding’s account of Knivsta in the past. “Konst och arkitektur i Knivsta” takes you through the centre with cultural strategist Jon Hulander. On this walk, follow a map and click the relevant link at each stop.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When choosing a holiday rental in Knivsta, you can start by thinking about what you want your trip to focus on: trails and landscapes, water, cycling, or local history and art. The activities also differ within each theme—for example, between a hiking section with a designated start and finish and a section by a lake, or between trail riding and practising jumps and drops. These options give you a practical starting point for planning your trip, without requiring all the activities to be part of a single outing.

For the broader travel overview: Knivsta.