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Järvafältet nature reserve - an oasis near Stockholm

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Järvafältet Nature Reserve, or Norra Järvafältet, is a beautiful natural area in Stockholm County. You can hike or cycle here, and there are also several large lakes and historic farms. Now, in corona times, it is perfect to get out into the forest and countryside. Nature and movement are good for your health, and you can easily keep a reasonable distance from other people.

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Järvafältet nature reserve

There is more nature in and around Stockholm than you might think, including the region's 'green wedges' - 10 green areas that extend into the capital. The Järvafältet nature reserve (Norra Järvafältet) is located within the "Järvakilen" and is actually several nature reserves in the northern part of Järvafältet. Here you will find:

  • Östra Järvafältet nature reserve - belongs to the municipality of Sollentuna
  • Västra Järvafältet nature reserve (and Molnsättra) - belongs to Järfälla municipality
  • Hansta Nature Reserve (to the south-east) - belongs to the municipality of Stockholm

We visited the Västra Järvafältet nature reserve. Peter has grown up and lived in Järfälla and therefore he has been in this part countless times before, with associations, on dog walks or for ice fishing.

The main entrance to this section is actually at Säby Farm, but we chose a smaller entrance. We drove north from Stockholm and turned off at Kallhäll södra. Then we turned left, and followed the signs to the nature reserve.

På väg mot Järvafältets naturreservat

Long and exciting history

People were living in this area as early as the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the discovery of archaeological remains and burial sites, as well as a rune tablet. Several of the farms located here date back to the Iron Age (500 BC - 1050 AD).

In 1905, Järvafältet became a military training ground, but in the 1960s the military activities were phased out and the municipalities bought the land. Large parts of the area (e.g. Husby, Kista, Hjulsta and Rinkeby) were built with housing, but Norra Järvafältet is now protected as a nature reserve.

Norra Järvafältet

A day in the Järvafältet nature reserve

We parked the car and then started our hike into the forest. At this entrance there are three tracks to choose from: Green (10 km), Yellow (5 km) or Red (2.5 km).

Järvafältets naturreservat, Norra Järvafältet

The sun was shining and we had a really nice walk in nature. Some fallen trees contributed with some extra climbing exercises.

Kulfallet träd i Järvafältets naturreservat

Several lakes

There are four lakes in the Järvafältet nature reserve: Översjön, Ravalen, Säbysjön and Djupan. On our first little walk we came down to Översjön after a while. Later we moved by car to Säby farm (main entrance on the Järfälla side) and from there we came down to Säbysjön. Here we had a break with fruit in the sun.

Kanadagäss på Norra Järvafältet
Järvafältets naturreservat

Activities in Järvafältet Nature Reserve

Most people we met in the Järvafältet nature reserve were walking, cycling or walking their dogs. You can also, for example, pick berries and mushrooms or watch birds. Apparently there are plenty of birds at the lakes, and to protect them, fishing is only allowed from ice. There are also several rest areas with benches, and nice barbecue areas with ready-cut wood. Nice, isn't it?

Ved i Järvafältets naturreservat

We also saw a whole bunch of red cabins, and on one of them we saw a sign about a scout organisation.

Stugor i Järvafältets naturreservat

Farms in the Järvafältet nature reserve

There are also several historic farms in the Järvafältet nature reserve. The farms have a coffee shop, which is open on certain days and times.

Säby farm

Säby farm is of prehistoric origin, which is known because burial sites and a rune carving have been found in the vicinity of the farm. The building itself, built by Schering Rosenhane in the 17th century, is a listed building. Today Säby is owned by Järfälla municipality and is rented out to a Waldorf preschool. Next door is a riding stable, which is open to the public.

Rocksta cabin

Rockstastugan is also located in Järfälla municipality. Today, Friluftsfrämjandet sometimes serves coffee and rents it out.

Bögs farm

Bögs gård, in Sollentuna, is located next to a burial ground from the early Iron Age, and it is likely that the farm dates back to this period. The farm's name comes from the word "bend", referring to the sharp turn in the road in front of the farm. The main building probably dates from the 17th century, and has been remodelled since then. Today it is a farm and show farm with pigs, goats, calves and horses. There are also specialised breeds such as mountain cows, roslag sheep, Hereford cows and Highland cattle.

