Järvafältets naturreservat - en oas nära Stockholm

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.

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.

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

READ MORE: Tyresta National Park - tips on entrances and trails
READ MORE: Törnskogen nature reserve - lost twice in one day

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.

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?

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

READ MORE: Görväln Castle and Görväln Nature Reserve
READ MORE: Excursions in Stockholm in times of coronavirus - 15 tips

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?

Göra i Uppland — All our top tips for holidays in Uppland

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.

READ MORE: Experiences in Stockholm County - Norrtälje to Södertälje
READ MORE: Things to do in Uppland - sights and experiences
READ MORE: Holidays in Sweden - your guide to Sweden's best destinations

15 Comments

Add yours →

Ama de casa says:

Järvafältet is truly an oasis! When we lived in Sollentuna, we often (well, rather sometimes) cycled there. Not infrequently we took the road past Bög's farm (where I greeted the animals of course) and cycled to a lake and bathed. Have also ridden an Icelandic horse in the field many years ago 🙂.

Have a nice Sunday!

22 March 2020 - 10:09

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Really great, glad you were here! Cosy to ride an Icelandic horse 🙂
  
  22 March 2020 - 17:28
  
Lena - gott för själen says:

But wow! That was completely new to me. That it was so big and with nice trails. Although I hang out a lot on hiking forums, I have missed it completely. It's pretty close to us so we will surely go there sometime. Thanks for the tips!

We spend a lot of time in Härjarö nature reserve in Enköping municipality. Hammarskog in Uppsala and Ängsö in Västerås are other tips.

Hug Lena

22 March 2020 - 11:29

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  There are many natural areas around Stockholm. If the situation with travel restrictions continues for a long time, we may have time for a bunch ... Härjarö camping we were at once, but think it closed. We have also been to Ängsö camping several times 🙂.
  
  22 March 2020 - 17:31
  
Ditte says:

Always nice to get out and Järvafältet is absolutely perfect, especially if you live in that part of town. Was there often when we lived in Upplands Väsby. Now we have Nackareservatet close (walking distance) and likewise Tyresta national park, a little further away, so many times we go there now. The Stockholm area is surrounded by so much beautiful nature so it is easy to vary.
Thanks for the trip

22 March 2020 - 16:29

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Understand that these are better for you now. Tyresta is talked about by many, so we will go there one day. Maybe to Nackareservatet too! Now that you can't travel abroad, you can take the opportunity to discover Sweden's nature.
  
  22 March 2020 - 17:32
  
Maria / MagnoliaMagis says:

What a great trip! We can recommend nice trails in Tiveden! 😉

22 March 2020 - 17:32

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thanks for the tips! You have heard about Tiveden 🙂 .
  
  23 March 2020 - 9:03
  
BP says:

I recognise Bög's farm and have actually been there and interviewed the old man who had the farm at the time. He had bought a quad bike with a trailer to easily drive around the huge farm and repair fences when needed.
I have also visited Säby Gård during the summer. There is a cosy café there.

22 March 2020 - 18:46

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  But how nice that you did an interview on the farm 🙂 .
  
  23 March 2020 - 9:04
  
Ruth i Virginia says:

It's amazing how many wonderful areas there are.
near the capital of Sweden. It really does
special. Would be fun to cycle around there.
Barbecue sites with pre-cut bets! That's what it sounds like.
Who maintains it all?

A chilly but sunny Sunday in Northern Virginia. We're supposed to stay
home, so I have been doing some short walks on my rather
long tyres outside the living room. - Yes, life has changed!

Always nice to see your beautiful photos. Good health!

22 March 2020 - 19:30

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  There are really many nice nature areas around Stockholm. We have googled and looked at maps and we have many left to discover 🙂 The wood is probably filled by the municipality, I think. It said which days it is filled, whether it was once a week or what it was. Take care!
  
  23 March 2020 - 9:06
  
Marias Memoarer says:

It's great not to have to go super far to get to nature 🙂 For me, the nearest forest path is about 500 metres away from the house I live in 😀.

22 March 2020 - 21:10

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Lovely to have nature so close! 🙂
  
  23 March 2020 - 9:06
  
Kjelle says:

Tips on where to find blueberries in the western Järvafältet are welcome?

26 July 2020 - 0:43

Järvafältet nature reserve - an oasis near Stockholm

Järvafältet nature reserve

Long and exciting history

A day in the Järvafältet nature reserve

Several lakes

Activities in Järvafältet Nature Reserve

Farms in the Järvafältet nature reserve

Säby farm

Rocksta cabin

Bögs farm

Väsby farm

Facts about the Järvafältet nature reserve

Animals and nature

Services in Järvafältet nature reserve

Activities in Järvafältet Nature Reserve

Rules in the Järvafältet nature reserve

Find the main entrance of the Järfälla site

Find the main entrance of the Sollentuna site

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15 Comments

Ama de casa says:

Helena says:

Lena - gott för själen says:

Helena says:

Ditte says:

Helena says:

Maria / MagnoliaMagis says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Ruth i Virginia says:

Helena says:

Marias Memoarer says:

Helena says:

Kjelle says:

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