Days trips from Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and unique European cities and has and has so much to offer.

However, when you are on vacation, and you like visiting offbeat places or hidden gems, or even getting to know other places to visit nearby, the below options are worth exploring.

I would recommend downloading - 'res i sthml' (ios) to travel in Stockholm county.

Buy an SL card from the airport and you can use that on all public transport within Stockholm county.

Roadtrip within city isn't advisable within Stockholm county :(

1. Uppsala

Known as the Cambridge of Sweden, Uppsala is a vibrant university town located a little north of Stockholm, a mere 35-minute train ride away. Students from across Sweden – and the rest of the world – swell the term-time population of the city, giving it a youthful, international feel. (About 20% of its residents are students).

Historically significant, centuries-old sights stud the townscape and its surroundings. No trip to Uppsala is complete without getting to know its former resident Carl Linnaeus, one of the world’s most notable botanists and scientists.

How to reach Uppsala from Stockholm

I would recommend buying tickets from sj.se from Stockholm C to Uppsala C.

Choose the ones which takes shorter time - those are SJ trains and they are more comfortable as they are long distance trains - recommended.

If you have already an SL pass which allows you to travel across Stockholm, then you can take commuter trains(pendeltåg) -buy UL ticket.

What to see or Do in Uppsala

Wherever you set foot in Uppsala, you’re bound to stumble upon sights of historical significance.

a. On display within the centrally located Carolina Rediviva, Uppsala University’s library, you'll find the astonishing 6th century Silver Bible, one of the world’s oldest and most extensive Gothic codices.

b. A stone’s throw away lies Uppsala Cathedral, the burial place of Swedish royals such as King Gustav Vasa, who died in 1560

c. Uppsala Castle and its expansive ground - Don't miss the opportunity to view the cityscape from high above by joining a guided walk atop the castle roof.

d. Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century and the oldest university in Sweden. Even non-students can discover its legacy as it now serves as a museum.

e. Gamla Uppsala Museum (Old Uppsala Museum), nestled by the royal mounds

2. Nynäshamn

Nynäshamn, which lies about 60 km south of Stockholm, is well known for being one of the places on the Swedish mainland from where ferries to Poland and also islands in Sweden.

This is a hugely popular destination for Swedes of all ages in the summer months. During the summer months, the harbour is packed with boats of all sizes, and bustles with both visitors and locals. There are a number of eateries and boutiques with locally made produce. Here you can spend a relaxing day amidst nature with an urban vibe.

How to reach Nynäshamn

Nynäshamn id within Stockholms county so it is included within the SL pass I mentioned above.

Take commuter train(Pendeltåg) from Stockholm city towards Nynäshman and get down at the last station.

What to see or Do in Nynäshamn

a. Nynashamns kyrka/church

b. Strandvagen (directly translated to English the beach way)

Impressive beautiful coastline known for its walking trails. Some of the trails have exercise equipment. Cafes and parking available. Road is one way.

c. Boat Tours - if you are to boat trips, there are plenty available here to chose from.

3. Sigtuna

This is one of these unique destinations that has always been highlighted in every travel guide of Sweden. The main reason: Sigtuna is where Sweden begins as the city was founded on the year 970 CE being Sweden’s first city.

Despite being a small city there is a lot of history in it because of its past. In Sigtuna you’ll find buildings from the 17th century onwards, old Swedish houses, castles and churches and a lot of viking runestones to visit

How to reach Sigtuna

If you have bought SL pass, Sigtuna will e included in that.

Take the commuter trains(pendeltåg) from Stockholm city station to Märsta(last stop). When you get out of the train staion, walk straight towards the bus stop.

Take Bus 574 towards Hova and and get down at berga bromsta, walk fro 5 minutes to reach Sigtuna Centrum

What to See and Do in Sigtuna

a. Sigtuna’s City Hall

The city hall can be visited according to the opening times of the Sigtuna’s City Museum (everyday 12-4 pm June – August).

b. Sweden’s Oldest Pedestrian Street

Stora gatan is a an scenic street with wooden houses, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés filled with tourists during the best months of the year. In Stora Gatan you will find Sigtunas tourism office

c. Mariakyrkan, the first church in this region called Mälardalen built with bricks well deserves a visit. The church is dated back to the 13th century and built by a couple of Dominic monks. The style is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic and the construction in red-colored bricks, its bright interior and its size make it stand out of the other stone-built temples in the city.

d. A Walk by the Shore at Lake Mälaren

The coastal area by Lake Mälaren is a singular place. Archeologists have uncovered items that suggest that this place was under water a 1000 years ago

e. Sigtuna’s Museum -At Sigtuna’s Museum you will obviously find everything related to the history of the city.

f. St. Olof's Church ruins- Sigtuna is Sweden's oldest town, dating back to Erik the Victorius time (pre-1000). It's not a surprise that it has a number of ruins then. St Olof's Ruin happens to be one of them. This place closes at 5PM sharp.

g. Sigtuna Castle - The castle was designed in the 16th century and originally belonged to Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who was one of the most powerful men of his time.

A thousand years of history in a building, a magical place for both weddings, parties and events.

h. Picnic/Relax by the lake- if you need a break from exploring this beautiful palce, you can always head down to the lake, sit under the shade of the tress or by the water and enjoy some peaceful time.

Mariefred

Mariefred is a locality situated in Strängnäs Municipality, Södermanland County.

How to reach Mariefred

The faster one(1 hr) is vis SJ trains - from Stockholm C to Läggesta station and then bus to Mariefred and this is the recommened as well.

What to see & do

a. Gripsholm Castle

The stately castle from the era of the Vasa kings stands on an islet in Lake Mälaren and is popular with visitors. Wander through the many beautiful rooms at your own pace or join a guided tour. If you do not want to visit the castle, take a walk outise the castle and enjoy the beautiful view.

b. Deer Park

The deer park is nature reserve adjacent to Gripsholm Castle with a great biological variety of trees and many deer.

c. Town Centre

The well-preserved town centre features many small shops, restaurants and cafés. The proximity to Lake Mälaren, guest harbour and steamboat jetty all contribute to a wonderful bustling atmosphere during the warmer months of the year.

c. Narrow Gauge Railway

The steam train chugs along the narrow gauge track between Mariefred and Taxinge Näsby in high season. Travel on a train pulled by a genuine steam locomotive on the narrowest track ever used for public train services. Between May and September, the trains runs

d. Church

The church was completed in 1701 and is a typical building from the days when Sweden was a great power.Some call it the “queens’ church” as queens Christina, widow of Karl IX, and Hedvig Eleonora, widow of Karl X, both contributed funds to the building of a church on the hill by Lake Mälaren

Stockholm Archipelago

In this case, I cannot choose one, so would recommend any one that you find is convenient. All are amazing

I hope you find this post useful and can be handy if and when you visit Stockholm.

If you would like to be a part of my travel experience - follow me on Instagram