Vällinge

Vällinge is a historic estate and former manor house located where Lake Bornsjön flows into Lake Mälaren, in the municipality of Salem near Stockholm. The property has belonged to the City of Stockholm since the late 19th century and lies within the Bornsjön nature reserve. Construction of the main building began around 1750, and it took on its present appearance in the Gustavian style around 1770. It is a pale yellow, plastered stone building with two stories, its main facade topped by a broad pediment and facing Lake Mälaren. Two freestanding wings are connected to the main building by walls decorated with sculptures. Inside, numerous Gustavian details have been preserved, including painted overdoors with romantic landscape scenes, decorated tile stoves, and wall paneling.

The history of the site is closely tied to early industry. Water mills that harnessed the power of the Vällinge River were already mentioned here in the 14th century. In the 17th century, a brass works was founded on the grounds and operated into the 18th century before being converted into a factory for agricultural implements. In the late 18th century, the family that owned the estate at the time had an English garden laid out, designed by the renowned landscape architect Fredrik Magnus Piper. The park extends across the hills around the manor and offers sweeping views over Lake Mälaren. A special feature is the pleasure pavilion on the eastern hill, built in the romantic style of the period, with interior walls painted in a restored decoration that resembles a cork-shaving finish.

Since 1943, the property has been used by the Home Guard's combat school, which makes Vällinge a protected military site. Despite this use, the grounds are open to the public during the day. Visitors can explore the historic architecture, the well-kept park, and the surrounding natural areas. Other sights include Vällinge Chapel, built in 1679 to plans by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, which is one of the few churches in Sweden with a west-facing chancel. The chapel houses an organ from 1781 and is used by the Salem parish for a few services each year. The combination of historic industry, elegant architecture, and natural surroundings makes Vällinge an interesting destination for visitors to the Stockholm region.