Picture Ulvsundasjön a shimmering expanse of water. It connects Stockholm and Solna. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this beautiful bay?
Ulvsundasjön is a part of Mälaren. It connects to the rest of Mälaren through Tranebergssund and Karlbergskanalen. Essingeleden borders Ulvsundasjön in the east. Tranebergsbron and Tranebergssund limit it to the south. Huvudstaleden and Huvudstabron define its northwestern edge. Here, it turns into Bällstaviken.
The name “Ulvsunda” means “wolf’s sound”. It comes from the Ulvsunda farm known since the 1300s. Originally, Ulvsund referred to the narrow outlet from Lillsjön to Ulvsundasjön. Ulvsunda Castle stands nearby. Field Marshal Lennart Torstenson built it in 1644-45. The castle’s current look dates back to the 1830s.
The north side of Ulvsundasjön belongs to Solna. It features green spaces and walking paths. Small boat harbors dot the shoreline. Huvudsta farm has stood here since the 1600s. Today, it hosts conferences and a restaurant since 1999. Nearby sits Huvudsta old castle. People also call it “Murder Castle”. Tradition says that Count Claes Horn and others planned the murder of Gustav III here in 1792.
Further east lies Pampas Marina. It is the Stockholm area’s largest private full-service marina. Together with Solna, it offers permanent waterfront living. There are 14 floating homes in the harbor.
On the Kungsholmen side, you will find quay facilities. Stora Bryggeriet and Hornsbergs asphalt plant were once located here. The asphalt plant was torn down in 2008. A new residential area was built between 2008 and 2012. Kristineberg’s residential buildings from the 1930s stand high on the hill.
In the southwest, Ulvsundasjön borders Traneberg. This area features buildings from the 1940s. The newer Minneberg residential area dates from the 1980s. There is a swimming spot at Minneberg.
Furthest west, before the canal to Lillsjön, stands the new Ulvsundabron. This bridge crosses the bay. It opened in 2014. The bridge is part of the Tvärbanan extension towards Solna.
The largest inflow comes from Bällstaån in Sundbyberg. Lillsjön connects to Ulvsundasjön through a 230-meter canal. The flow mainly consists of stormwater. Phosphorus levels are relatively high. Bacteria counts are sometimes elevated. The bathing water quality in Ulvsundasjön is generally acceptable. Bällstaviken’s quality is unacceptable or acceptable with remarks.
Fun fact: the steamship Vinterhamn ended its days sunk in Ulvsundasjön. Built in 1878, it served various routes. It even collided with another ship in 1883. After many owners, it was scrapped in 1960.
Ulvsundasjön’s drainage area covers 1110 hectares. The lake surface spans 142 hectares. Its greatest depth reaches about 16 meters. The average depth is 8.1 meters. The water volume totals 11.5 million cubic meters.
Ulvsundasjön offers a mix of history and modern life. From castles to marinas, it has many stories to tell. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history surrounding you here at Ulvsundasjön.