Consider Spegeldammen a mirror reflecting not just the sky, but also Stockholm’s evolving story. Spegeldammen translates directly to Mirror Pond. It sits peacefully in Norra Djurgården. This area is part of the Royal National City Park. Spegeldammen is one of six lakes in Djurgården.
Created in the early 1980s, Spegeldammen arose after a shooting range closed. The area had been a marsh, used for dumping excavated earth. Today, the lake is leased by an angling club. They practice catch-and-release fishing.
Imagine this area long ago. It was a waterlogged marsh. Earth and other materials were dumped here. In 1978, the shooting range closed. Sediments from nearby Laduviken were deposited here. This helped create Spegeldammen. Now a small pavilion sits on the eastern shore. Sheep graze here during the summer months.
While beautiful, Spegeldammen has faced environmental challenges. The water contains phosphorus and nitrogen. Sediments hold lead, zinc, cadmium, and copper. Historical usage still affects the lake. Drainpipes contribute to this issue. A 2001 draining revealed high levels of phosphorus phosphate and ammonium nitrogen in the lake bed. Samples from 1998 showed increased levels of copper and zinc. Land samples from the old shooting range contained lead. The lead exceeded officially sanctioned levels.
Despite these challenges, Spegeldammen teems with life. Aquatic plants like rigid hornwort cover the lake bed. The shores feature common reed and bulrush. Various species of Oligochaeta, Gastropoda, and Odonata thrive here. Unusual freshwater snails like Gyraulus crista and Hippeutis complanatus call Spegeldammen home. Dragonflies also live here. You might spot an emerald damselfly. Azure, variable, and scarce emerald damselflies also live around Spegeldammen. The large white-faced darter is protected by the EU.
Spegeldammen is a breeding ground for amphibians. Smooth newts, great crested newts, common frogs, and common toads breed here. Ponds were created to promote amphibian breeding. Grass snakes live in and around the lake.
Crucian carp naturally live in the lake. Trout and rainbow trout have been introduced for angling. Many birds visit Spegeldammen. Little grebes, little ringed plovers, and common moorhens are regulars. This area is also a prime location for bats in Stockholm.
Visiting Spegeldammen is easy. You can take the metro to Universitetet. Buses, bicycles, and walking are also options.
Spegeldammen offers a tranquil escape. It showcases nature’s resilience in an urban setting. Remember its past as you gaze upon its waters. From shooting range to haven for wildlife, Spegeldammen is a testament to change. It’s more than just a mirror. It is a reflection of Stockholm’s ongoing story.