10 Best Day Trips from Stockholm, Sweden

10 Best Day Trips from Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a stunning city bursting with culture, nature, and history—but the adventure doesn’t have to stop at the city limits. Whether you’re craving Viking history, lakeside saunas, or archipelago escapes, these day trips from Stockholm are perfect for a deeper dive into Sweden’s heart and soul. Plus, we’ve added vegan-friendly eats, practical tips on getting there, and where to stay if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight getaway.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is not only a vibrant hub of culture, design, and history but also a perfect jumping-off point for unforgettable day trips. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and medieval castles to the peaceful waters of the Stockholm archipelago, the Swedish capital offers easy access to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Whether you’re hopping on a boat tour to the town of Sandhamn, visiting the oldest university in Sweden in Uppsala, or exploring the royal palace at Drottningholm on Lovö Island, each destination offers a rich blend of Swedish history, nature, and charm. Thanks to excellent public transport—commuter trains, local buses, and ferry routes—many of these adventures are less than a half hour from Stockholm’s city center or a quick day trip north of Stockholm.

More About Day Trips from Stockholm

No matter the time of year, Stockholm city makes it easy to explore beyond the center of Stockholm. History lovers can walk among Viking times relics and 12th-century church ruins in Sweden’s oldest city, Sigtuna, or take guided tours through the 17th-century Skokloster Castle or the unfinished hall of Stockholm’s own City Hall. Nature enthusiasts, meanwhile, will love a visit to a nature reserve like Lida Friluftsgård or Tyresta National Park, where the Swedish countryside takes center stage. You’ll find everything from ABBA Museum fun in the city of Stockholm to the 18th-century charm of small towns like Mariefred, complete with medieval churches and views of Lake Mälaren. These are some of the best places to experience a deeper side of Sweden in just a day—and they’re all accessible from Stockholm’s central station.

10 Best Day Trips from Stockholm

1. Uppsala – A University Town Steeped in Viking and Academic History

Travel Time: 40 min by train from Stockholm Central
Best For: History lovers and peaceful river walks

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Uppsala Cathedral – Scandinavia’s largest church

2. Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) – Ancient Viking burial mounds

3. Uppsala University Museum Gustavianum – Historic anatomical theatre

4. Botanical Gardens – A tranquil spot for a picnic

5. Carolina Rediviva Library – Home to the Silver Bible

 

Vegan Eats:

• Frojas Sal – Cozy café with delicious vegan lunch options

• Cafe Linné Hörnan – Great vegan-friendly fika treats

Where to Stay (if overnight):

• Grand Hotell Hörnan – Historic charm, centrally located

2. Sigtuna – Sweden’s Oldest Town

Travel Time: 1 hour by train + bus
Best For: Charming streets and Viking rune stones

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Walk along Stora Gatan, Sweden’s oldest street

2. Visit the church ruins and runestones

3. Relax by Lake Mälaren

4. Sigtuna Museum – Local artifacts and town history

5. Explore the Town Hall, the smallest in Sweden

Vegan Eats:

• Hey Lucie – Quaint café with vegan salads, soups, pastries and more

• RC Chocolat – Vegan-friendly lunch and chocolate options

Where to Stay:

• 1909 Sigtuna Stadshotell – Luxury stay with lake views

 

3. Vaxholm (Archipelago) – Gateway to the Archipelago

Travel Time: 1 hour by ferry from central Stockholm
Best For: Island charm and sea views

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Visit Vaxholm Fortress Museum

2. Swim or sunbathe at Badholmen Beach

3. Stroll the wooden villa-lined streets

4. Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding

5. Explore boutiques and art galleries

 

Vegan Eats:

• Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café – Vegan pastries & scenic terrace

Where to Stay:

• Waxholms Hotell – Classic waterfront hotel

4. Drottningholm Palace – A Royal UNESCO Gem

Travel Time: 45 min by boat or 30 min by metro + bus
Best For: Palatial architecture and peaceful gardens

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Tour Drottningholm Palace

2. Walk through the Baroque Gardens

3. Visit the Chinese Pavilion

4. Catch a show at the Palace Theatre

5. Picnic along the lake

 

Vegan Eats:

• Café Karamellan – Offers vegan salads and pastries

• Pack your own vegan picnic for a royal garden feast

Where to Stay:

• Stay in Stockholm – easy access for a half-day trip

5. Mariefred & Gripsholm Castle

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train + bus
Best For: Fairy-tale castles and lakeside vibes

