Lötsjön and Råstasjön, located in Sundbyberg and Solna respectively, are two fine lakes with a rich bird life. In the area around Golfängarna there are also opportunities to walk, cycle, exercise in the outdoor gym, have a picnic, enjoy a coffee at the Gröna stugan café or perhaps play football or crazy golf.
Table of contents
Lötsjön and Råstasjön - two great bird lakes
We have spent a lot of time at both Lötsjön and Råstasjön. We lived in Sundbyberg for many years, and we often went to the area around Lötsjön to walk, jog or have a picnic. At that time we lived without a patio or balcony, and then it was perfect to be close to the Golfängarnas green area. There are nice walking paths through beautiful nature, opportunities for different activities and lots of birds.
Lötsjön in Sundbyberg
Lötsjön and Golfängarna are a green oasis in Sundbyberg. The area around the lake is extremely popular and on fine days people flock here to walk, jog, have a picnic or practice various sports. Since 2017, Lötsjön-Golfängarna has been a nature reserve.
Lötsjön is located near Duvbo metro station in Sundbyberg, and at the other end borders Råstasjön in Solna.
Different opinions on swan family in Lake Lötsjön
A novelty in the lake since we lived in Sundbyberg is the large "swan family". The municipality has chosen to gild the area with different animals that light up when it gets dark, and there are already a couple of deer that glow in gold colour.
Three swans have now landed, the largest of which is five metres long and 2.30 metres high. As usual when installing something new, there has been a debate on social media. Many people like the swans, but others think they are ugly or unnecessary. "The swans are not works of art but a kind of industrially produced decorative lighting, but we still like them. We think animals fit in with the environment, and any extra lighting can be good for creating a sense of security.
Coffee in the Green Cottage
Gröna stugan is a cosy little café with a popular outdoor terrace right next to Lötsjön. We used to come here and eat rimmed salmon with dill stewed potatoes. Now the menu is probably different. Here you will find sandwiches, pastries and lunch of the day, and when "Bistro Lötsjöpaviljongen" is open, there is also a slightly more luxurious menu. The venue can also be booked for parties and weddings.
Bird life at Lötsjön
Lötsjön is not a bathing lake but a bird lake, and there really are lots of birds here. Sometimes you can see large flocks of Canada geese or white-cheeked geese on the open grassy areas. There are also plenty of mallards, coots, swans and lots of other birds. In spring and autumn, Lötsjön is a resting place for migratory birds, some of which are long-distance travellers from the Arctic or Africa.
The City of Sundbyberg manages the reserve so that as many birds as possible can thrive, including by having plants that produce berries and seeds all year round. The city also feeds the birds with organic sunflower seeds in winter.
The golf meadows at Lötsjön
The area around Lötsjön is called Golfängarna after the Råsunda golf course, which opened here in 1912. Now the large lawns and meadows are used for football, picnics and other activities. The meadows are home to a wide variety of species. In just one square metre of a meadow you can find 50 different plant species.
Activities at Lötsjön and Golfängarna
Every time we come to Lötsjön and Golfängarna we are fascinated by all the things we can do. Now the offer was also yet better than it was before. They have built a new, really nice, outdoor gym and a playground that is so new that it hasn't even opened yet. Here are some examples of what you can do:
- Outdoor gym
- Playground
- Bangolf
- Football
- Dog park
- Picnic in the grass
- Coffee in the Green Cottage
- Various events, such as running races and national day celebrations.
Råstasjön in Solna
Right next to Lötsjön is Råstasjön, and if you want to, you can walk or jog around both in the same turn (about 5 kilometres in total). Råstasjön is located in the Råsunda district of Solna, not far from Friends Arena and the indoor centre. Mall of Scandinavia.
Nature around Lake Råsta
The nature around Råstasjön is green and beautiful. It feels like you are far out in a natural area, and it is fascinating that you are so close to the centre of Stockholm. Råstasjön has been a nature reserve since 2018. There is also the natural monument "Råstahällen", with traces of the inland ice.
Bird life at Lake Råsta
Lake Råsta is best known for its bird life. There are around 100 species of birds here, and when you approach certain parts of the lake you are greeted by intense chatter. Here you can see, for example, ducks, swans, grebes, swamphens, brown ducks, laughing gulls and reed warblers.
Around the lake, you can also see terns and goshawks and, depending on the season, birds such as herring gulls, nightingales, chaffinches, robins, wrens and herons. The herons live most of the year at Isbladskärret on Djurgården, but move to Solna in the winter. If we understand correctly, the move is partly due to the fact that there is open water here, and partly because they can get food from the city of Solna.
