Curious to uncover a haven where nature intertwines with history? Here at Igelbäcken in Sundbyberg nature reserve, the stream itself gives the area its name. Igelbäcken is more than just a body of water. It is a vibrant ecosystem. It connects Säbysjön in Järfälla with Edsviken near Ulriksdal Palace.
Imagine, for over a thousand years, people lived and farmed along Igelbäcken. Travel back in time. Picture the Iron Age. North of Igelbäcken, four ancient burial grounds remain as evidence of those early inhabitants. To the south, discover traces of settlements and around 40 graves from that same era.
During the Middle Ages, four significant settlements emerged. These were Råsta, Lilla Ursvik, Stora Ursvik and Kymlinge. Today, the stream’s drainage area spans five municipalities. These include Järfälla, Sollentuna, Stockholm, Sundbyberg and Solna. Interestingly, before the development of Kista-Akalla, Igelbäcken’s drainage area was even larger. Now, rainwater from that area flows directly into Edsviken through tunnels.
The stream valley is one of Stockholm’s green wedges. It separates the districts of Kista, Husby and Akalla. It distinguishes them from Ursvik, Rinkeby and Tensta. Notably, Igelbäcken is a prominent feature within Ulriksdal Palace Park. The waterway itself is part of Solna’s section of the Igelbäcken nature reserve.
In 2006, Stockholm established Igelbäcken’s cultural reserve. This continues Sundbyberg’s portion of the nature reserve. It extends west of Kymlingelänken. The cultural reserve spans approximately 411 hectares. It stretches along Igelbäcken’s valley. The aim is to preserve and showcase the agricultural landscape. It dates back to the Bronze Age. It also reflects the area’s appearance around the turn of the 20th century. This cultural landscape primarily evolved through the interaction between people and nature.
Moreover, Igelbäcken is known for the Greenling fish. When the Natural History Museum discovered it in 1985, the idea of creating a nature reserve around the stream began. Between 2004 and 2005, the Igelbäcken nature reserve was established. It encompasses both Solna and Sundbyberg municipalities. In Sundbyberg, the reserve covers about 127 hectares. The Igelbäcken’s valley has largely retained its appearance since the 1800s. Since 1905 Järvafältet began being used as a military training area.
A walk along Igelbäcken offers more than just scenic views. You will find diverse species. These include backsippa, korskovall, backtimjan and ängsskallra. You will also see species associated with older cultivated land, meadows and pastures. The northernmost part features Akalla village. Its roots trace back to the Bronze Age. Here stands Storgården. It is one of Spånga’s oldest buildings dating back to the late 1600s.
In the heart of the area lies Eggeby farm. Its beautiful main building boasts green painted woodwork from 1886. In the western part rises the artificial Granholmstoppen. Nearby is Hästa farm. Its main building dates back to the mid-1700s. Hästa farm includes 260 hectares of land. 185 hectares are usable for cultivation and pasture. It stands as one of the world’s largest urban farms. Southeast of the farm is Hästa damm. This artificial breeding pond was created in 2007. It enriches the biological diversity. The newest addition to the Igelbäcken cultural reserve is Järvabadet. It was built near Eggeby farm. It opened in June 2020. So step into this landscape. Let the tranquil flow of Igelbäcken guide you through centuries of history and ecological diversity.