Whenever I want to get out into nature without spending hours traveling, I head to Nackareservatet. It is a protected nature reserve covering 99 hectares between Stockholm and Nacka. The area is a mix of conifer forest, meadows, lakes, wetlands, and small streams, making it a great outdoor escape just a short metro or bus ride from the city center.
Nackareservatet, nature so close to the city center
What I Love About Nackareservatet
The reserve has multiple hiking trails, including parts of the Sörmlandsleden and the blue trail running from Hellasgården toward Solsidan. If you are looking for a natural stream, places like Brotorp and the bridge over Ältaån feel surprisingly wild and quiet.
It is a year-round destination where you can go:
- Swimming and canoeing
- Orienteering
- Berry and mushroom picking
- Winter ice skating on plowed lake tracks
For me, it is the most practical spot to get a dose of real Swedish nature close to Stockholm.
The natural river at Nackareservatet, clear water and calm currents
Key Entry Points
You can enter from Sickla park in Hammarby Sjöstad, walking right from the street along the shore of Sickla Sjö into the woods. If you want more facilities, start at Hellasgården—they have lit exercise tracks, an outdoor gym, and saunas.
Getting There by Public Transport
Since the reserve has no direct transit stops, you need to head to a nearby station. I usually go to Sickla (Tvärbanan 30) and walk in.
My Go-To Route from T-Centralen (20 min):
- Metro Green Line 17 towards Skarpnäck: T-Centralen to Gullmarsplan (9 minutes).
- Tvärbanan 30 towards Sickla: Gullmarsplan to Sickla (7 minutes).
- Walk from Sickla: Exit towards Sickla Centrum and follow the trail signs. It is about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the reserve’s entrance.
- Cost: SEK 43 / SEK 26 (reduced)
Alternative Routes:
| Route | Duration | Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Metro 17 + Tvärbanan 30 | 20 min | Gullmarsplan |
| Bus 53 + Bus 401 | 20 min | Londonviadukten |
| Red Line 14 + Bus 414/422 | 27 min | Slussen |
What to Expect at the River
If you are heading to the river spots, expect quiet, clear waters and a calm current—perfect for fishing or a summer picnic. The river is about a 30-minute walk from Bagarmossen metro station (Green Line 17). From there, you can walk or catch a bus to the Djursjukhuset stop to access the forest and river spots like the Oak Forest canal.
Scenic views throughout Nackareservatet
Contact and Location
- Address: 128 47 Nacka, Sweden
- Phone: +46 8 508 28 800
- Website: Länsstyrelsen Stockholm
- Maps: Google Maps
