Envision a place where the city’s pulse meets tranquil waters. That place is Bällstaviken. This bay offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. Today we will explore this fascinating area together.
Bällstaviken is not just any body of water. It is an inlet of Ulvsundasjön. Ulvsundasjön itself is an inlet of the vast Lake Mälaren. Bällstaviken’s outer parts are shared by Stockholm and Solna municipalities. The inner parts lie between Stockholm and Sundbyberg.
Bällstaviken is surrounded by a diverse landscape. You will find industries and green spaces. There are also harbor facilities for small boats. Since the late 1990s new waterfront residential buildings have sprung up on both sides of Bällstaviken. These modern homes add a contemporary flair to the area.
Take a stroll along Bällstaviken’s northern shore. A lush promenade stretches along the water. This path continues along Ulvsundasjön to Hornsberg on Kungsholmen. It provides a scenic route for walkers and cyclists.
The primary source of water for Bällstaviken is Bällstaån. This stream mainly carries stormwater runoff. Stockholm Vatten reports that the bathing water quality varies. It can range from unsuitable to acceptable with remarks.
Bällstaån starts in Jakobsberg. It flows through Järfälla, Stockholm, and Sundbyberg. Passing by Solvalla and Annedal, the stream flows into Bällstaviken. Eventually it reaches Ulvsundasjön and Mälaren. Bällstaån is one of the few large streams remaining in the Stockholm area.
Bällstaån faces challenges due to urban runoff. Much of its water comes from streets and industrial areas. This requires efforts to improve water quality. The Bällstaån group works on this. This group includes members from involved municipalities. They also include representatives from the Swedish Transport Administration and the County Administrative Board. Their goal is to enhance the stream’s health.
Bällstaviken and Ulvsundasjön are vital to Sundbyberg. Besides Lötsjön, it is the only large open water area. It significantly shapes our perception of the city. The bay mirrors the sky’s light. It reflects the weather and seasons. The surrounding buildings reflect on the water’s surface. This influences the area’s atmosphere.
The goal is to protect and enhance the promenade along Bällstaviken. It should feel public and accessible to everyone. Bällstaån and Ulvsundasjön are part of the EU Water Directive. The environmental quality standard aims for good water quality in the long term.
Between 1985 and 1989 treated wastewater from Bromma flowed into Ulvsundasjön. Phosphorus and nitrogen levels were high then. After the discharge stopped, the levels decreased. Today, they are near the boundary between moderate and high. Phosphorus levels are higher in Bällstaviken. The visibility is lower compared to Ulvsundasjön.
The water in Ulvsundasjön stratifies during the summer. The bottom water connects to Mälaren through Tranebergssundet. Oxygen levels are usually low by the end of summer. Sediment contains moderate to high levels of metals. PAH levels are high. PCB levels are very high.
Despite these challenges, Bällstaviken remains an important place. It provides recreational opportunities. It adds to the beauty of the city. Efforts continue to improve its water quality and preserve its natural character. Bällstaviken is more than just a body of water. It is a reflection of Stockholm’s ongoing commitment to balancing urban development with environmental stewardship.