Nacka

Nacka, a municipality directly east of Stockholm, invites you to hike through pine-covered trails in Nackareservatet, swim in Lake Järlasjön, and explore 18th-century wooden estates like Svindersvik. Once a key route for medieval traders moving goods to Stockholm, this area now combines residential areas with access to the coast and nearby islands. Visit Dieselverkstaden, a converted factory space with rotating art displays, or browse stores at Nacka Forum, one of the region’s largest shopping centers. Direct buses, trains, and ferries connect to central Stockholm in under 25 minutes, making Nacka a practical base for exploring both the city and its surroundings. You’ll find swimming spots, hiking trails, and historical sites within walking distance of many neighborhoods.

Trails, Lakes, and Seasonal Activities

You’ll find 12 nature reserves in Nacka with marked paths for hiking, skiing, and spotting wildlife like deer and foxes. Nackareservatet covers 730 hectares of pine forests, marshes, and small lakes such as Långsjön, where wooden benches let you rest near the water. At Hellasgården, swim from a sandy beach in July or rent ice cleats for winter walks on frozen lakes. The same area has a wood-fired sauna open year-round and ski trails groomed weekly during snowy months. Velamsund’s coastal paths lead past rocky outcrops with views of sailboats navigating nearby islands. Between June and August, locals swim from Järlasjön Lake’s wooden piers, and in February, the ice often freezes thick enough for skating. Take the Saltsjöbanan train to Saltsjöbaden, where smooth granite rocks along the shore provide sunbathing spots and easy entry points for swimming.

Manors, Battle Sites, and Industrial History

Svindersvik, a yellow-painted summer estate built in 1740, displays original furniture and landscaped gardens shaped by 18th-century landowners. Stora Nyckelviken, another manor from this era, stages outdoor plays in its apple orchard during summer weekends. Learn about the 1719 Battle of Stäket at the HAMN museum, which uses maps and replica weapons to explain how Swedish troops blocked Russian ships at Baggensstäket strait. Walk along this narrow waterway today to read metal signs describing its military significance. Near Nacka’s oldest farm buildings, remnants of 16th-century water mills still stand along streams once used for grinding grain. Many industrial structures now host art studios or cafes rather than machinery.

Art Spaces, Murals, and Seasonal Events

Dieselverkstaden’s converted factory halls contain pottery studios, a two-screen cinema, and a stage hosting jazz concerts every Thursday. Twenty large-scale murals decorate building walls across Nacka, including a colorful geometric piece near Sickla Köpkvarter’s parking garage. The Stockholm County Museum at Nacka Strand presents exhibits on local history, from Iron Age tools to photographs of 19th-century fishing villages. In July and August, Finnberget Park hosts Friday evening concerts with views of boats docking at the marina. Nyckelviken’s working farm lets you walk past grazing sheep and herb gardens planted with thyme and sage.

Stores, Eateries, and Cafes

Nacka Forum’s 150 shops include clothing chains, electronics stores, and a supermarket selling fresh produce and Swedish snacks. At Sickla Köpkvarter, glass-covered buildings house design studios, coffee shops, and a bookstore with English-language titles. Try grilled herring with lingonberries at Hotel J’s lakeside terrace or order falafel wraps from Mezze House near the Boo train station. Andaman, a casual Thai spot by Nacka Strand, serves peanut-topped curries and mango salads. For baked goods, Brod & Salt in Saltsjöbaden makes cinnamon rolls and rye loaves using stone ovens.

Getting to and Around Nacka

Take bus 409 or the Saltsjöbanan train from Stockholm’s Slussen station, both reaching central Nacka in 15-20 minutes. Ferries depart Slussen’s docks every hour for Nacka Strand, passing small islands during the 25-minute ride. If driving, follow the main highway east from Stockholm and use parking areas near reserves like Hellasgården, which fill quickly on weekends. Local buses run every 10-15 minutes between neighborhoods such as Finntorp, Saltsjöbaden, and Järla. Cyclists follow paved paths parallel to the main road connecting Nacka to Värmdö and other archipelago communities.