Unexpected insights into Lötsjön and Råsta Lake
While writing this post about Lötsjön and Råstasjön, I found some interesting historical information that I can't help but share.
The old man lived 30 years in a hut
Lötgubben, or Löf as he was really called, lived in a hut by Lötsjön at the end of the 19th century. He had a fireplace and chimney and did not offend anyone, so he was allowed to live here for 30 years, until he died at the age of 70 in 1897.
The Gerd murder took place at Lötsjön
On 1 December 1939, a 10-year-old girl named Gerd Johansson disappeared. Eight days later she was found raped and strangled at Lötsjön. A man was sentenced to ten years of hard labour for the crime. However, critics argued that several of the testimonies were false, and it is unclear whether he was really guilty.
Ostrich farm turned cinema
Råstasjön is located in Råsunda, and in the 20th century it was home to a popular ostrich farm (ostrich plumes were in vogue!). In 1919, Svensk Filmindustri bought the ostrich farm and built Filmstaden, which later became what Råsunda is associated with.
Riddarholm Church in Stockholm - the burial place of kings
Riddarholm Church is Stockholm's only surviving medieval monastery church. This magnificent building, constructed at the end of the...
Butterfly House in Haga - tropical climate, butterflies and sharks
Have you visited the Butterfly House in Haga? For us it was a long time ago, but now...
From Sundbyberg to Sigtuna - a visit to the Sigtuna Foundation
Guest writer: Christina Gripenberg More specifically, to the Sigtuna Foundation. It's a journey of 1.5 hours, first...
Marabouparken in Sundbyberg - art gallery and park hangout
Marabouparken in Sundbyberg is a park with an art centre and a large collection of sculptures. Despite...
What to do in Solna - 15 activities and experiences
What can you do in Solna? We have lived in Solna for eight years, and before...
Lövstabruk - ironworks dating back to the 16th century
Lövstabruk in Uppland is one of the so-called vallon mills in Sweden, a historic ironworks....
Museums in Stockholm - guide to the city's best museums
Why not visit some museums in Stockholm? Sweden's capital city is one of the world's most museum-rich...
Lingnåre cultural reserve - historical trails in Uppland
Lingnåre Cultural Reserve is located on the Hållnäs peninsula in the municipality of Tierp. There are currently a total of 43 cultural reserves...
Solna church - and the beautiful Norra begravningsplatsen cemetery
Solna Church is a nice little round church from the 12th century. Adjacent to the church is Norra begravningsplatsen, which...
Väddö sea baths and camping in Roslagen
Väddö havsbad och camping på Väddö is a campsite with a sandy beach, surrounded by beautiful nature....
Salsta Castle in Uppland - castle café, guided tours and ghosts
Salsta Castle is a beautiful baroque castle from the 17th century. We were fascinated by the beautiful building when...
Excursions in Stockholm in times of coronavirus - 15 tips
Tips on 15 excursions in Stockholm in times of corona! Because yes, what do you do when you...
Törnskogen nature reserve - lost twice in one day
Törnskogen Nature Reserve consists of Södra Törnskogen in Sollentuna and Norra Törnskogen in Upplands Väsby. Here...
Road trip in Roslagen - 10 places to visit
Looking for a road trip in Roslagen? We recommend ten great destinations to visit...
Noor's castle - a Carolingian wooden castle in Uppland
Noor's Castle is a wooden Carolingian castle in Knivsta, Uppland. It may be a very...
Österbybruk - mansion and mill environment in Roslagen
Österbybruk is beautifully located in Roslagen and offers a beautiful manor house, historic mill environment and...
Skokloster Castle - magnificent baroque castle by Lake Mälaren.
Skokloster Castle is a magnificent baroque castle on Lake Mälaren. This is the largest private palace that...
Cultural trail in Värmdö - Pilhamn on Ingarö.
Yesterday a new cultural trail opened in Värmdö municipality, on the island of Ingarö, called Kulturstig Pilhamn....
30 attractions in Old Town - tourist in Stockholm
Sights in the Old Town! The old parts of Stockholm are not only charming and beautiful,...
Karlberg Castle Park - jogging trails and attractions
Karlberg Castle Park is just a few minutes' walk from where we live. Yet it took several...
Steninge castle in Uppland - Aunt Anna and the sugar bushes
Guest writer: Anna Nilsson Spets A visit to Sweden for me is full of activities, we headed for...
