1.

KRONSKOGEN-STENBY NG
Kronskogen in the
middle of the densely built-up area
is, to the population of Eskilstuna,
a
well-known
green area. Many
come here to exercise and take
walks, and to enjoy the beautiful
Roe deer
natural surroundings. The middle of the nature reserve houses Stenby ng with
its majestic oaks, dense clumps of hazel and rich flora a popular
destination for excursions in the spring and summer. The areas
also have plenty of ancient remains.

The nature in Vilsta is full of variety.

There are thickly
wooded deciduous
forests next to the
river in the west.
In the spring they
are embellished by
dense carpets of
wood anemone.
Vilsta
Blue
anemone,
lungwort and spring vetchling add nuances of blue, pink and violet. The rest of the nature reserve is characterised by hills and flat
rocks covered in coniferous forest. In the moss on the ground, you
can find less common plants such as wood sanicle and goodyera
repens if you look closely.

5. RBY

9. RID-SUNDBYHOLMSARKIPELAGEN

rby nature reserve is one of the many gems located in the vicinity
of Eskilstuna. You can go for a run around one of the exercise
tracks or a quiet walk through the beautiful pasture landscapes
that date as far back as the Iron Age. Many visitors start from
the cottage rbystugan where there is a play park and barbecue
facilities.

The archipelago RidSundbyholmsarkipelagen

is the top spot in the nature around Eskilstuna, at
least when it comes to biodiversity in flora and fauna. The broad-leaved deciduous forest that covers
the islands is considered
to host the greatest variety
of species in the country.
Osprey
There are, for example, approximately ten species of insects living in the nature reserve that
have not been found anywhere else in the country. The flora is also
impressive, with great amounts of mistletoe. Among the hundreds
of breeding birds are stock dove, long-tailed tit and hawfinch.
The reserve is large only the southern part with the larger islands Sundbyholmsn, Hummelholmen and Nysslingen are part
of Eskilstuna. You will need a boat to access the islands. At Sundbyholmsn there are plenty of hiking paths and lovely flat rocks by
the water that are perfect for sun lounging and swimming.

Askholmen

ish in the rich soil along with a number of other grove plants. In
spring time, an intense symphony of bird song can be heard from
the lush foliage of trees and bushes. There are many rare species
among the lichens, mosses, fungi and insects.

4. TOLAMOSSEN AND SKIREN-KVICKEN

2. MESTA-SBY-KOLSTA

Discover

Nature in Eskilstuna

Are you interested in the

early history and ancient
remains of Eskilstuna? You
should visit the Mestasby-Kolsta area just outside the city where you will
find one of the largest and
most peculiar grave fields in
the county. The grave field
and other ancient remains
tell exciting stories about
Common milkwort
the people who lived and
worked here, from prehistoric times up until our days.
There is also a rich flora and fauna in the open pasture and the
deciduous forests teeming with hazel. One rarity is the Nutcracker
which, with some luck, you may spot in the autumn. There are
several paths and thoroughfares through the area, some of which
are adapted for wheelchair accessibility.

Bewitching coniferous forest with moss-covered rocks and overturned tree trunks meet the visitor in the nature reserves Tolamossen
and Skiren-Kvicken. Marked trails show the way and by the lake
Skiren, there is a rest area with a fireplace. The path up to the rest
area is adapted for wheelchairs and buggies.
The ancient forest is a sanctuary for rare plants and animals
whose habitats are not compatible with modern, cultivated forests.
There are insects, fungi, lichen and mosses, many of which are
dependent on old rotted wood for their survival. Woodpeckers,
capercaillies and black grouse are also at home in the peaceful oldgrowth forest.

3. VILSTA

The lake Skiren

yellow by german catchfly and mouse-ear hawkweed.

Barren soil and continuous pasture is the explanation for the
plant diversity. Without grazing animals, tall grasses and herbaceous plants would spread and the floral splendour would in time
be replaced by forest.

11. SUNDBYHOLM

13. HAMRA

Sundbyholm castle

his pamphlet will guide you to 19 new favourite nature

spots around Eskilstuna. It includes tips for green excursions for those who turn to nature for relaxation or
exercise, but also for those who want to know more about
the exciting plants and animals in their surroundings. Some
locations are well-known to many; others are hidden gems
that are only waiting to be discovered.
So let yourself be inspired! Pack your bicycle basket, the
picnic basket or backpack and go explore discover nature in Eskilstuna.

