Stavsjö: Discover hiking and industrial history

Stavsjö combines hiking opportunities with an industrial history reflected in hydropower and former railway lines. When planning a stay, you can choose from different focuses: lakeside trails, circular hikes of various lengths, and historic destinations related to water and transport.

Hiking and cycling in Stavsjö

The Sörmlandsleden passes through Stavsjö, and hikes in the natural surroundings of Kolmården can start here. One specific circular route is Skiren runt. It starts at the old inn in Stavsjö, passes through the natural surroundings of Kolmården, and follows the shores of Lake Skiren almost throughout. The route is 4.5 kilometers long and is considered easy. There are several swimming spots along the way, as well as a designated barbecue area on the southern shore.

There are also circular hikes of about 9 or 16 kilometers. Starting points include Stavsjö Klint or the hostel in Stavsjö; the terrain is easy to moderately challenging. In a comparison of the routes, Skiren runt is the shorter loop at 4.5 kilometers and is rated easy. For the longer hikes, the terrain rating provides an additional point of comparison.

Another option for hiking or cycling is the trail along the remains of the Nunnebanan railway embankment. It is 9 kilometers long. It is a good idea to check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Lakes, swimming area, and hydropower

Skiren runt follows the shore of Lake Skiren, whereas Stavsjöbadet is by Lake Stavsjön. This distinction is helpful for finding your way if you want to combine the loop with a visit to the swimming area. Stavsjöbadet has been adapted for accessibility and has a parking lot, changing rooms, and a jetty. As the facilities may change, it is best to check them before your visit.

The history of hydropower can also be understood through a specific elevation figure: Dammkärret is 14 meters higher than Lake Stavsjön. This difference in elevation made it possible to operate many waterwheels. Another connection between water and trails is the second loop of the dam walks, which leads to the large dam at Rökens kärr. This places a historic technical context alongside a named hiking destination, though they do not describe the same chapter in the area's history.

Railway history and timber transport

The historic Stavsjö Järnväg had a station in Stavsjö Bruk. The Nunnebanan recalls a different purpose of rail transport: it was built to carry timber from Stavsjö to Sandviken that had been damaged by the nun moth infestation. Together, these details offer insight into the importance of rail connections for different tasks, but they do not refer to the same railway line.

Today, a 9-kilometer hiking and cycling trail runs along the remains of the Nunnebanan railway embankment. The former transport route can therefore also be used on foot or by bike. When choosing a route, it is important to distinguish between two aspects: the historic line served to transport timber, while its current use is described as a hiking and cycling trail. Check the trail conditions before setting out.

Valborg on Slaggudden

On the last evening of April, the Valborg bonfire is lit on Slaggudden every year. The choir “Stavsjöventilerna” sings spring songs, and an invited guest gives a speech. This tradition adds a seasonal highlight to the hiking topics described as available year-round: it combines a fixed date with a choir and guest speech at a specific location.

For the wider travel overview: Nyköping.