Öregrund in Roslagen - tips for things to see and do
Öregrund is a real gem in Roslagen with charming alleys, beautiful old wooden houses and a...
What to do in Sundbyberg - 9 tips for cosy Sumpan.
What can you do in Sundbyberg? We have lived in Sumpan for many years, and...
Siggesta Gård in Värmdö - now with parking spaces
Siggesta Farm in Värmdö, outside Stockholm, is a rural hotel with conference facilities, outdoor activities, animals,...
Huvudsta farm in Solna - murder story and beautiful surroundings
Huvudsta farm in Solna is located a short walk from the marina where we live. We are...
Forsmark's mill in Roslagen - a poppy mill with a long history
Forsmark's mill in Roslagen is one of the many beautiful poppy mills in the area. Once...
Hagaparken in Solna - castles, gazebos and pavilions
Hagaparken in Solna is a beautiful park where you can stroll among castles, gazebos and...
Rullsands camping and sea baths
Rullsands camping is a nice campsite outside Gävle. The location of the campsite is very nice and...
Paul Taylor Lanthandel - celebrity restaurant in Sundbyberg, Sweden
Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg is a climate-smart, modern and, above all, sustainable restaurant....
Albert Engström's museum in Grisslehamn, Roslagen.
The Albert Engström Museum is located in Grisslehamn in Roslagen and tells the story of the artist Albert Engström. Here...
Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje - step into history
The Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje tells, in a very vivid way, about a piece of Swedish industrial history....
"The whole journey" at Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg, Sweden.
We recently tested the 'Whole Journey' menu at the celebrity restaurant Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg. This is...
Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm - guide for your visit
Last weekend we visited Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm. It was a fantastic autumn weekend, and...
Grisslehamn in Roslagen - 7 tips on things to do
Located on Väddö in Roslagen, Grisslehamn is a charming little town that is bustling with...
Pampas marina in Solna - all you need to know
Pampas marina in Solna is a marina, where you will also find houseboats and a restaurant....
Royal palaces in Sweden - 11 magnificent castles
Royal palaces in Sweden are the subject of today's article. Did you know that there are 11...
Both Lötsjön and Råstasjön are two super nice lakes and we can highly recommend a visit here. Have you also been here? What do you think?
Facts about Lötsjön
- Landscape: Uppland
- County: Stockholm County
- Municipality: Sundbyberg
- Maximum depth: 3 metres
- Shoreline: 1.12 kilometres
- Catchment area: Åkerström-Norrström coastal area and also Brunnsviken Bay
- Islands: 9 small islands of which one is natural
Lötsjön-Golfängarnas nature reserve
- Established: 2017
- Size: 26.5 hectares
- Location: In a valley between two ridges, Tulemarken-Storskogen in the south and Hallonbergen-Ör in the north.
- Planning of a park area: Landscape Architect Sven A Hermelin (1900-1984)
- Nature: Lake, stream, forest hills and old trees.
- Trees: Elm, ash, silver birch, holly, cracked willow, aspen, oxel, rowan, bilberry and sallow.
- Plants: Bilberry, dog-axe, meadow fescue, sheep's fescue, sedge, marsh broom, bog myrtle, lily of the valley, bladderwort, eagle's broom, wood sorrel, bilberry, elderberry, beech, white freesia, yellow water lily, torch flower, chickweed, sword lily, cowslip, almond flower, tarweed, ragwort, daylily, beach iris. beach crowfoot, red chervil, beach claw, rosebay willowherb, reed and woodland rush.
- Birds: Mallard, wigeon, coot, bearded grebe, laughing gull, brown duck, gadwall, moorhen, barnacle goose, willow warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, corncrake, starling, thrush and heron.
- Fish: Ruda, perch, roach, pike, grass carp and common carp.
- Insects: Relict buck, spruce bark beetle, bees, bumblebees and butterflies (peacock butterfly, lesser spotted flycatcher and silver-striped pearl butterfly) as well as dragonflies, damselflies and damselflies.
- Read more: You can find more information about the nature reserve at Sundbyberg website.
Activities at Lötsjön
- Footpaths: The footpath around the lake is 1.4 kilometres (part of the 5 km long Hälsans stig).
- Running competition: Regular "Two Lakes Round" running competition
- Bangolf: Sundbybergs BGK, Dimslöjan 2
- Football: Bookable football pitches, Dimslöjan 4
- Utegym: Lötsjöns Utegym, Vackra vägen
- Playground: Lötsjöparkens playground, Storskogen
- Dog park: On the footpath between Lötsjön and Råstasjön, near Sjövägen.
