Stora Skuggan

Amidst the rustling leaves of Stockholm’s Nationalstadsparken, lies a place steeped in history and transformation: Stora Skuggan. Stora Skuggan’s story begins in 1793. A remarkable figure named Abraham Niclas Edelcrantz, a poet, government official, theater director, and later president of the Kommerskollegium, built his home here. Edelcrantz, known for introducing the optical telegraph and steam engine to Sweden, envisioned Stora Skuggan as a model farm, inspired by his travels to Britain and Scotland. This venture aligned with the royal interest in agricultural advancement, and Edelcrantz even helped establish the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture. Stora Skuggan became a hub for agricultural experimentation throughout the 19th century. The “experimental field” was used to develop and test innovative farming tools and methods. Today, part of the area houses Stockholm University’s largest campus. Students can still enjoy lunch at “Lantis”, formerly the Academy of Agriculture’s museum. But Stora Skuggan’s story doesn’t end with farming. In 1906, a shooting range was built, hosting the shooting events for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The echoes of gunfire faded in 1978 when the range closed, making way for a recreational area. A serene lake, an amphitheater, and the Stora Skuggan 4H-farm now grace the landscape. This farm, established in 1983, preserves traditional Swedish livestock breeds. Visitors can witness rare breeds like Fjäll cattle, Åsbo sheep, Gotland rabbits, Jämtland goats, and North Swedish draught horses roaming freely. On weekends, horse-drawn carriage rides offer a charming way to experience this historic site. Stora Skuggan is a testament to the ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature. From a model farm to an Olympic venue and now a place for education, recreation, and preservation, Stora Skuggan invites you to explore its multifaceted history.