Perhaps, the most striking feature of Henriksdalsberget is its division between two municipalities. The residential houses and Trolldalen forest are part of Nacka. Henriksdals sewage treatment plant belongs to the city of Stockholm. This division highlights the unique position of Henriksdalsberget.
Henriksdalsberget has a rich history that stretches back to Viking times. A fortress once stood on this very ground. It was during the Viking age. The area was later known as Danviken Hospital’s land. Henriksdalsberget is named after Hindric Spak. He was an inspector at Danviken Hospital around 1750. He also owned a farm in the area. Today Henriksdalsberget is often called Henkan. Dasslocket is another nickname due to the nearby Henriksdal sewage treatment plant.
The residential buildings at Henriksdalsberget were constructed between 1964 and 1969. Bostads AB Nacka-Stockholm was the developer. The three similar concrete buildings have four to seven floors. They house 770 apartments around an open courtyard. This design promotes a car-free environment.
Erik and Tore Ahlsén designed Henriksdalsberget. This was their last project. They were award-winning architects. They also designed the buildings on Finnberget. The original plan was to include 10000 apartments. Traffic projects led to a change in plans.
The architects created a residential area reminiscent of the ancient fortress. They described Henkan as a large urban sculpture. It allows the mountain’s contour to remain untouched by the buildings above. The houses are built of all-concrete. They used form boards and whole wall forms of sheet metal. Stairs and balcony slabs are prefabricated. The exteriors are made of lightweight concrete. They feature a colored render in a strong yellow ocher. There are inlaid pink post bands and pink window joinery. The facade facing the park is warm white.
Henkan offers proximity to both the city and nature. It is close to Södermalm, Hammarby Sjöstad, and Sickla shopping center. The view from Henriksdalsberget is hard to beat. The mountain is visible from many parts of Stockholm and Nacka. It is surrounded by Trolldalen forest. Svindersviken lies below. Numerous cultural heritage sites surround it. These include Svindersvik Manor, Danvikshem, and Saltsjökvarn. For an even better view of Nacka and Stockholm, consider a hot air balloon ride.
In 2009, three housing associations bought the properties on Henriksdalsringen from Stockholmhem. These are BRF Svindersvik, BRF Utsikten 1-35, and BRF Henriksdalshöjden. The courtyard also contains youth housing managed by Mex. There are also six apartments run by Attendo for young people with special needs.
Henriksdalsberget has about 1700 residents. It has a great mix of ages and nationalities. It is one of Sweden’s most integrated areas.
Notable residents include comedian Robert Gustafsson. He lived here in the 80s. Other residents include Maria Magdalena’s sisters, the Green politician Per Garthon, and author Ann Jäderlund. Photographer Ulla Lemberg, rapper Max Peezay, and musician Mattias Qvarsell have also lived here. Katarina Taikon and DJ Özgur Can are also former residents.
Many residents were involved in the local tenants association. After the reorganization, it closed. There is also a Nattvandrare group. Other activities include Lucia parades, a brännboll tournament, and the Henkankarnevalen music festival. Sports teams include Dasslocket United and Henriksdalsbergets FF. Nature and cultural walks are organized by various associations.
The center of Henriksdalsberget includes ICA Nära Henriksdal. It also has a video store, post and SL agent. There is also the Saigon City Chinese restaurant, Munters pizzeria, and a hairdresser. Other services include dry cleaning, tailor, and shoe repair. BRF Svindersvik’s association premises, letterboxes, and an SL ticket machine are also present. You can also find a general notice board, two cat figures by Lissy Boesen in stone, and Mats Olofgörs / Beth Laurin’s sculpture group Tid och Rum.
In front of the center is perhaps Stockholm’s largest dog park. The courtyard also has Henriksdals preschool and Glada Henkan recreation center. There is also an artificial turf pitch, a multi-sports pitch, two boules courts, and park play areas.
Henriksdalsberget is a place of contrasts. It blends history with modern living. It combines urban life with nature. It is a community with a diverse population. It offers stunning views and a rich cultural life. Henriksdalsberget is a unique and vibrant place to live and visit.