Remember the thrill of seaplanes taking flight? Here at Hägernäs Strand, history whispers on the breeze. Hägernäs Strand is a modern suburb nestled in Täby. It sits about 16 km north of Stockholm city. This coastal area offers scenic walks. Explore the Skavlöten natural reserve too.
Let’s journey back in time. Imagine the 1000s. Hägernäsviken was a naval base. It housed some of the Swedish king’s warships. The water level was much higher then. Today’s landscape was largely submerged.
Fast forward to the 1500s. A small village called Hegrenes emerged. It belonged to Rydboholm. Legend says Gustav Vasa was born there. The village got its name from herons. These birds nested here.
The 1700s brought a bustling market to Hägernäs. Fishermen traded their catch for grain. This grain was ground at Hägernäsån’s watermill. It stood between Rönningesjön and the sea.
At the turn of the last century, Hägernäs was a thriving farm. But things changed with the rise of aviation. The municipality bought land for Norra Hägernäs. Farms gradually disappeared.
The story of seaplanes began in 1918. Count Brahe sold land to the Navy. They built a naval air station and school. It was the first of its kind for naval aviators.
More land was acquired in 1936. The F2 seaplane flotilla was established. It later became an air force unit. Its mission included search and rescue. This was Roslagens flygkår.
The Catalina aircraft is significant here. It searched for a missing DC-3. Sadly, it was shot down over the Baltic Sea in 1952. This event is known as the Catalina affair. The Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina was a common sight. It would taxi from the slipway into the water.
The air force unit closed in 1974. Civilian businesses replaced it. Some military defenses still remain.
After JM’s purchase in 2001, Hägernäs Strand grew steadily. By autumn 2013, construction finished. There are now about 830 apartments. Around 40 small businesses are here too. You will find shops, restaurants, and two schools. There are also larger companies. Nearby are an ice rink, soccer fields, and a beach.
Today, Hägernäs Strand is a vibrant community. It blends history with modern living. You can easily reach the city in about 20 minutes. The Roslagsbanan train is your connection. The area offers activities for all ages.
Take a stroll along the water. Enjoy the blend of nature and city life at Hägernäs Strand. Hägernäs Strand is not just a place. It’s a story etched in time.