Lily of the valley

The Sigurd carving

The nature surrounding the beautiful castle Sundbyholm is varied

and hospitable. In the nature reserve with the same name, you can
walk through open countryside, skinny pine forests and tender
greenery in one of Swedens most northerly beech forests. There
are barbecue spots, a sandy beach, playground, restaurant, harbour
and caf by the castle.
Make sure to also visit the famous Sigurd carving, a Viking Age
rock carving. The almost 1000-year old illustration tells a few episodes from the story of Sigurd Fafnesbane, a story that has spread
through all of northern Europe in various forms. The story is
about the hero Sigurd who manages to slay the dragon Fafner and
thus get hold of a large treasure.

Ekbacken invites you to take a flowery walk among the centuryold, massive oak trees. Follow the path that leads through the area
and have a seat at any of the rest areas and just enjoy the luscious
vegetation! In the spring, the ground is covered by carpets of wood
anemone, which during the early summer will be replaced by myriads of lily of the valley.
Several of the oak trees are up to 200 years old; they are thick and
grooved and have massive crowns. Giant oaks such as these may
house hundreds of different species of insects, lichens fungi, birds,
bats and butterflies. Many of them are completely dependent of
the old oak trees for their survival. Since old oak trees are becoming
fewer, many of their inhabitants have become endangered but in
the nature reserve they are given the opportunity to survive and
multiply for the future.

12. SOFIEBERGSSEN
Jders kullar, as the nature reserve Sofiebergssen often is referred
to, is a popular destination for spring excursions, when thousands
of pasqueflowers are blooming on the dry, sandy hills. The ridge is
also worth a visit in June, when the little hill is coloured pink and

Hamra is a remain of the far-spread old growth forests that were

common prior to the age of chain-saws and forestry machines. A
small path runs through the small nature reserve between age old
pine trees and flat rocks covered in lichen. The path begins by a parking lot next to road 53, one kilometre south of the Slytan rest stop.
Have a closer look at the old pine trees of Hamra. The bark that
forms over hundreds of years is smooth but it cracks into decimetre-sized pieces and resembles a turtles shell. Turtle bark, armoured bark and crocodile bark are different names for the special
bark that grows on very old pine trees.

14. HEDLANDET

Would you like to know more?

More information can be found at www.eskilstuna.se/natur.

Pasqueflower

In Askholmen nature reserve you can walk through thickly wooded deciduous forests and tree clad pastures. A network of marked
paths and smaller roads lead away from the car park at sterby.
There is a rest area by the Mlaren beach where you can rest your
legs and eat your picnic.
The deciduous forest is home to an impressive biodiversity including both plants and animals. An abundance of anemones flour-

run along the water and they

pass many pretty outlooks
as well as crofts, small farms
and small limestone quarries
traces from the time when
Hedlandet belonged to Biby
herrgrd.
Northwest of the small croft
called Grindstugan, there is a
small and damp hayfield. The
hayfield houses plants such as
common meadow-rue, briza
Southern adderstongue
media, alpine bistort and
thousands of specimens of the
rare southern adderstongue. A few hundred years ago, meadows
like these were very common. It is currently one of the most endangered and species-rich habitat types in Sweden.

15. KVARNTORP

Hamra

Visitors come to the nature reserve Hedlandet all year round to

hike, swim, exercise, pick berries and mushrooms. The nature reserve is varied with barren rock outcrops, coniferous forests full of
bogs, deciduous forests, marshes and beautiful cultivated landscapes.
The large and very hilly reserve has several parking areas where
paths and trails lead out into nature. Great stretches of the paths

8. SKRET

6. EKBACKEN

7. ASKHOLMEN
Vilsta is one of the largest and most visited nature reserves in Eskilstuna, due to its beautiful nature and a well-developed network of
exercise tracks. On snowy winters, some stretches of the partially
lit exercise track is prepared for cross country skiing. The Srmland
trail loops around the entire nature reserve.

rby

Through a beautiful agricultural landscape with small

crofts, fields and pastureland,
hiking trails, several kilometres long, wind through
Kvarntorp nature reserve.
There are many lovely resting
places next to the lake Nshultasjn. During the spring
floods, the brook Sgrndeln
form several smaller waterfalls
over smooth rocks, an exciting
Kvarntorp
view for young and old alike!
There is pretty and species-rich flora growing by roadsides and
pastures. The rare bristly bellflower blooms in the light and airy
edges of the reserve forest in the month of July.

