Hågelbyparken, Narke Travel Guide

Ericsson's Vision Takes Shape

In the early 20th century, telephone pioneer Lars Magnus Ericsson and his wife Hilda transformed old farmsteads into Hågelbyparken. Starting in 1911, they demolished structures and built anew on the eastern shore of Lake Aspen, incorporating medieval roots with modern innovation. Reinforced concrete defined their unique buildings, from the main house to towers and temples, creating a mönstergård—a model estate—that reflected their passion for architecture and rural life.

Baroque Gardens and Water Features

The park's central axis features a 140-meter canal widening into a dam, fed by Älvestaån stream from Lake Aspen. Helge Lundström, a noted garden artist, helped design the barock-inspired landscapes with promenad paths, vast lawns, waterfalls, and an orangeri. Northward hills hold an observation water tower, while southern slopes feature an echo temple amid preserved Iron Age relics, blending nature and history seamlessly.

4H Farm and Wildlife Encounters

At the heart lies Hågelby 4H-gård, a city-close farmstead with horses, sheep, goats, mini-pigs, chickens, rabbits, cats, and more. Animals graze in paddocks daily, inviting close views and educational signage on animal care and nature. Trails like Ekorrstigen challenge kids with balancing, puzzles, and wildlife spotting, while birdhouse safaris and pollinator meadows enhance biodiversity efforts year-round.

Cultural Hubs and Daily Delights

Café Anna Giertz, housed in the original carriage house named for the Ericssons' daughter, serves lunch and fika indoors or on a lush terrace. Nearby, Hågelby Byggnadsvårdsbutik stocks linseed paints and vintage fixtures, while Konst och Hantverk showcases seasonal crafts in the fruit packing house. A preserved country store adds nostalgic charm to the mix of relaxation and shopping.

Event Spaces and Folk Park Spirit

Since 1975, Hågelby has thrived as a folk park with a dance floor, open-air stage under tented roof, and friluftsteater for theater, festivals, and dances. Paviljongen offers serene views for ceremonies, and the layout supports bakluckeloppis markets, holidays, and concerts. Expansive lawns host picnics and grills, making it a vibrant community gathering spot.

Ongoing Legacy of Preservation

Owned by Botkyrka kommun, the park undergoes careful renovations to safeguard its century-old concrete structures and walls, ensuring safety without altering historic forms. These efforts, including new accessible restrooms, preserve the site for future generations amid its natural beauty and cultural significance.