- Café: Gröna stugan, Ursviksvägen 28
Finding Lötsjön
- Car: For example, you can find car parks if you arrive at Lötsjön via the "Vackra vägen" in Sundbyberg.
- Municipal: Go to Duvbo metro station in Sundbyberg. From here it is a few minutes walk.
Facts about Lake Råsta
- Landscape: Uppland
- County: Stockholm County
- Municipality: Solna
- Maximum depth: 4.3 metres
- Shoreline: 1.86 kilometres
- Catchment area: Åkerström-Norrström coastal area and also Brunnsviken Bay
Råstajön Nature Reserve
- Established: 2018
- Size: 40 hectares
- Location: Connects in the west to the Lötsjön-Golfängarnas nature reserve in Sundbyberg.
- Nature: Deciduous and mixed forest, with old pines and large oaks (up to 100 years old).
- Plants: Among other things, the red-listed wood fungus pine shoot.
- Birds: There are around 100 bird species here, including ducks, grebes, warblers, lapwings, sandpipers and laughing gulls.
- Other animals: Bats (seven species), amphibians, clams and fish (perch, roach and pike).
- Read more: You can find more information about the nature reserve at County Council website.
Activities at Lake Råsta
- Walking and cycling routes: Nice walking and cycling routes around the lake
- Bird watching: There are plenty of birds in Råstasjön. Guided bird walks can also be organised.
Finding Råstasjön
- Car: For example, you can park at Friends Arena or Mall of Scandinavia and walk from there.
- Municipal: You can take a bus to the "Arenan" stop in Solna. Check buses and times on sl.se
Ama de casa says:
Really nice oases right next to the urban environments 🙂.
Feeling a bit sorry for the one-legged goose... 😉.
Have a nice Sunday! Here our morning walk was rained off. In pouring rain with elements of thunder and hail, we had no desire to go out. Awaiting tomorrow's extended freedom 🙂 🙂.
10 May 2020 - 9:28
Helena says:
There is no bad weather, only bad clothes, haven't you heard that one? Haha, just kidding. Hope you get nicer weather soon!
10 May 2020 - 17:51
bmlarstravellingblog says:
What wonderful environments! We talked about why it would take a pandemic for us and a large part of the Swedish people to discover our beautiful nature.
It will be interesting to see if this newfound interest continues!
Of course, bird lakes are fun and it would probably be even more interesting if you could recognise a few more species.
10 May 2020 - 10:46
Helena says:
Yes, it's a bit typical! We are discovering lots of new places now. We are bad at birds, but I like them anyway 🙂 .
10 May 2020 - 17:52
Elisabeth says:
Many nice areas near the city centre!
10 May 2020 - 11:44
Helena says:
There is more nature near the city than you might think. I'm starting to feel like all of Stockholm is one big nature area, haha.
10 May 2020 - 17:52
BP says:
Yes, we have been there many times, most recently three years ago. So many new things have been added there. We often had a delicious soup and a beer in the Green Cottage. So nice to sit there.
I think the new decoration on the lake is absolutely hideous. It's a good thing we all have different tastes;-)
10 May 2020 - 20:57
Helena says:
Yes, isn't it nice and cosy here? Haha, I almost suspected that you wouldn't like the swans 😉.
11 May 2020 - 7:45
Preciosa says:
Hello from Torrevieja!
By chance, I saw "Lötsjön and Råstasjön" in Annika's blog list 🙂 Fun because it's my hometown - which I haven't seen much of in recent years ... and not least when it's quarantine late.
8 weeks in Spain. Living above Tule Street on the hill and they have built an ugly house that took away my view down there.
Thanks for the info and great pictures! Got homesick! Of course, I have not seen the new lekisen mm. Is in a Sumpan group on FB so read about it.
Love Preciosa/Irene in Torrevieja!
10 May 2020 - 20:58
Helena says:
Hi Preciosa/Irene! How nice that you found us through Annika! 🙂 And fun that you are from here! We live in Solna now, and lived in Sumpan before. Rologt that you liked the pictures 🙂 Have fun!
11 May 2020 - 7:47
Susanna Pettersson says:
There are nice lakes and walking paths at Lötsjön and Råstasjön, it is very good to walk there, Gröna stugan is also nice and they have a cosy cafe there too, I like the place, I have heard that many Rissne residents go down there for coffee?
I like the swan family too, they fit in out there in the water in Lötsjön, the deer too,
They should always be illuminated in the evening when it gets dark.
18 March 2023 - 0:15