Håbo: Nature, Culture and Trails by Lake Mälaren

In spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds stop at Hjälstaviken; in winter, visitors can observe eagles and other birds there.

Nature

Sandhagen is an old forest near the coast. Most of the trees are around 100 to 150 years old, while some were already standing there at the beginning of the 18th century. There are no constructed footpaths in Sandhagen Nature Reserve: visitors may roam freely through the forest and should disturb the plants and animals as little as possible.

At Hjälstaviken, a paved path about one kilometre long leads from the car park in Hårby to the birdwatching tower. The path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Trails and activities

Blå stigen Bålstaåsen is a 2.8-kilometre circular trail through the hilly forest near Bålsta, which is well suited for walking. Cyclists have two routes of different lengths to choose from on Skohalvön: the shorter Cykla på Skohalvön cycling tour is 15 kilometres long and follows gravel roads through woodland and farmland, while the longer cycling tour is just under 24 kilometres long and follows an old country road through the cultural landscape.

Biskops-Arnö has four marked hiking loops ranging from 2 to 5 kilometres in length. The trails pass through woodland, parkland and meadows, as well as alongside fields. The Håbo section of the Upplandsleden is about 20 kilometres long and marked in orange. A section of around 5 kilometres runs from Bålsta to Ekilla Nature Reserve; for the return journey, UL buses on routes 803, 895 or 311 run from Yttergrans kyrka to Bålsta.

A regional cycling route is 80 kilometres long and passes through the municipalities of Enköping and Håbo. On Lake Mälaren, visitors can go canoeing or kayaking in Håbo. Recommended launch points for paddling include Biskops-Arnö, Kalmarsand in Bålsta, Ekillabadet north of Bålsta and Skokloster slott. The different route lengths, surfaces and activity types can thus be compared clearly.

Culture and history

Skokloster slott is a museum with preserved interiors and collections of weapons, tools, books, furniture, textiles, art and handicrafts dating from 1550 to 1850. The castle is open seasonally and offers guided tours for groups throughout the year, which can be booked in advance.

The Ã…bergs Museum can be reached from Stockholm Central Station by commuter train to BÃ¥lsta in about 40 minutes; from there, it is a 1.5-kilometre walk. The museum displays comic-inspired art and original comic drawings. The site also includes the three-storey Trazankoja with a slide, suspension bridge and Secret Arne's Lab. In addition, props, photographs and costumes from the films about Stig-Helmer are on display.

The Varpsundsstenen commemorates men who died during Ingvar's far-ranging Viking expedition. Skörby gravfält is an Iron Age burial ground with around 50 archaeological features, including five burial mounds and more than 40 round and rectangular stone settings. Sånka soldattorp is a museum in one of the oldest cottages in Skokloster; the building was constructed sometime in the second half of the 18th century.

At Biskops-Arnö, a Gothic hall from the period when a bishop's castle was built there in the 14th century has been preserved. Skokloster's medieval church was built in the 13th century and belonged to a Cistercian nunnery until the 16th century. About 1.5 kilometres northwest of the present-day church lies a 12th-century church ruin; it can be reached on foot from Skokloster slott in about 15 minutes.

Parks and local dining

The park at Skokloster slott features lime-tree avenues whose trees are in some cases as old as the castle. The park also includes a historic apple orchard with its own apple varieties. On the southern side of Skokloster slott is the historic Parkleken Paradiset, which is open year-round. Its history-themed play features include a pavilion, a horse-drawn tram, a balance course with tool motifs and raised garden beds.

Skokloster Kafferosteri & Café near Skokloster slott serves coffee from its own roastery, cakes, smørrebrød and simple lunch dishes.

To the main travel overview: Uppsala.