Björkhagen

What secrets does Björkhagens’ name hold? Björkhagens’ story starts with a simple birch-filled pasture. This pasture gave the area its name, “The Birch Pasture”. Björkhagen became part of Stockholm in 1930. Before then, it belonged to Hammarby gård and Nacka kommun. It was a largely undeveloped area then. Only Lilla Sickla gård and a colony near Axvallsvägen existed. Björkhagen truly took shape between 1948 and 1952. Modest rental apartments initially dominated the landscape. A few larger apartments offered a different living experience. Most buildings were multi-family dwellings, primarily narrow, elongated structures known as “smalhus” and tower blocks called “punkthus.” An interesting fact about Björkhagens’ streets: most of them are named after places in southern and southwestern Sweden. You’ll find streets like Falsterbovagen and Ronnebyvägen, adding a unique touch to the neighborhood. Björkhagens’ center, located at Björkhagens square, opened in 1959. It’s considered a “mellancentrum,” a smaller center nestled between two larger ones: Kärrtorp and Hammarbyhöjden. The center caters to residents’ basic needs, with a Coop grocery store being a prominent feature. It’s interesting to note that the administrative office for the Skarpnäck district is in Björkhagen. One striking landmark in Björkhagen is the 16-story white slab building at Björkhagens square. This building, known as Duggregnet 5, was designed by architect Georg Varhelyi in 1956. It was once the tallest residential building in Sweden. Another notable structure is Markuskyrkan, designed by architect Sigurd Lewerentz. This church, built between 1956 and 1963, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and spiritual significance. Björkhagens’ history also holds a unique ecological chapter: the Understenshöjden eco-village. Built in the 1990s, it’s considered Stockholm’s first ecologically focused small-house area. This community embodies a commitment to sustainable living. The area around Björkhagens skola, inaugurated in 1949, tells another story of thoughtful design. Today, Björkhagen remains a vibrant neighborhood in Stockholm. Its story, woven with birch pastures, innovative architecture, and ecological endeavors, invites exploration and discovery.