Discover Botkyrka: Churches, paper and trails

Botkyrka Church and the Pilgrim Trail

Botkyrka Church has roots dating back to the 12th century. It became a well-known pilgrim and pilgrimage church. The theme still shapes how people experience the place today: the St Botvid Pilgrim Trail runs between Salem Church and Botkyrka Church, with six meditation spots along the way.

The church is protected under Chapter 4 of the Swedish Heritage Conservation Act and lies in an area of national interest for heritage conservation. The four rune stones at the church include some very different finds: one lies inaccessible in the floor of the church porch. A stone with a damaged inscription stands by the southeastern exterior wall. A partly visible stone lies beneath the ground at the southwestern corner of the tower, and a fragment is built high into the northern exterior wall near the sacristy. Their different locations and states of preservation give a visit to the church an archaeological focus.

The history of paper at Tumba Bruk Museum

At Tumba Bruk Museum, visitors encounter two sides of local history. The exhibitions and surroundings tell the story of Swedish banknotes and of the people who lived and worked at Tumba Paper Mill. The site includes a museum, a café and a park. Visitors can explore the museum independently and download free audio guides.

For those who want to do more than look at exhibitions, there is also a hands-on activity: visitors can make their own paper at the museum. There are also general guided tours of the mill site, as well as tours of the paper workshop. This offers several ways to engage with the former mill and paper-making setting: exploring independently, taking a guided tour or making your own paper.

Walking and exercise trails

There are two waymarked walking trails at Hågelby-Skrävsta: Skrävstastigen and Saltbergstigen. The landscape there is largely preserved, including archaeological sites and agricultural land. In northern Botkyrka, three more cultural trails with signs provide information about local cultural landscapes in Norsborg, Hallunda and Fittja. Each trail therefore has a clearly named landscape or cultural focus.

For a longer single hike, Aspens nature trail is a clear option: it is just over seven kilometres long and runs around the southern part of Lake Aspen. Lida has a total of 35 kilometres of exercise trails. In addition, Lida offers three mountain biking trails where visitors can try trail riding. These options differ in format: a specific loop around the lake, exercise trails and dedicated mountain biking routes.

Hågelby: history and wildlife

Hågelby gård on Lake Aspen in Botkyrka was built between 1911 and 1922 by Lars Magnus Ericsson, founder of Ericsson. Its dated building history adds a distinct chapter to the destination’s other historical themes.

Hågelby 4H Farm is a small urban farm with horses, sheep, goats, miniature pigs, chickens, rabbits, cats and other small animals. Visitors can also take part in courses and camps there.

More cultural attractions in Botkyrka

Mångkulturellt centrum offers exhibitions, lectures, a library and an open workshop. Its range extends beyond church and industrial history to include cultural activities under one roof.

Subtopia is also located in Alby in Botkyrka Municipality. It is a production venue for the arts, creative industries and social enterprises. Together, these places showcase different cultural themes, without implying a shared walking route or a particular order of visits.

Discover more destinations: Tumba, Grödinge.

Go to the main travel overview: Botkyrka.