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Hellasgården: A Nature Retreat Just 20 Minutes from Stockholm

A Hidden Oasis for Outdoor Lovers

Just a short 20-minute journey from central Stockholm, Hellasgården is an outdoor paradise that feels worlds away from the city’s urban energy. Located in the heart of Nacka Nature Reserve, this lakeside retreat is where locals go to escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature—all without ever leaving the Stockholm region.

Whether you’re looking for scenic hiking trails, traditional Swedish saunas, or refreshing lake swims, Hellasgården offers an authentic taste of Swedish outdoor life. It’s the perfect destination for adventure seekers, families, and those craving a break from city life.

A Place Rooted in Stockholm’s Outdoor Culture

Hellasgården has been a beloved outdoor destination for Stockholmers for over a century. Originally established as a sports and recreational area in the early 1900s, it remains a favorite among locals who embrace Sweden’s “friluftsliv”—the deeply ingrained philosophy of outdoor living.

Here, nature isn’t just something to admire—it’s something to experience, interact with, and become part of.

What Makes Hellasgården Special?

1. Stunning Nature Trails for Every Season

Hellasgården is surrounded by dense forests, rocky cliffs, and peaceful lakes, making it an ideal spot for hiking, running, and cycling. The area features well-marked trails suited for all levels:

  • Lake Loop Trail (Easy, 3 km) – A scenic route around Källtorpssjön, perfect for a relaxed walk.
  • Forest Adventure Trail (Moderate, 6 km) – A winding path through pine forests and rocky outcrops.
  • Summit Hike (Difficult, 10 km) – A challenging trail leading to high viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas.

In the winter months, these same trails transform into cross-country skiing paths, offering some of the best skiing within Stockholm’s city limits.

2. The Classic Swedish Sauna & Ice Bath Experience

One of Hellasgården’s most famous attractions is its traditional wood-fired sauna, located right by the lake. Visitors can enjoy the quintessential Swedish sauna ritual:

  1. Heat up in the sauna, letting the warmth relax your muscles.
  2. Take a daring plunge into the cold lake, an exhilarating experience year-round (yes, even in winter!).
  3. Repeat the process for the ultimate relaxation and circulation boost.
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunset, when the steam rises over the lake in a magical setting.
  • Cost: The sauna is open to the public with a small entrance fee (check Hellasgården’s website for updated prices and times).

3. Swimming and Kayaking in Källtorpssjön

Hellasgården sits on the shores of Källtorpssjön, a pristine freshwater lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

  • In Summer: The lake is ideal for a refreshing swim, with crystal-clear water and small sandy beaches.
  • In Winter: The frozen lake becomes an ice-skating paradise, attracting both casual skaters and serious winter sports enthusiasts.

4. Wildlife and Birdwatching

For nature lovers, Hellasgården is a haven for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for:

  • Deer and foxes, which roam the forest trails.
  • Eagles and hawks, soaring above the cliffs.
  • Beavers, occasionally seen near the water’s edge at dusk.

5. Cozy Café & Traditional Swedish Food

After a day of exploring, visitors can warm up with a coffee and cinnamon bun at Hellasgården’s cozy café, or try a traditional Swedish lunch, such as:

  • Homemade meatballs with lingonberry sauce.
  • Freshly baked rye bread and local cheeses.
  • Hot blueberry soup, a Swedish winter favorite.

Why You Should Visit Hellasgården

1. The Perfect Nature Escape—Without Leaving Stockholm

Hellasgården is proof that you don’t need to travel far to experience the wild beauty of Sweden. It’s a quick and easy escape from city life, offering everything from hiking to ice swimming in one location.

2. A True Local Experience

Unlike Stockholm’s more tourist-heavy attractions, Hellasgården is where locals come to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. Visiting here gives you a true taste of everyday Swedish outdoor culture.

3. A Destination for Every Season

Hellasgården is worth visiting year-round, with different activities depending on the season:

  • Spring/Summer: Hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnicking.
  • Autumn: Vibrant fall foliage, mushroom foraging, and cozy fireside coffee breaks.
  • Winter: Sauna, ice bathing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.

4. A Hidden Gem Off the Tourist Trail

While places like Djurgården and Skansen attract crowds, Hellasgården remains a peaceful, lesser-known destination, making it perfect for those seeking a more intimate and authentic outdoor adventure.

How to Visit Hellasgården

  • Location: Ältavägen 101, Nacka, Stockholm
  • Getting There:
    • By Metro & Bus: Take the Green Line to Slussen, then bus 401 to Hellasgården (runs frequently).
    • By Bike: A scenic 30-minute ride from Stockholm city center.
    • By Car: Free parking available on-site.
  • Opening Hours: Open year-round, but activities vary by season—check Hellasgården’s website for details.
  • Entrance Fee: Free for trails, swimming, and general access. Sauna and rental equipment have a fee.

For updated schedules and activities, visit Stockholm’s official tourism site.

Fun Facts About Hellasgården

  • It was named after Sweden’s first Greek sports association, established by Greek immigrants in the early 20th century.
  • The sauna follows the traditional Swedish ritual, where locals believe alternating between heat and cold improves circulation and strengthens the immune system.
  • There are Viking-era trails nearby, with ancient runestones hidden in the surrounding forests.
  • Stockholmers use Hellasgården as a “training ground” for events like the Vasaloppet ski race and the Stockholm Marathon.
  • In winter, the lake freezes over so solidly that you can walk, skate, or even ski across it!

Hellasgården: Where Stockholm Meets the Wilderness

You step off the bus, and instantly the sounds of the city fade away. The crisp scent of pine fills the air as the lake shimmers between the trees. A group of hikers passes by, their laughter blending with the distant calls of birds overhead.

In the sauna, steam rises as someone plunges into the icy lake, emerging with a gasp and a wide grin. A little farther along the shoreline, a lone kayaker glides silently across the water, ripples trailing behind them like ink on a canvas.

Here, at Hellasgården, the modern world feels far away. It’s just you, nature, and the deep, calming rhythm of the Swedish wilderness. And the best part? It’s only 20 minutes from the city.

For anyone visiting Stockholm, Hellasgården is not just a destination—it’s an experience.