Escape the bustling streets of Stockholm and embark on an unforgettable adventure with our curated list of day trips. Sweden’s vibrant capital is not only a hub of culture and history, but it also serves as a gateway to breathtaking natural landscapes and charming towns waiting to be explored.
From picturesque archipelago retreats to medieval castles and idyllic countryside, these day trips from Stockholm offer a perfect blend of serenity and excitement, promising a refreshing break from city life.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a change of scenery, let us guide you through the hidden gems that lie just beyond the city limits.
1. Ekerö Island and Drottningholm Palace
Recommended by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky
Ekerö island is a fantastic day trip from Stockholm as you can experience the archipelago vibes. It lies on the lake Mälaren, just outside Stockholm. Easily reachable from central Stockholm, you need to take a metro to Brommaplan and then a bus.
Ekerö island (originally Ekerön) is about 15 km from the city itself.
The specialty of Ekerö island is that it covers the Drottningholm Palace, where the royal family lives.
The Drottningholm Palace belongs to UNESCO heritage and it’s comparable to Versaille.
You can also visit the Palace by boat from the City Hall.
The exquisite lake will welcome you in front of the Palace. The theatre, church and Chinese pavilion enrich the experience.
The Baroque and English style blend in the gardens with the richness of decorative statues and tranquil corners.
Rosenhill farm is an ecological community where you can buy local products and meet many volunteers. It takes place near the kindergarden bursting with nature.
Ekerö island offers other amazing places like the archeological site Hovgården or Birka village.
2. Tyresta Nationalpark
Recommended by Anna and Anne from PerspektiVan
Located just 26 kilometers southeast of Stockholm, Tyresta National Park offers an idyllic escape into untouched wilderness, making it an ideal day trip destination for nature enthusiasts.
To reach Tyresta National Park from Stockholm take a convenient 30-minute drive or public bus. The buses run regularly from Gullmarsplan station in Stockholm to Tyresta By, the gateway to the park. The journey takes about 60 minutes and offers a scenic ride through the outskirts of the city.
Upon arrival, visitors can get all information about the park at the Naturum, the visitor center at the entrance of the Tyresta Nationalpark. There are many trails to explore for all fitness levels. For a leisurely stroll, the path around Bylsjön lake is perfect. It provides a picturesque setting, and the trail is doable for families with strollers.
For more adventurous hikers, the trail around Stensjön lake (14 – 16 km) presents a more challenging option. This route winds through dense forests, over rocky terrain and rewards with breathtaking vistas.
One of the best aspects of Tyresta National Park is that there are no entrance fees, including parking. This means you can enjoy a cost-free and fulfilling day trip from Stockholm.
You might also be interested in: Stockholm Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
3. Vaxholm
Recommended by James Ian from Travel Collecting
There are about 30,000 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago. One of the most interesting to visit is the unofficial “Capital of the Archipelago”, Vaxholm. It’s the perfect daytrip from Stockholm because there are plenty of things to do, it’s incredibly picturesque, and it’s conveniently close.
The most enjoyable way to get to Vaxholm is by boat. There are several options. The cheapest is the public ferry, which takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on the schedule. Private boats also run this route and take 50 minutes. Boat tours are also available, but give you less time on the island. Water taxis are more expensive but give you the most flexibility.
Vaxholm is connected to the mainland by bridge, so you can also take a bus (45 minutes from the Technical University (Tekniska Högskolan) T-Bana (Metro) station; taxi or Uber; or drive yourself (about 35 minutes).
You might also be interested in: From Stockholm: Uppsala and Sigtuna Viking Sites Tour
A highlight of your trip is Vaxholm Castle. This fortress lies on a tiny island just off the main ferry dock and is reached by a short cable operated ferry. There are tours in English and Swedish and a café that makes a great spot for fika.
Vaxholm’s narrow cobbled streets and colorful wooden houses are lovely to walk around, and there are several cute shops to explore. Plan to have another fika (coffee and cake) at the adorable Hembydsgård Café. There’s a large outdoor section perched on the coastline, so you can enjoy delicious Swedish sweets, great coffee and views to die for all at the same time.
If you’re looking for more active things to do, there is great kayaking, cycling, and even a zipline on the island.
Vaxholm is especially magical on a warm, sunny summer’s day, but is accessible year round, and makes a day trip throughout the year.
4. Sigtuna
Recommended by Astrid Thornton from Seek Scandinavia
Ready for an unforgettable day trip from Stockholm? Buckle up and head to Sigtuna, the oldest surviving town in Sweden (and, indeed, one of the oldest in Scandinavia), just a hop, skip, and a 50-kilometer jump away! In under an hour by car or a bit over an hour by train and bus from Stockholm Central Station station, you’ll find yourself stepping back in time in this quaint, picturesque town.
Sigtuna’s cobbled streets are chock-full of charm! Brimming with well-preserved medieval churches, rune stones, and quaint wooden houses, it’s a living, breathing history book. Don’t miss the Sigtuna Museum where, for only SEK 60, you can deepen your understanding of the town’s Viking and medieval roots.
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic lakefront, dotted with cute cafes and boutiques. Or if you’re more of an outdoorsy type, the nearby hiking trails are a treat for the senses!
Sigtuna truly shines in the summer months, with its gardens in full bloom and lakeside activities aplenty. However, don’t worry if you can’t make it then as the Christmas market turns the town into a winter wonderland, making a visit worthwhile year-round.
So grab your camera and sense of adventure and head to Sigtuna for a day trip that’s sure to deliver memories that will last a lifetime!
You might also be interested in: Stockholm: Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika, and Hot Sauna
5. Uppsala
Recommended by Leslie Rivera from Backpackers Thailand
Uppsala is a beautiful historic student city located just 70 km away from Stockholm and is a perfect day trip destination. May to September is the best time to visit Uppsala for warm-weather activities. Getting there from Stockholm is easy. You can take a direct train from Stockholms Centralstation that will have you in Uppsala in just 38 minutes, or hop on a Flixbus from Stockholm Cityterminalen for a slightly longer but just as comfortable ride (1 hour and 10 minutes). If you have a car, it’s a quick 50-minute trip.
One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrka), which dates back to the late 13th century and boasts stunning Gothic architecture. Opening hours: daily from 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Uppsala is also home to the prestigious Uppsala University, a center for academic excellence for over 500 years. You can visit one of the museums located there (The Museum of Evolution, Carolina Rediviva, and a Museum of Medical History), or book a guided walking tour of the university.
Uppsala Castle is another must-see place located in the very heart of the city. This 16th-century royal castle towers over Uppsala and offers a nice view from the top. It also hosts two museums: Uppsala Art Museum and Vasaborgen. Opening hours of museums: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.; Thursday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This is also one of the best places to go skiing near Stockholm.
6. Västerås
Recommended by Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels
Västerås makes for a perfect day trip from Stockholm as it is located just an hours’ train or bus ride, or drive northwest of Stockholm (approximately 100 kilometres). It has one of the oldest histories in Northern Europe dating back to 990 AD. Visitors will find a wealth of Nordic Viking Age attractions, medieval churches, and castles to explore within the city.
There are many things to see and do in Västerås, however, a must-see attraction is the Kyrkbacken historic neighbourhood, located centrally within the city centre. The Vallby Open Air Museum is another great option, showcasing over 50 buildings from the region and recreating the environment in which Swedish people lived and worked throughout history. The Västerås Cathedral, which has received three stars from Guide Michelin, is also definitely worth a visit.
Outside of the city, visitors can learn more about the Nordic Viking Age at Anundshög, Sweden’s largest burial mound. Other nearby attractions include Skultuna Brassworks and Strömsholm Palace (only open to the public during the Summer months of June – August). Surprisingly, all the attractions mentioned above can be visited free of charge, which makes it even more appealing for a day trip from Stockholm.
Are you looking for more information about Stockholm? You may also enjoy:
3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary: Canals, Castles and Culture
All You Need to Know Before Visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
Love this list of day trips from Stockholm! Can’t wait to explore these destinations during my next visit to Sweden. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post! I’m planning a trip to Stockholm and these day trips look absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to explore the beautiful scenery and charming towns around the city. Thanks for sharing!