29 May 2017
As an outdoor and nature loving couple visiting Stockholm in Spring, we looked forward to visiting the Hellasgården recreational area, located just 20 minutes by bus 401 from Slussen. Hellasgården is located within the Nacka nature reserve.
We did not have much prior information about the various hiking trails in the Nacka nature reserve. An information board at Hellasgården was useful to provide an overview of the options available.
Information board showing the various hiking routes within the Nacka nature reserve.
We chose to do the 5 km loop trail, marked by the yellow line on the map. The overlapping green dotted line marks another longer route, extending from the 5 km route; providing options for 7, 10 or 12 km long trails.
The suggested route was to do the trail in an clockwise direction. We did the opposite and went anti-clockwise instead. This was because we wanted to do the longer section of the yellow route first and then decide later if we want to extend our walk when we come to the intersection with the green dotted trail.
The weather was around 16 degree C as forecasted. Slightly breezy, so a wind breaker was needed even though it was sunny. Perfect conditions for a walk in the woods.
These are the photos taken during the walk.
Shortly after we started the walk, the wind breakers were removed as it got warmer once we were in the woods.
We did a slight detour to check out a wooden bridge across the Söderbysjön lake. This bridge is not to be missed as the views from it were beautiful.
After returning to the original trail, we ascended slightly and went close to the cliff overlooking Söderbysjön. This was the place we left the trail and found a spot to have our picnic lunch overlooking the lake.
Tip: it is advisable to pack a picnic lunch and carry sufficient water as there is no food and drinks sold along the trail.
After the slight ascend and descend near Söderbysjön, the rest of the trail was mostly flat and easy to walk. We did not meet many people along this trail, just an occasional cyclist or jogger. I was hoping to spot some wildlife, e.g. a moose would be nice, but no luck.
The trail is marked with colour paint on the trees. The paint marking is mostly on one side of the trees, aimed at those hiking in the recommended clockwise direction. We did the opposite, so we did not see most of these markings but it was not easy to get lost.
We took about 2 hours ( including lunch and photo stops) to complete the 5 km loop trail and returned to Hellasgården. Groups were seen having a BBQ by their chalets at Hellasgården.
We rested by the Källtorpssjön lake at Hellasgården for a moment before continuing on a walk on another trail by this lake. There were signs indicating that we were not to disturb any nesting ducks but we did not spot any duck nests despite keeping a lookout for them.
This part of the trail had more people, with their dogs.
A family with a big brown dog created some excitement on an otherwise quiet day. This dog really loves water. It was leaping into the lake with a loud splash, swam around, came up to the shore and then leaped back into the water again. Several times.
It was quite a good swimmer, going quite far out into the lake.
At one point, the dog spotted us and came to check us out. It looked like a big bear was swimming towards me.
Then it saw a swimming duck.
Drama by the lake!
Thankfully, the duck could fly and made its escape.
The rocky shores of this lake is perfect for sun tanning. We recce around the shore for a good place to do some sun tanning ourselves, we chanced upon a group of nude sun bathers. Mostly guys, on a secluded rocky outcrop!
We felt we were intruding into their private space, so we quickly moved off to another spot. We spent the rest of day lazing by the lake, away from the nudists, till evening.
Overall, a great and quiet day out in the Nacka nature reserve, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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