Twenty-one meters. That’s the depth of Essingefjärden at its deepest point. Essingefjärden is not just a body of water. It’s a vital part of Stockholm’s geography.
Essingefjärden is part of eastern Mälaren. It is located in western Stockholm. Essingefjärden connects to Ulvsundasjön. This connection happens via Tranebergssund in the north. West of Stora Essingen it connects to Oxhålet. Between the Essinge Islands lies Essingedjupet. North of Lilla Essingen is Mariebergssundet.
The outer boundaries of Essingefjärden lie between Fredhäll and Traneberg to the north. Lilla Essingen marks the east. Stora Essingen is to the south. Alvik completes the circle to the west.
Several of Stockholm’s major bridges also define Essingefjärden. Tranebergsbron spans the north. Essingebron and Fredhällsbron cross the east. Alviksbron is in the south. These bridges frame the fjärden.
Looking out over Essingefjärden today it is hard to imagine what the area looked like many years ago. The islands of Stora Essingen and Lilla Essingen were once part of Bromma socken. They became part of Stockholm in 1916. These islands remained part of Bromma parish until 1955. That year, they formed their own parish. Essinge parish merged into Västermalms parish in 2014.
The islands within Essingefjärden have a rich history. Lilla Essingen gained a bridge connection to Kungsholmen in 1907. The first bridge between Lilla and Stora Essingen was a pontoon bridge built in 1917. Essingeleden opened across the islands in 1966. Alviksbron, a bridge for walking, cycling, and trams, opened in 2000.
If you fancy a dip, Essingefjärden offers swimming spots. You can find these at Fredhällsbadet. There are also spots on Lilla Essingen and Stora Essingen. These spots provide refreshing escapes during warmer months.
Essingefjärden is more than just water and bridges. It is a place where history and modern life meet. It connects different parts of Stockholm. It offers both recreation and important transport routes. It’s a body of water worth exploring and appreciating.