Drawn between Drottningholm and Bromma, Kärsön sits as an island in Mälaren’s eastern part. Kärsön stretches three kilometers long. It also spans 1.5 kilometers wide. Since 2014, Kärsön has been a nature reserve along with Lovön and Fågelön.
Let’s talk about Kärsön’s history. Highway 261 crosses over Kärsön. This connects Drottningholmsbron in the west and Nockebybron in the east.
Near Nockebybron on Kärsön stands Brostugan. It dates back to the 1700s. Until 1931, it served as the home for the bridge guard. His job included opening the bridge. He also collected tolls from those passing through. Later, the upper floor became rental space for summer guests.
Hjalmar Söderberg spent the summer of 1876 there. He was just seven years old. He recounts this in his autobiographical book Martin Bircks ungdom. In the early 1930s, Brostugan was renovated. It then became a confectionery and restaurant. It still operates today. Brostugan forms part of the Drottningholm Palace environment. Since 1991, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Augusti Orden made a memorial engraving in the rock. It happened on August 19 1803. They erected a sword in memory of August 19 1772. This monument now sits secured in the mountainside high above the road.
Kärsön is a large outdoor recreational area. The Kärsön red trail runs about 5.5 kilometers. Red dots mark the path. It leads around the island. The nature remains mainly untouched here. The west side features 400-year-old oak trees. There are also deciduous forest areas showcasing unusual flora. Högholmen lies to the southwest. It is a former island that has merged with Kärsön due to land uplift.
During the 1800s, Birger Lagerwall experimented with planting southern plants. He was a vice district judge. He chose spots with favorable local climates. Many of his plants still exist today. Examples include svingellosta and skogsbingel. You can also find central European hazelwort, yellow archangel, and ormrot. Traces of beaver gnawing can be spotted near the water. Since 2014, Kärsön and Lovön are part of the newly formed Lovön nature reserve. This includes surrounding islands and islets.
The west side offers views of Drottningholm Palace. The south side overlooks Fågelön. The north side presents views of the Highlands on the Bromma side. Europe’s oldest frisbee golf course lies on the north side. It was established in 1978. Playing is free.
Kärsögården sits on the island’s north side. KFUM Kärsö runs this conference and activity center since 1919. It features miniature golf. Volleyball and a beach are also available. Kärsögården hosts school camps. It also has class trips and sports days. Day camps, summer camps, and youth events occur here.
Consider taking the path from Drottningholmsbron’s eastern base. Head south toward Högholmen. Search for a meter-high plant. It has prickly flower heads near the open area by the road. This is the very rare bristly scabious. A related species was once used for carding wool. The path continues past 400-year-old oak trees. A tall grass with large panicles grows under the trees. It is the rare långsvingeln that grows abundantly here. Eventually, you reach high steep cliffs. They offer expansive views framed by gnarled pine trees. Follow the path that leads steeply down between two mountain ridges.
Below the slopes, light dims. The leaves come from the large deciduous trees. Woodland plants grow densely here. First is a stand of skogsbingel. It represents Skåne’s beech forests. Then, in an area no larger than two square meters, a collection of rare grasses thrives. Skogskorn, lundskafting, långsvingel and strävlosta grow together. These species are extremely unusual in our county. You may also notice some glossy anemone-like leaves. This is the central European hazelwort.
Large mats of yellow archangel cover the ground. This beech forest plant blooms in June. But the leaves have characteristic white spots. They make it easy to recognize even after flowering ends. Continuing along the path, you will find mats of the great ormrot’s glossy leaves. Opposite the slope lies Högholmen. A small meadow connects it to Kärsön. Here too, a lush deciduous forest thrives. It has similar species to the Kärsö side.
If you continue south on Kärsön, you will eventually return to Brostugan. The chance to see some of the island’s wildlife up close is very good. Masses of kungsängsliljor bloom just north of the bridge in late May.
Spending time on Kärsön offers a chance to connect with nature. You can also experience Swedish history.