Lidingö between nature trails and cultural walks

The Långängen–Elfvik nature reserve stretches from Mölna in the south of the island of Lidingö to Södergarn and Elfviks udde in the north. It encompasses forests, lakes, coastal areas, grassland and land used for agriculture.

Nature

The Långängen–Elfvik nature reserve has popular bathing spots, barbecue areas, wind shelters and fitness trails. The Sticklinge nature reserve combines forests, coastal areas and grassland with trails through forests rich in berries and mushrooms. In the Kappsta nature reserve, an easy walking path leads to a rest area and sunny rocks with beautiful views of the sea.

Kottlasjön is a glacial lake covering approximately 24 hectares, with a maximum depth of just over seven metres. Beavers, amphibians, various bird species, insects and bats live around Kottlasjön.

Trails and exercise

Lidingö has more than 150 kilometres of fitness trails and paths that can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Elfviksleden is a nine-kilometre trail from Lidingö Centrum to Elfviks udde. It passes through urban areas, parks, agricultural land, forest landscapes and archipelago scenery.

Hälsans stig is a six-kilometre paved circular trail near the centre of Lidingö. The trail has no steep climbs or stairs and is suitable for wheelchairs and walking frames. In the Stockby/Långängen area, there is a 5.5-kilometre mountain biking trail. On Elfvikslandet, an 8.5-kilometre varied mountain biking trail runs through the area.

Water

Fågelöuddebadet has a long sandy beach, a diving tower, swings, a climbing frame, a barbecue area, a cafeteria and toilets. From Ropsten, the beach can be reached by bus 204 to the Fågelöuddevägen stop, followed by a 10- to 15-minute walk. At certain times, bus 211 runs directly to the beach’s car park.

At Hustegaholm, private individuals, schools and associations can rent canoes and kayaks.

Culture and history

At a normal pace, the cultural walks on Lidingö take just under two hours and combine exercise with knowledge about the local surroundings. The Dalängen–Grönsta cultural walk includes a rune stone, a burial ground, Sweden’s first allotment cottage settlement, a monument to the Lidingöloppet and an aircraft hangar.

The Torsvik–Mosstorp cultural walk passes through Islinge villastad, past Foresta and Millesgården, and through Herseruds villastad. The Mölna–Gångsätra cultural walk passes through Mölna, the earliest settlement on Lidingö to be mentioned in writing, which is known for its extensive milling operations. This cultural walk also includes Skärsätra gård, where fruit wine was produced at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a monument on the foundations of the summer house belonging to Raoul Wallenberg’s grandparents.

The Larsberg–Baggeby cultural walk passes through Ekbacken, offers views of the entrance to Stockholm, and includes the monument to the victims of the Estonia disaster as well as several sculptures along the route. There are walking paths around the Elfvik farm and along the water.

At Elfvik, visitors can explore a working farm. Sheep, horses and small animals graze there in summer on the fields along Elfviksvägen. Lidingö Church was built in 1623 and is now Lidingö’s oldest surviving building.

The Bo–Askrike rune stone was discovered in 1984, probably dates from the 11th century and is Lidingö’s second known runic inscription. The Bo–Askrike burial ground comprises around fifty graves and a runic inscription on a rock slab.

The Lidingö Museum regularly organises lectures, themed exhibitions and guided tours about the development of the island. A permanent exhibition presents Lidingö’s development from 8000 BC to the present day.

The Lidingöloppet has taken place every year on the last weekend of September on Lidingö since 1965. The main race is 30,250 metres long, starts at Koltorps gärde and finishes at Grönsta gärde.

Millesgården combines a large sculpture park, the former home of artists Carl and Olga Milles, and a museum with changing exhibitions.

To the main travel overview: Stockholm.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Täby, Sollentuna, Drottningholm, Upplands Väsby, Boo, Södertälje, Enhörna.