Husby is a district in the northern parts of the City of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. It lies in the middle of a line of three residential districts in an area known as Järvafältet. Here it has Akalla to the northwest and Kista to the southeast, all three areas developed during the 1970s. Husby is a densely populated district with around 11,800 inhabitants, many with foreign backgrounds. Around 60% of the population is born abroad and almost 90% were either born abroad or have both parents born abroad, mostly in Asia and Africa.
A Short History of Husby
This was once a rural area north of the capital of Stockholm. It was home to the farmstead Husby Gård which was established here in the first part of the 19th century. The whole area that became known as Järvafältet was, however, acquired by the Swedish state in 1905 to be used as a training ground by the armed forces. The army came to stay here for several decades, but farming at Husby Gård continued until 1959. The future of the area began to change in 1949 when it was incorporated into the City of Stockholm and the land was eventually acquired by the city in 1965.
Akalla, Husby, and Kista were all planned in the 1960s and the main constructions were done during the 1970s. Husby was the first of the three districts to be built and construction took place between 1972 and 1977. The first to move in did so in 1974. With business developments in both Akalla and Kista, Husby has, however, stayed as a mostly residential area with a few shops and restaurants at its central square.
Husby became famous nationally in 2013. This was when a youth riot broke out here, resulting in at least 100 cars being burned. The riots continued for six nights and the unrest also spread to other districts of Stockholm as well as cities such as Gävle, Linköping, Västerås, and Örebro.
Things to Do and See
Husby is a district that does not have the best reputation, but there is still a lot to explore here. You have the main walking street that goes along most of the residential area. Along the street, you will find local services as well as a few restaurants and smaller businesses. The more popular walking paths are, however, just south of the residential area. This is Järvafältet, an area of fields and forests that separate Akalla, Husby, and Kista from Hjulsta, Tensta, and Rinkeby. Along these fields are the farms of Hästa and Eggeby as well as the stream Igelbäcken.
Husby Gård
Husby Gård is the historical farm that has given its name to the district. It lies on the outskirts of the residential areas and includes a small café, a playground, and space for outdoor activities. There is also an art exhibition center here for local arts and crafts.
Husbybadet
Husbybadet is the local aquatic center. Well, with its waterslides it is to be considered an indoor waterpark. The center was opened in 1999. The facilities have, however, been considered to be in such a bad state that many parts of the waterpark have been closed. A new aquatic center is currently in the planning stage.
Husby Ishall
Husby Ishall is the local indoor ice rink. It was completed in 2001 and is used for ice hockey and other winter sports. One of the ice hockey teams that have found their home here i Kista Hockey. The team plays in Hockeytrean, the fifth-tier league in Sweden.
Granby Bollplan
Granby Bollplan is located to the south of the residential areas and is one of the local football fields. What makes this place special is that it is not only used for football. This is also the local cricket field and it is not uncommon to see people playing. Remember, cricket is not a common sport in Sweden in general.
Husbystenen
Husbystenen, or Runestone U 74, is a runestone right at the border between Husby and Akalla. It is a large stone, measuring around 1.4 meters in height. The stone tells of Björn, who raised the stone in memory of his brother.
How to Get to Husby
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), is 29 kilometers to the north.
- Car: Husby lies along Road E4 just to the north of the center of Stockholm.
- Bus: Buses from SL connect Husby with the surrounding area.
- Metro: There is a metro stop in Husby that connects it to the rail network of Stockholm.
- Train: There are several railway stations nearby. There is Sollentuna, Helenelund, Solna, and the Central Station in Stockholm to mention a few.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 16 kilometers (14 min)
- Gothenburg – 480 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Malmö – 624 kilometers (6 h 20 min)
- Linköping – 211 kilometers (2 h 20 min)
- Kiruna – 1222 kilometers (13 h 50 min)
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