The Mälars

Ekerö and Munsö Trail Phase 1

On Ekerö and Munsö there is an unusual and exciting hiking trail in a very scenic environment.

Träkvista - Menhammar (Huvududden)

The first stage of the trail starts just after Statoil in Träkvista. Suitable parking is available at the entrance to Sandudden (or Kaningropen as the local childcare center has called it). There are also bus connections to and from Stockholm and Adelsö. Stage 1 is stated to be 18 kilometers long but is actually closer to 22 km.

Shortly after the start, you get a choice to go down, towards the water, or up where you get a nice wide view of the area and the southern part of Färingsö on the other side of the water. The trail then follows the northern beach and passes fine bathing places and some summer housing. As on Munsö, the mighty Uppsalaåsen is constantly present during the hike and leaves its mark on the landscape with variation in both height and vegetation. At Skytteholm, the trail turns sharply and runs across the island. Once on the other side, the trail goes through a more wilderness-like and dense forest before finally passing the large horse pastures to the stage goal at Menhammar.

For those who have more time and energy in their legs, we recommend a short extra trip to Huvududden Nature Reserve, which is located on an exciting sandy reef with steep sides and goes straight into Lake Mälaren.

Like so many times before, I am amazed at how many exciting and interesting hikes you can find near Stockholm.

Ekerö and Munsö Trail Phase 2

Kärsösund - Sjöängen

The second stage of the trail runs between Kärsösund and Sjöängen, where the ferry to Adelsö runs, and is 19 kilometers long. If you arrive in Kärsösund by bus, the trail starts on the other side of the road. For those arriving by car, I recommend parking at the Husby Nature Reserve parking lot a bit further down the gravel road.

As on many islands, water is constantly present during the hike. As Uppsalaåsen follows the eastern edge of Munsö, an unusually varied nature is created where the trail passes both artificial swimming and fishing lakes and dramatic canyons with tree-lined gorges. When the trail crosses over Munsö, the landscape changes again. Here the hike leads to a cultural landscape where you can both feel and see the wings of history paired with a rich wildlife.

This stage is one of the most beautiful and interesting walks I have done in the Stockholm area.

Brochure and maps

The hiking and leisure brochure with a simple map can be ordered from Ekerö Direkt: info@ekero.se.

The trail is certified by the Internationaler Volkssportverband, IVV, which is an international organization for people who like to hike. The Swedish part of the organization is called Svenska Folksportförbundet.

Despite the certification, which means among other things that the trail is marked with blue diamonds in the terrain, you can easily get lost in some places and I always recommend that you bring a map. For this trail, the terrain map part 605 and 606 or 607 works very well.

Noblesse oblige

The Adelsö Trail is 14 kilometers long and runs around the northern part of the interesting and beautiful Adelsö in Lake Mälaren.

It is best to start at the gravel field just after the exit to Lilla Stenby on the road to Sättra.

If you come by bus from Brommaplan, you can walk an extra kilometer from the ferry from the mainland.

The trail is well marked in the terrain with blue dots and arrows and there are occasional information signs at points of interest.

Initially, the trail goes through sparse coniferous forest with no sense of being on an island. You pass some open fields and a burial ground. One of the highlights of the trail is Kunstaberget, which with its lookout tower offers wonderful views of Lake Mälaren and Adelsö.

After Kunsta, the trail continues down to the water and then follows the shoreline. There are plenty of nice places in the sparse pine forest to have coffee and lunch. The cobblestone beaches also invite you to swim.

The best map is the green terrain map number 605 Strängnäs, 1:50 000. In summer, mosquito repellent is recommended.

The trail is one of the most beautiful day walks I have done around Stockholm.

Lovön round - Fornstigen

A varied forest walk of 18 km with historical elements, easily accessible by car or by bus from Brommaplan.

There are probably more than a thousand registered ancient monuments on Lovön, which quickly becomes clear when you leave the starting point at the parking lot of Kina Slotts. The trail is easy to walk with a maximum height difference of fifty meters.

The trail goes through forest and agricultural environments on gravel roads and on fairly wide and nice paths. However, it can be quite muddy, especially when it has rained. Since the trail goes mainly inside the island, you don't have much contact with the water, which on a hot summer day can make it quite strenuous.

The trail is marked in the terrain with blue diamonds on trees and stones and there are several marked detours to various more or less interesting historical sites. For example, you pass several fields with both Iron and Bronze Age graves, rock carvings and the remains of the anti-aircraft unit that was stationed here during the Second World War.

As the trail is at times poorly marked and all the detours are somewhat confusing, you should bring a map. Terrängkartan 10I NV works well, but Ekerö municipality's map of hiking trails on the Mälar Islands also works. In Pressbyrån at Drottningholm Castle, you can also buy the Lovöns hembyggdsförening's booklet with information about the area.

The trail may not be for those looking for a major wilderness experience, but as it is close to Stockholm, you still get quite a lot of nature experiences and wildlife in relation to the short journey. The historical sights are a bonus.

Eldgarnsö

Eldgarnsö is located northeast of Färingsö. The island is characterized by deciduous forest but also has open farmland, coniferous forest and fine beach meadows. Eldgarnsö is known for its fine stand of mistletoe.

Around the island there is a nice and easy-to-walk trail that is just over 6 kilometers long. Without a coffee break, the trail takes less than two hours to walk. Along the way, you pass the shoreline several times with nice views of Lake Mälaren. The trail runs on both forest paths and forest roads. The trail is excellent all the way around and since it is an island you walk on, it is never very difficult to find.

If you go by car, drive Brommaplan via Drottningholm towards Färingsö, Färentuna and Eldgarnsö. There is a parking lot on the right just after passing the road bank into the reserve. You can also take bus 317 from Brommaplan to the Karlskär stop and then continue for about 2 km on foot.

Svartsjöviken

Next to Svartsjö Castle is Svartsjöviken with many resting and nesting birds. Around the bay there is an approximately 6 kilometer long hiking trail with bird towers and viewpoints. The trail is very easy to follow, but in some cases is strangely extended far beyond the bay itself. It is easy to find if you follow the blue diamonds on trees and poles. The trail is perhaps most interesting for those who also like to watch birds or want to combine it with a visit to Svartsjö Castle and Castle Park.

Svartsjöviken is reached by car Brommaplan via Drottningholm towards Färingsö. Parking at the castle. Buses leave from Brommaplan.