Stavsjö – Hiking Trails, Lakes and History

Hiking by Lakes and Through Kolmården Nature

If you would like to combine nature experiences with regional history on your trip, Stavsjö offers several different points of interest. A short, easy-to-walk loop follows Lake Skiren, while other hikes pass through Kolmården nature, lead to dams or follow a historic railway embankment. A day of swimming at Lake Stavsjön and an annual Valborg bonfire are also among the well-documented experiences in the area.

Skiren runt and the Sörmlandsleden

The circular trail Skiren runt begins at the old inn in Stavsjö and leads through the nature of Kolmården. It follows the shores of Lake Skiren almost throughout and is 4.5 kilometres long. The trail is considered easy to walk. Several swimming spots are located along the loop; on the southern shore there is also a designated barbecue area. This makes the trail a manageable hike combined with various opportunities to spend time by the water.

The Sörmlandsleden passes through Stavsjö. From here, hikes through the beautiful nature of Kolmården can begin. From Stavsjö Klint or the hostel in Stavsjö, circular hikes of approximately 16 or 9 kilometres are also possible, on terrain ranging from easy to moderately challenging. The two starting points and the different trail lengths therefore offer several ways to explore the surrounding area on foot.

Swimming Area and Scenery at Lake Stavsjön

Stavsjöbadet is located on Lake Stavsjön and is adapted for accessibility. Facilities include a car park, changing rooms and a jetty. Anyone wishing to combine a hike or time by the water with a specific destination will find an independent point of interest here by the lake. The swimming area thus complements the swimming spots along the Skiren runt loop, without equating the two bodies of water.

Dams, Waterwheels and Historic Railway Lines

The landscape around Stavsjö is also shaped by its former use of hydropower. Dammkärret lies 14 metres higher than Lake Stavsjön. This difference in elevation made it possible to operate many waterwheels. Another way to understand this relationship in the landscape is offered by the second loop of the dam trails: it leads to the large reservoir at Rökens kärr.

The history of the area also includes the historic Stavsjö Järnväg, which had a station in Stavsjö Bruk. Nunnebanan has a different historical background. It was built to transport wood damaged by the nun moth infestation from Stavsjö to Sandviken. Today, a 9-kilometre hiking and cycling trail runs along the remains of its railway embankment. Here, a former transport route can be combined with a modern route for active exploration.

Valborg at Slaggudden

A special date in the annual calendar is the last evening of April: every year, the Valborg bonfire is lit at Slaggudden. The event includes spring songs performed by the “Stavsjöventilerna” choir and a speech by an invited guest. It adds a cultural highlight alongside the hiking trails, lakes and historic traces that shape Stavsjö as a destination.

For the wider travel overview: Nyköping.