Skrubba

Deep within the embrace of Stockholm’s southern edge lies Skrubba, a district steeped in history and cloaked in natural beauty. Skrubba isn’t your typical bustling city hub. It’s a tranquil haven, bordered by the serene waters of Lake Drevviken and the sprawling expanse of Flaten nature reserve. Skrubba’s story begins long before its designation as a stadsdel in 1932. Records show a land transaction involving Skrubba as far back as 1397, connected to the nearby Östberga. Later, the land evolved into the Skrubba gård estate, a picturesque farmstead whose main building, a charming two-story wooden structure, was described as “well-built” in the 1870s. The city of Stockholm acquired the estate in 1894. The city transformed the main building and surrounding area into Skrubba skyddshem, a correctional institution for “neglected and abused boys”. Here, around 90 boys received an education that combined traditional schooling with practical vocational training. They learned skills in carpentry, tailoring, agriculture, and gardening. The institution continued to evolve, eventually becoming Drevvikens ungdomshem under the Stockholm County Council in the 1960s. Sadly, most of the original buildings, including the old manor house, were demolished to make way for new facilities. The youth home operated until 1994. Today, only a few remnants of Skrubba gård remain. You can still find the old oak avenue and two older, red-painted residential buildings. The yellow institutional buildings from the 1960s are now used by private companies. Skrubba also houses the Skrubbahallen, home to the Tyresö Table Tennis Club. Modern Skrubba is sparsely populated with residential housing. The main development is the industrial area of Skrubbatriangeln, also known as Skrubba Energicentrum, which boasts approximately 300 jobs. Despite its industrial presence, Skrubba maintains a close connection to nature. A significant portion of the area is covered in forest, boasting high natural values. Here, you’ll find the highest natural point in Söderort, an unnamed hill reaching nearly 74 meters above sea level. Skrubba’s extensive shoreline along Lake Drevviken provides ample opportunities for recreation. The Skrubbabadet offers swimming, and there are several boat docks for those who prefer to explore the lake. The area also houses Strandkyrkogården, a cemetery inaugurated in 1996.