Väsby farm

Väsby Farm is located near Bögs Farm in Sollentuna, and has an equally long history. Today, Sollentuna municipality runs a nature school here, with the task of spreading knowledge about nature and sustainable development.

Säby gård på Norra Järvafältet
Säby farm in Järfälla municipality
Säby farm in the 17th century - Suecia verket

We had a really nice day in nature, and if the nice weather continues, there may be more days like this. Have you been to the Järvafältet nature reserve? Or, do you have tips on other nice nature areas?

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Facts about the Järvafältet nature reserve

  • Size: 2000 hectares
  • Formation: Eastern part (1979) and western part (1987).
  • Lakes: Översjön, Ravalen, Säbysjön and Djupan.

Animals and nature

  • Open fields: Fields, meadows and pastures.
  • Forest types: Deciduous groves, oak hills, riparian forests, rocky pine forests, spruce forests and woodlands.
  • Domesticated animals: Cows, sheep and horses, etc.
  • Wild mammals: Moose, deer, hare, fox, badger, beaver and others.
  • Birds: Around 170 bird species have been observed at Säbysjön. You can see ducks, waders, laughing gulls and many others.

Services in Järvafältet nature reserve

  • Farms: Säby Gård, Bögs gård, Väsby gård and Rockstastugan.
  • Coffee service: At Säby gård, Bögs gård, Väsby gård and Rockstastugan (only open on certain days and times).
  • Rest areas and barbecue areas: Available at several locations in Norra Järvafältet.
  • Toilets/dry toilets: Available at several locations in Norra Järvafältet.

Activities in Järvafältet Nature Reserve

  • Hiking: There are several marked trails, both short and long. Järvaleden is 35 kilometres long. Parts of the Järva Kilstråk trail also run here.
  • Dog walking: You can walk your dog as long as you keep it on a lead.
  • Berry and mushroom picking: The forests offer opportunities to find berries and mushrooms.
  • Cycling: The Järva cycle path runs through several parts of the Järvafältet nature reserve.
  • Bird watching: There are two birdwatching towers southeast of Säbysjön. There are also viewpoints at the lake meadow south of Väsby farm and at Säby strandäng.
  • Horse riding: Horse riding is allowed only on designated trails.
  • Skiing: Marked ski trails are available, and you can start in Granskog, Tånglöt, Bögs gård or Fäboda.
  • Bath: You can swim at Översjön.
  • Fishing from ice: To protect bird life, only ice fishing is allowed.

Rules in the Järvafältet nature reserve

In the Järvafältet nature reserve (Norra Järvafältet), it is forbidden:

  • Destroying or damaging the natural environment or surface formation
  • Breaking branches or damaging vegetation
  • Disrupting wildlife
  • Bring a dog or cat that is not on a leash
  • Lighting fires in places other than designated areas
  • Camping for more than two days
  • Riding in places other than designated trails
  • Driving motor vehicles on roads other than designated roads
  • Operating a craft on Lake Säby between 1 April and 15 July
  • Driving motorised craft on Lake Översjön, Lake Ravalen and Lake Säbysjön.
  • Organising tracked courses or large competitions without authorisation
  • Disembark at Getholmen between 15 April and 30 June.
  • Parking in places other than designated areas

In the municipality of Järfälla (Västra Järvafältet and Molnsättra), it is also forbidden:

  • Using a noisy motorised device for play or sport.
  • Driving a horse and carriage for trotting practice
  • Fishing from a craft

Find the main entrance of the Järfälla site

  • Location: At Säby Gård, just east of the centre of Jakobsberg.
  • Commuter trains: Go to the centre of Jakobsberg and walk for about 15 minutes.
  • Car: Take the Jakobsberg exit on the E18, follow Folkungavägen east, turn north on Enköpingsvägen and then choose the right-hand entrance to Säby Gård's car park.

Find the main entrance of the Sollentuna site

  • Location: At Bögs gård, just west of the Häggvik exit on the E4 motorway.
  • Commuter trains: Go to Häggvik and walk for about 20 minutes.
  • Car: Take the Häggvik exit on the E4, follow Knistavägen, continue under the E4 and then turn right to Bögs gård.

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