16. VARGLYAN AND TREHRNINGEN

Varglyan nature reserve is a destination for those who like adventures in terrain with no established trails. There are no public roads
leading up to the reserve and once there you will have to manage
on your own, there are no marked trails.
Varglyan is a proper old growth forest with beautiful forest ponds
and small marshes. You can enjoy the peace and quiet here without being disturbed by other visitors. With some luck you may
meet one of the forest inhabitants perhaps you will spot the dark
silhouette of the black woodpecker between the trees. The name
Varglyan (Wolf s Lair) comes from the cave-like passage formed

10. SDERFJRDEN

Skret

Great quantities of birds stop every year to rest in the open and
moist pastures of Skret, next to Vsbyviken in the lake Mlaren.
Eurasian wigeon, ruff, greylag goose, western yellow wagtail and
many other birds stop here for a well-deserved rest on their way to
the breeding gounds in the north.
There are more to discover in the nature reserve other than meadow beaches full of birds. You will need wellies and mosquito repellent before you venture into the wet beach forest. The marsh forest contains plenty of dead wood that is full of insects a veritable
smorgasbord for woodpeckers. If you are observant you may spot
the lesser spotted woodpecker, a smaller species, not much bigger
than a Eurasian bullfinch.
Hazel, oak, ash and other deciduous trees grow on the dry moraine hills. In the month of May the forest edges are covered by
the white flowers of the crataegus rhipidophylla a stunning sight!

Sderfjrden is a definite destination for the birdlover! The western

marsh harrier, the bearded reedling and the Eurasian bittern all
nest in the large reeds. The Eurasian bittern, a rare bird that looks
like a cross between a heron and an owl, have become a symbol of
Srfjrden. The reason for this is that it flocks here in unusually
great numbers. The peculiar bird has also lent its name to the field
station by rsundet that conducts bird research and inventory by
the bay.
Greylag goose

18. STORA SUNDBY

Trehrningen

by a large block of stone against a mountain wall in the southern

part of the reserve.
One way of reaching this destination is via the lake Trehrningen. From Heden next to Nshultasjn, there are signposts to the
lake marked ! Fiske (an angling association). By Trehrningen
the association have several set fishing spots. A fishing licence is
required in order to fish.

17. PRSTSJN

Stora Sundby castle

Stora Sundby is a fairy-tale castle and a large farm next to stra

Hjlmaren. The castle surroundings offer many exciting things to
discover. There is a ruined fort, a rune stone and a wildlife reserve
with fallow deer and mouflon. If you are interested in birds, you
should keep an eye on the large ponds that have been manufactured in the landscape surrounding the castle. The 7.5 hectares of
wetland at Borgklippan attract birds such as gadwall, garganey,
Eurasian teal, common redshank and western marsh harrier. From
the cape Herrshuvud , you can see the castle from the lake view,
but be careful, according to legend, this place harbours a dark secret...
A marked path leads from the visitor parking and takes you through the beautiful castle area.

19. HERRFALLET

Prstsjn

Eurasian teal

Prstsjn is an eldorado for birds and bird-watchers. Eurasian bittern, western marsh harrier, whooper swan, Eurasian teal, bearded
reedling and common crane are just some of the multitude of birds
who breed by the lake. With some luck you may also see the whitetailed eagle come gliding past on its wide wings.
The shallow and nutritious floodplain lake has been restored in
later years, to benefit the rich bird life. Breeding islands have been
created, as well as open thoroughfares in the reeds.
From an elevated spot by the northwest beach you will have a
good outlook to view the lake. A path leading up to the elevation
begin at the gravel path between Magda Ladugrd and Fredriksberg.

The nature reserve Herrfallet is a well-visited openair recreation area on an

elongated cape in the lake
Hjlmaren. The cape is a
part of the ridge Katrineholmssen and consists
of gravel and sand, which
means that there are several
long, lovely, sandy beaches
here, inviting you to take
Herrfallet
a dip. The area also houses
a conference and recreational facility where you can rent bikes,
canoes, fishing equipment and boats. Easily accessible roads and
paths run along the entire reef. The small island Tallholmen has a
camping site with a fireplace, however you have to make your own
way there by boat.

Layout och text: Naturcentrum AB. Foton: Eskilstuna kommun och Naturcentrum AB.
Karta: Eskilstuna kommun. Tryckr: 2012.

naturguide_eskilstuna ENG.indd 1

2013-02-22 15:45:48

More tips on
excursions!
BY WATER THROUGH ESKILSTUNA
Try out the paddle route through the city, starting in Skogstorp
and finishing in Torshlla. From the riverside you will have the
chance to see the city from another perspective. The route suits
both beginners and experiences paddlers in different ages. Doing
the entire route takes approximately six hours including breaks.

