Rånäs

The Mill, the Castle and the Railway

Rånäs is situated between the lakes Skedviken and Gavel-Långsjön. The town grew around Rånäs Mill and Rånäs Castle.

On October 23, 1884, the Länna–Norrtälje Railway opened between Uppsala and Norrtälje. The line ran past the mill and castle, and just over a kilometre to the north, Rånäs Station was built with a stone station house.

Passenger traffic was discontinued in 1967 and freight traffic in 1977. The bus that replaced the trains still runs — it is possible to travel by public transport from Rimbo to Rånäs and neighbouring villages.

Rånäs Chapel

On the site where the chapel stands, there was previously a church, which was demolished before the end of the 18th century when the two parishes were merged.

A World-Class Athletics Club

The sports association Rånäs 4H was founded in 1956 and is considered one of Sweden's best athletics clubs. Among those who have competed for the club is middle-distance runner Maria Akraka. Rånäs IF, founded in 1921, runs football at Rånäs IP.

It is unusual for a place the size of Rånäs to have produced athletes of that level.

Åsa-Nisse in Rånäs

In 1956, Åsa-Nisse flyger i luften was partly filmed at Rånäs railway station, which was used to portray Knohults station. The attentive observer will notice that the carriages still bear SRJ markings — and that part of the ring in the letter Å is visible behind the Knohults sign.

Things to See

• Rånäs Castle
• Rånäs Chapel
• Fasterna Heritage Homestead — a workers' dwelling from the 1870s, originally containing four apartments and a bakery.
• Lindbacken Beach — north of the town, at the southern part of Gavellångsjön. Sandy beach and grass areas.

Getting Here

Bus from Rimbo. The railway has been closed since the 1970s.