Nacka Strand

Amidst the gentle lapping of the Saltsjön waves against the shore, lies Nacka Strand. It’s more than just a suburb. Nacka Strand whispers tales of innovation, industry, and transformation. Originally part of the Stora Sickla farm, Nacka Strand began as a collection of summer houses in the 1860s. These plots, known as Gustafshög, Jacobsdal, Augustendal, and Ellensvik, offered a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Nacka Strand’s story took a dramatic turn in 1899. Industrious J.V. Svenson purchased Augustendal and Jacobsdal. He envisioned a grand automobile factory. However, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving automotive world proved more challenging than anticipated. While awaiting a suitable car design, Svenson shifted his focus to producing kerosene engines, known as hot bulb engines. This venture, under the “Avance” name, quickly flourished. By 1916, Aktiebolaget J.V. Svensons Motorfabrik employed 500 people, becoming one of Sweden’s largest workplaces. Many employees resided in company-owned housing in Augustendal or nearby Vikdalen. Svenson, a respected employer, even assisted Vikdalen workers with housing and a cooperative store. Despite its initial success, the company faced bankruptcy in 1922 and was taken over by Handelsbanken. It was later sold to Munktells Mekaniska Verkstad AB in 1929. The “car factory” finally lived up to its name in 1937 under Gunnar Philipson. Philipsons Automobil AB transformed the Augustendal site, renamed AB Svenska Bilfabriken, into an assembly plant for DKW, Dodge, and later, Mercedes. Nacka Strand experienced another significant shift in the mid-1980s with the restructuring of the Philipson family business. New shareholders with interests in property management emerged. A new parent company, Arcona, was formed. Recognizing the need for new workplaces and housing near Stockholm, Nacka Municipality collaborated with Arcona. They launched an architectural competition in 1985, which Nyrén’s architectural firm won. After revisions to the city plan, construction began in 1988, marking the birth of Nacka Strand as we know it today. The developers thoughtfully preserved some of the oldest factory buildings. These were repurposed as an exhibition hall, conference space, and briefly, a car museum. Nacka Strand now boasts a blend of modern office buildings and apartment complexes. The area also features a marina. The Waxholmsbolaget boats dock there. The Swedish Cruising Club also has its office nearby. Since 1995, Carl Milles’ impressive 23-meter-high sculpture, “God the Father on the Rainbow,” has graced the harbor. It sprays water in an elegant arc into the Saltsjön, becoming an iconic symbol of Nacka Strand.