Nacka between City and Island

Nacka combines city and island in an unusual way. From central Stockholm, you can reach the municipality by bus from Slussen or by commuter ferry from central Stockholm in 15–20 minutes. Once there, cultural-historical walks, nature reserves, lakes and lively cultural attractions come together. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Nacka, it is therefore worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: nature experiences, history, art or a mixture of everything.

Nature experiences among forests, meadows and lakes

The Nyckelviken nature reserve features a varied landscape with large stands of old oaks and meadows between densely wooded groups of trees. At the Nyckelviken farm, visitors can see cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep and pigs during the day. For families, this is an engaging addition to a walk, while nature enthusiasts can focus on the landscape and its different impressions.

The large Nackareservatet recreational area includes Hellasgården, located directly on Stockholm’s southeastern border with Nacka. There are hiking trails, illuminated routes and an outdoor gym. There are also opportunities for outdoor swimming at Källtorpssjön and Söderbysjön. You will find more trails in the Tollare nature reserve, where numerous paths and an illuminated route are available for walking or running. In the Erstavik area, the green, blue and new white trails are maintained by Nacka Municipality; marked trails and small roads are suitable for walking or cycling there.

Viewpoints also give the landscape its own character. From the summit of Himlaberget, just over 70 metres high, the view extends across Baggensfjärden and the islands beyond. Such destinations can be included in your itinerary as a more tranquil focus, while the trails in Hellasgården or Erstavik are more suited to a more active day.

Discover cultural history on walks

The cultural-historical walk along Nacka ström covers witch trials, industrial society and mill operations. The route is approximately 2.1 kilometres long and takes 1.5 hours. The industrial remains at Nacka ström and Källtorpssjön date back to the 16th century. At Nacka hembygdsmuseum, you can see objects used by farmers and cottagers in the 19th century. The museum also presents Nacka’s earliest history and provides information about the shoemaking trade and textile production for household use. It can be reached by buses 71, 404 or 443 from Slussen towards Jarlaberg; from the Jarlaberg stop, continue on foot to Nyckelviken.

Nacka’s historic sites also include Svindersvik, one of the oldest surviving summer houses and a well-preserved piece of 18th-century Nacka. Brygghuset has a café serving baked goods and lunch options. In Boo, a historical walk leads through the Skogsö nature reserve and to the Skogsömonumentet. The monument commemorates the Battle of Stäket in 1719, in which Swedish troops defeated a Russian galley fleet. In the Tollare nature reserve, the Tollareställningen on Hjortberget tells a different chapter of the area’s history: it formed part of the outer ring of Stockholm’s air defence, was built during the Second World War and is considered the best-preserved facility of its kind in the greater Stockholm area.

Art and culture for different kinds of travel days

If the weather or the interests of your group call for a cultural programme, Nacka offers several different options. Nacka konsthall holds around six exhibitions a year, all with free admission. Kulturhuset Dieselverkstaden combines performing arts, music, visual arts and creative activities. This makes it possible to vary your stay in Nacka: one day can be spent outdoors by a lake or on a historical trail, and another at an exhibition, performance or museum.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Nacka, the main consideration is which experiences you would like to be able to reach regularly. Those who want to focus on walks, animals and nature can use the nature reserves and recreational areas mentioned above as a guide for their further search. Those more interested in industrial history, museums or art may prefer to plan their stay around the cultural attractions. The connection to Stockholm expands the possible day itinerary without Nacka losing its own character. When choosing your accommodation, therefore, check the location and the desired transport connections according to your personal priorities.

For further orientation, you can also discover Älta and Saltsjöbaden.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nacka.