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Tour Gripsholm Castle – Home to Sweden’s National Portrait Gallery

2. Walk along Lake Mälaren

3. Visit the Mariefred Railway Museum

4. Explore the old town and craft shops

5. Take a steamboat ride (in summer)

Vegan Eats:

• Callanderska Gården Café – Sometimes has vegan-friendly fika

• Bring your own snacks if needed

Where to Stay:

• Gripsholms Värdshus – Cozy inn with lake views

 

6. Skokloster Castle

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car or bus + walk
Best For: Baroque art, weapons, and history buffs

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Tour Skokloster Castle and its collections

2. Visit the arms and armor display

3. Walk the castle grounds and lakeside trails

4. Check out the library and preserved interiors

5. Attend a summer medieval fair or event

Vegan Eats:

• Skokloster Café – Vegan pastries sometimes available in summer

• Bring picnic food

Where to Stay:

• Overnight in Sigtuna or Uppsala for more options

7. Norrtälje – Coastal Town Charm

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by bus from Stockholm
Best For: Relaxed harbor vibes and local culture

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Stroll through the harbor promenade

2. Visit Pythagoras Industrial Museum

3. Enjoy the local art galleries

4. Take a summer dip in the archipelago waters

5. Wander the quaint old town

 

Vegan Eats:

• En Liten Smula – Vegan lunch and baked goods

• Skafferiet – Small deli with vegan-friendly dishes

Where to Stay:

• Optima Hotell Roslagen – Modern stay near the center

8. Sandhamn (Archipelago)

Travel Time: 2 hours by ferry
Best For: Archipelago escape and beach walks

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Explore the harbor and fishing village

2. Relax on Trouville Beach

3. Hike through the pine forests

4. Visit the Sandhamn Museum

5. Try sailing or kayaking

 

Vegan Eats:

• Strindbergsgården Café – Offers light vegan options in summer

• Pack a vegan picnic for the beach

Where to Stay:

• Sandhamns Seglarhotell – Best for island ambiance

9. Tyresta National Park

Travel Time: 45 min by commuter train + bus
Best For: Forest hiking and wildlife spotting

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Hike the ancient pine forest trails

2. Visit the Nature Centre and learn about wildlife

3. Swim in the park’s lakes (e.g., Årsjön)

4. Spot deer and birds

5. Enjoy a campfire or picnic in designated areas

 

Vegan Eats:

• Café at the Visitor Center – Offers light vegan snacks

• Bring your own trail food

Where to Stay:

• Stay in Stockholm – easy return after a day hike

10. Trosa – Seaside Fishing Village

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by bus or car
Best For: Coastal charm and relaxed vibes

Top 5 Things To Do:

1. Walk along the canal promenade

2. Explore Trosa’s old wooden houses

3. Rent bikes or kayaks

4. Visit Tullgarn Palace nearby

5. Swim or sunbathe at the beach

Vegan Eats:

• Trosa Matstudio – Creative vegan-friendly options

• Fika by the canal with vegan pastries from local cafés

Where to Stay:

• Bomans Hotel Trosa – Quirky boutique stay with style

Bonus Tips for Planning Your Day Trips:

• Stockholm SL Card covers many trains, buses, and ferries.

• Download the “SL” app for real-time transport info.

• Ferries run less frequently in winter, so always check schedules.

• Pack reusable containers and cutlery for zero-waste vegan meals on the go.

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Stockholm Sweden

Whether you’re intrigued by ancient attractions like the most important pre-Viking sites near Gamla Stan, want to visit parts of the palace where the Swedish royal family once lived, or prefer the serenity of a boat trip across the Baltic Sea, these day trips from the largest city in Sweden deliver something for every kind of traveler. From the royal residences and botanical garden of Uppsala—where Carl Linnaeus once studied—to the charming town center of Vaxholm with its 16th-century fortress, the best way to enrich your Stockholm itinerary is to explore beyond it. Many of these destinations are even included with the Stockholm Pass or bookable via day tours with expert guides, making your journey through Swedish history both seamless and unforgettable.

Whether you’re wandering through castles, hiking in old-growth forests, or soaking in coastal views, Stockholm offers an incredible launchpad for day-tripping adventures—vegan-friendly and full of charm.

Got a favorite Stockholm day trip or vegan-friendly spot we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
6. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities