Best Day Trips from Stockholm

Stockholm is a city of breathtaking beauty, spread across 14 islands where vibrant urban life meets historic charm. But one of the greatest joys of a visit to the Swedish capital is how easily you can escape into nature, history, and tranquility with a perfect day trip. Whether you're seeking summer sunshine or a magical winter adventure, the region surrounding Stockholm offers unforgettable journeys.

Here are our top picks for day trips from Stockholm, including some spectacular winter-friendly options.

Grinda

Just a scenic ferry ride away, Grinda is the quintessential Stockholm archipelago experience. This picturesque island is a haven for hiking, swimming (in summer), and simply unwinding in serene natural beauty. Wander forest trails, picnic on smooth rocks overlooking the sea, and enjoy the classic red-and-white Swedish summer cottages. In the warmer months, you can kayak or rent a small boat. Even in late autumn or early spring, a brisk walk around the island followed by a cozy meal at the Grinda Wärdshus inn is a restorative escape from the city bustle.

While summer activities are closed, a winter ferry trip to Grinda or another archipelago island like Vaxholm offers stark, beautiful scenery, crisp air, and absolute peace. Just be sure to check ferry schedules, as services are reduced in the winter months.

Drottningholm Slott

No visit to Stockholm is complete without seeing Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholm Slott), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family.

Often called the "Versailles of Scandinavia," this 17th-century palace is stunning year-round. Tour the opulent state apartments, the remarkably preserved palace theatre (Drottningholms Slottsteater), and the beautiful baroque gardens.

In winter, the palace takes on a fairy-tale quality, and the Chinese Pavilion is especially enchanting against a backdrop of snow. Easily reached by metro and bus or a pleasant ferry trip in summer, it’s a hassle-free journey into regal history.

Uppsala University Library and Museum

For a deep dive into Swedish culture and academic history, take the short train ride (about 40 minutes) north to historic Uppsala. The university, founded in 1477, is the heart of this lively city. The Carolina Rediviva building houses the Uppsala University Library, a cathedral of knowledge where you can view breathtaking treasures like the 6th-century Silver Bible (Codex Argenteus).

Combined with a visit to the nearby Gustavianum Museum — which showcases the university’s anatomical theatre and Viking-age artifacts — you get a profound sense of Sweden’s intellectual legacy. Uppsala’s majestic cathedral and cozy cafes make this a rich and rewarding day trip in any season.

Uppsala is an excellent winter day trip. The historic buildings and museums provide fascinating indoor exploration away from the cold, and the student town vibe is always lively.

Artipelag

For a unique blend of contemporary art and stunning natural scenery, head to Artipelag. This architectural marvel is a world-class art gallery, restaurant, and nature reserve carved into the rocky pine forest of the Värmdö archipelago, about a 30-minute drive or bus trip from the city.

The building itself, designed by the founder of BabyBjörn, is a work of art with expansive decks that seem to float over the water. The exhibitions focus on modern and contemporary art, design, and photography. The real magic lies in the 8 km of nature trails surrounding it, offering panoramic views of the archipelago. It's a rejuvenating experience for the mind and senses in every season!

Getting to Artipelag: Bus 670 from Slussen takes you directly to the Artipelag stop (June-August). Other times of the year, take bus 474 to "Värmdö Värdshus" and walk 25 minutes through beautiful forest paths (A journey that’s part of the experience!)

Sigtuna

Step back over a thousand years in time with a visit to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest surviving town, founded around 980 AD. Located on the shores of Lake Mälaren (about a 45-minute drive or an easy bus ride from Stockholm), its charming, low-rise Main Street (Stora Gatan) is lined with boutique shops and cafes housed in colorful wooden buildings. Wander past medieval church ruins and the more recent, beautiful Sigtuna Church.

Don't miss the Sigtuna Museum to see fascinating Viking and medieval artifacts excavated locally. In winter, the town is especially quaint and peaceful, and a walk by the frozen lake is breathtaking. This trip pairs history with small-town charm perfectly.

Getting to Sigtuna: Take the SL bus 570 from Märsta station (reachable by commuter train from Stockholm Central).

Birka

For a true historical adventure, travel to Birka on the island of Björkö, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as "Sweden’s first city." This major Viking Age trading center (c. 750-975 AD) is accessed by a scenic 2-hour ferry ride from Stockholm. Explore the reconstructed Viking village, impressive burial mounds, and the excellent Birka Museum to see artifacts unearthed from the site.

While the ferry primarily runs from May to September, it makes for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Viking world. It’s a full-day excursion that combines a beautiful boat trip with a powerful historical narrative.

About Stockholm

Stockholm is the gateway to a country of stunning contrast.

Sweden is a land where sophisticated cities meet vast, tranquil forests and thousands of lakes. Its clean, peaceful ambiance blends Danish influences with a touch of the wild Arctic north. The county around Stockholm is a mix of glittering waterways, dense woodlands, historic towns, and over 30,000 islands in the archipelago. English is widely spoken everywhere, making travel effortless.

Quick Travel Tips:

• Getting There: Sweden’s excellent public transport makes these trips easy. Use SL ferries and buses for Grinda and Drottningholm, and SJ trains for Uppsala.

• Local Custom: A casual dress code is fine for exploring. Remember to thank your host after a meal with a simple "Tack för maten!"

• Winter Wear: For cold-weather trips, layer up! Thermal layers, a warm waterproof coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots are essential.

Day Trips from Stockholm - Final Thoughts

Venturing beyond Stockholm’s borders, even for just a day, reveals the true heart of Sweden: a place of profound natural beauty, deep history, and welcoming calm.

These destinations showcase the incredible diversity within an hour or two of Stockholm. Viking settlements and medieval foundations to bold modern architecture, all set against the timeless beauty of Sweden's forests and waterways.

Backpack Wanderings

Because everyone deserves to travel

Connect

Get travel updates and more:

© 2025. All rights reserved.

This blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.