GYLLENHIELMSKA LEDEN
The trail Gyllenhielmska leden stretches from rbystugan to
Sundbyholm guest harbour. The entire trail is 24 kilometres but it
is perfectly alright to just do parts of the trail.

FISHING IN ESKILSTUNA
You are never far away from good fishing when you are in Eskilstuna! The water in Eskilstunan spreads light reflections all
around the city and makes it possible to catch fish such as rainbow trout even when you are in the town centre. Fishing in
Eskilstunan attracts enthusiasts of all ages and local associations
arrange various events to do with the river fishing.

The municipality has produced pamphlets about the paddle

route, Gyllenhielmska leden and fishing, which can be found
at the Tourist Information.

Natural areas in Eskilstuna

= Natural area

= Nature reserve
Mlaren

7
1. Kronskogen-Stenby ng 59.36407, 16.48685
2. Mesta-sby-Kolsta 59.35593, 16.43715

12. Sofiebergssen 59.40595, 16.65833

3. Vilsta 59.34974, 16.51002

13. Hamra 59.22441, 16.61278

4. Tolamossen and Skiren-Kvicken 59.35395, 16.38321

14. Hedlandet 159.27390, 16.40004

5. rby 59.38745, 16.52489

15. Kvarntorp 59.23294, 16.40131

6. Ekbacken 59.41055, 16.46401

16. Varglyan and Trehrningen

7. Askholmen 59.44294, 16.38168

8. Skret 59.44777, 16.42292
9. Rid-Sundbyholmsarkipelagen 59.46452, 16.63678
10. Sderfjrden 59.39396, 16.79313

11. Sundbyholm 59.44610, 16.62098

Kvicksund

Sundbyholm

11
Tumbo

Torshlla

59.20466, 16.37954

6
12

17. Prstsjn 59.21102, 16.23173

18. Stora Sundby 59.26997, 16.11959
19. Herrfallet 59.28235, 15.90585

Kjula

The numbers after the names are coordinated (WGS 84) for car parks and in certain cases for information boards in each area.

Eskilstuna

Take care of nature!

In order for everyone to enjoy nature and to avoid harming

animals and their habitat, we need to remember a few things:
Do not leave any rubbish behind. Cans, glass, plastic and
other rubbish can injure animals and humans.
Dogs must be kept on leash during the period 1 March 20
August.
You may not trail across private property, gardens, plantations
or agricultural land such as fields.
You may not drive a car, motorcycle or moped in nature. Nor
may you drive on paths, park roads or in exercise tracks.
You may not build a fire if conditions are very dry or very
windy. The fire may spread.
You may not break or dig up trees and bushes, thus harming
them.
Nor may you pick fruit, berries, vegetables or anything else
that grows in gardens, on plantations or fields.
You may not hunt, disturb or injure animals. It is also forbidden to take bird eggs or touch the nests or offspring of an
animal.
You may not fish without a license in lakes and streams, with
the exception of Mlaren and Hjlmaren where you may fish
with a fishing-rod or casting rod without a licence.

E20

4
2

In Sweden, everyone has the right to access natural areas, even

those owned by someone else. This is called the Right of Public
Access. You use that right when you go for a walk in the forest,
go kayaking, climb or sit on a stone contemplating life. The
Right of Public Access also means that we have to take care and
not disturb other people or animals. We may not cause harm to
nature nor to the property of others. This can be summed up
with do not disturb, do not destroy.
The Right of Public Access includes the right to:
Walk, cycle and ride horses in nature but not too close to domestic structures (family houses). If you open a gate you must
close it once through.
Walk, cycle and ride horses on private roads.
Spend one night camping. If you want to camp for longer
than that, you must ask permission from the landowner.
Swim, drive a boat and go ashore, but not too close to domestic structures (family houses).
Pick flowers, berries and mushrooms.
Fish with fishing-rod and casting rod in Mlaren and Hjlmaren.
Build a small fire, as long as you take precautions. Do not start
a fire directly on top of a rock, it will crack. It is preferable to
build a fire in a designated spot. It is often prohibited to build
fires in summer. Ask the municipality about the applicable
rules.

10

3
Skogstorp

56

Hllberga

230

Hllsta

214

Alberga

rla

14
19

18

53
stra Hjlmaren

Blgviken

15
Nshultasjn

13

17

16

10 km

(Source: www.naturvardsverket.se)

Kvarntorp (15)

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Askholmen (7)

Herrfallet (19)

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