Listen closely. The waters of Igelviken whisper secrets. They speak of a small stream Igelbäcken. This unassuming waterway flows through the heart of Stockholm. It stretches over ten kilometers. It journeys from the serene Saby Lake in Järfälla. Its final destination is Edsviken near the grand Ulriksdal Palace.
Igelbäcken is more than just a stream. It’s a vital artery. It carries lifeblood through the Royal National City Park. This park boasts several nature reserves. The stream is shared by several municipalities. These are Järfälla Sollentuna Solna Stockholm and Sundbyberg. Its very name Igelbäcken meaning Leech Stream hints at its hidden depths.
Imagine the stream’s journey. It begins in an open-air area Norra Järvafältet. This area is dotted with moraine ridges forests water meadows and fields. The stream meanders past alder and birch trees. Bulrushes thrive in sun-drenched patches. Its flow is interrupted by a culvert under Akallavägen. It passes under Barkarby Airport. Then it merges with Djupanbäcken. This section flows near a motocross track a golf driving range and a closed dump. It receives stormwater from the busy E18 highway.
The stream continues its journey. It winds through the valley between Akalla-Hjulsta and Tensta-Rinkeby. Here you find rural structures. There’s an ecological farm Hästa Gård allotment gardens and wetlands. It crosses Kymlingelänken. Then it flows through open grassland. Finally it reaches a railway and the E4 highway. The water from the E4 is treated in a local plant. The final stretch passes more allotment gardens and Ulriksdal Palace gardens. Igelbäcken concludes its journey with a low dam into Edsviken.
But Igelbäcken’s story isn’t just one of geography. It’s a tale of environmental resilience. In the 1970s the stream lost almost a third of its watershed. This was due to suburban drainage systems. Water leaks into stormwater tunnels reducing groundwater. Pollution is a continuing concern. The municipalities work to improve water quality. They aim to transform the central part of the stream. The goal is to create a meandering river. It should be shaded by trees flanked by wetlands. This will attract amphibians and birds.
The Igelbäcken supports diverse flora and fauna. Greater spearwort thrives in its waters. Rare plants like greater pond-sedge and true fox-sedge are found here. Its waters teem with life. Oligochaeta species including the rare Fridericia ulrikae inhabit its bottom. The stone loach Barbatula barbatula calls this stream home. Its population faces threats from dry periods and the invasive signal crayfish. Other fish species including perch and pike also live here. Birds such as thrushes snipes and woodcocks nest along its banks. The surrounding area provides habitats for owls kestrels and vipers.
This unassuming stream Igelbäcken reflects Stockholm’s complex history. It shows nature’s ability to endure even in a bustling city. Next time you’re in Stockholm remember this little stream. Remember Igelviken and its quiet strength. It’s a reminder of the intricate web of life. It’s a testament to the enduring power of nature itself.