Ã…rstaskogen
- Scenic natural area just south of Södermalm

Årstaskogen, or Årsta Forest, is a scenic natural area situated in the districts of Årsta and Liljeholmen, just south of Södermalm. It spans from Johanneshovsbron to Årstabroarna (trainbridges) on a fault scarp (a geological formation from the latest ice age).

It’s a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, jogging, picnicking, and swimming. The forest boasts winding trails meandering through dense woodlands and open meadows, offering a tranquil escape from urban life’s hustle and bustle. Easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous bus and metro stops nearby, it’s a popular recreational area for locals and visitors alike seeking to immerse themselves in nature within the city limits.

Below the very Ã…rstaskogen itself, within the mountain, lie underground storage facilities for Stockholm’s water supply alongside military bunker systems. In the eastern section, one can find a couple of allotment gardens established as early as 1917. On the hill above these gardens, during the wartime preparedness period (World War II), the Skanskvarn anti-aircraft position was situated, with two gun emplacements still standing.

Ã…rsta Islets

Adjacent to the forest, in the heart of Ã…rstaviken, lie the three Ã…rsta Islets, with Tantolunden gracing the bay’s northern shore. Connected by footbridges, these three islands are accessible only by boat from the mainland.

Bergsholmen, the central islet, sits approximately 200 meters from the Ã…rsta mainland. It was Formerly known as Tallholmen.

The westernmost islet, Alholmen, is situated around 200 meters from Södermalm and the Ã…rsta mainland. Previously named Ladholmen and Gräsholmen, it accommodates the bridge supports for the Ã…rsta Bridge (opened for train traffic in 1928). On its northern shore stands “Ã…rsta Holmars GÃ¥rd” (Ã…rsta Manor) dating back to 1737, initially constructed as a summer retreat.

Lillholmen, the easternmost islet, was formerly known as Betesholmen, Ängsholmen, and Lilla skäret.