16 fun, easy day trips from Stockholm

There are enough centrally located sights and activities in the Swedish capital to keep you occupied for a week or more. Sometimes, however, you just want to leave the big city behind and get a quick taste of the real Sweden. Most of these day trips from Stockholm are easy to do by public transport, so you can leave early in the morning and be back downtown in time for dinner.

What You Should Know

• Stockholm is surrounded by accessible destinations, ranging from historic university towns and Viking sites to pristine national parks and the Archipelago islands.
• Almost all recommended day trips are easily reachable by Sweden’s efficient public transportation network, including trains, buses, and ferries.
• While independent travel is cost-effective, guided tours offer added convenience, skip-the-line access, and deeper local insight into Sweden’s history and nature.
• Consider using the Stockholm Pass to save on entrance fees for major attractions like Drottningholm Palace, the Viking Museum, and various boat tours.
• For travelers looking to venture further, overnight ferry cruises to Helsinki provide a unique way to combine a city break with a scenic sea voyage.

Organized day trips from Stockholm

All the places we recommend here can be reached by public transportation, but sometimes it is easier, quicker, and more fun to go on a guided tour, especially if you are a solo traveller.

So, here are some of our favourite organised day trips from Stockholm. Please note that some of these suggestions include affiliate links, which help support our site at no extra cost to you.

• We love this tour of Viking culture history and sites round Stockholm, which takes in a Viking and iron age grave field, a Viking bridge, and Sigtuna (see below), which is widely considered the oldest town in Sweden and was founded in Viking times.
• One of the easiest ways to explore Drottningholm is on a guided tour, where you’ll get some extra insight into the palace, its history and its royal residents. This tour includes the boat trip, admission fees with skip-the-line entry, lunch, and a Blue Badge guide.
• And if you want to escape the city and see some of Sweden’s wildlife, this guided wildlife safari takes you into the forests around Stockholm in search of moose, deer and wild boar. You’ll hike through the forest, stop for a campfire dinner and drive between some of the best spots for seeing wild animals.
• Since Stockholm is all about the water, this kayaking trip through the archipelago is our top choice. You will paddle around the pretty islands and waterways, stop at a beach to cook an organic lunch on a campfire, maybe go for a quick dip in the Baltic, and then finally have a fika stop on the way home.
• If you would rather not deal with train schedules or hire a car, a private car transfer is another easy way to get between Stockholm and nearby destinations. You will travel with an English-speaking local driver, and there is the option to make a few sightseeing stops along the way.

A typical budget for day trips from Stockholm varies significantly depending on whether you are traveling independently or booking an organized tour. For independent trips using public transportation, you should expect to spend between 300 SEK and 600 SEK on train or bus tickets, plus additional costs for food and attraction entrance fees. Opting for a guided excursion can cost anywhere from 800 SEK to over 2,000 SEK, but these often include perks like skip-the-line access, meals, and expert guidance.

1. Uppsala

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden and a renowned university city that has been around for more than 530 years, Uppsala is just 40 minutes from Stockholm by train.

On a day trip from the capital, you will have plenty of time to explore the historic cathedral known as Domkyrkan, which remains the largest of its kind in all of Scandinavia. You should also visit the university’s splendid Carolina Rediviva Library, which is stacked wall to wall with books, and learn more about famous academics like Carl Linnaeus who once walked these grounds.

Another reason for visiting Uppsala is to take a peek around its castle, which played a crucial role in Swedish history and now houses three museums. If you have extra time, consider a short detour to Gamla Uppsala to see the ancient burial mounds that date back to the Viking Age.

Getting there

Regional trains depart from Stockholm’s central station, taking around 40 minutes to reach Uppsala, and the station is conveniently located in the center of town. See our main Stockholm guide for more information on taking the train.

Alternatively, an easier option is this guided walking tour that includes a comprehensive look at the best sites in Uppsala.

2. Skogskyrkogården

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly far from Stockholm’s city centre, but it still makes an excellent half-day trip.

Skogskyrkogården, or the Woodland Cemetery, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is quite impressive when you consider that, having been founded in the early 1900s, it is far younger than most other places recognized by UNESCO.

Why should you go? You can walk among the huge pine trees, interspersed with row after row of low headstones, and see the architectural beauty of a place designed to help mourners during a difficult time in their lives. The processional routes around the vast park were specially designed to evoke feelings of hope and reconciliation.

More prosaically, Skogskyrkogården is the final resting place of the actress Greta Garbo. If you want to see her grave, it is located at plot 12A.

Getting there

From Gamla Stan in the centre of Stockholm, take the green tunnelbana (subway) line towards Farsta Strand and get off at Skogskyrkogården.

The journey takes around 15 minutes, and the park’s main entrance is just around the corner from the subway station.

3. Nacka Nature Reserve

The Nacka Nature Reserve is a stunning destination for a refreshing walk, a swim, or a peaceful picnic among beautiful woods and lovely lakes. If you are currently enjoying a Scandinavian vacation, this reserve is one of the most accessible outdoor escapes located just minutes from the bustling city centre.

You can hike through lush woods and valleys, scramble over hills and granite cliffs, and wander along sandy lake shores. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including beavers, moose, deer, and foxes.

We think the best way to explore the area is on a guided tour. The tour features an expert guide who will accompany you to the park, lead you to the most scenic spots, and even prepare a tasty organic lunch over a campfire.

Getting there

If you prefer to travel independently using public transportation, you can reach Kärrtorp via the T-bana from Slussen in about 20 minutes. From there, it is a 30-minute walk into the heart of the park.

4. Västerås

Although plenty of tourists fly to Västerås (cleverly, the airport is branded as Stockholm Västerås), few stick around to see the sights.

However, this small city located in the region surrounding the Swedish capital is a pretty place to explore, with higgledy-piggledy cottages edging the river that runs through its center.

We think it is one of the best side trips from Stockholm.

In summertime, the beaches that skirt Lake Mälaren are perfect for a dip. Johannisberg, around 6km southwest of the city center, is one of the easiest spots to reach.

Otherwise, you might fancy making the trip to Anundshög, which features one of the most impressive burial mounds in Sweden.

Some nine metres high, it dates back to around 900 AD. Around the site, you can also see a collection of ancient standing stones arranged in the classic Scandinavian style to resemble ships.

If you decide to spend the night in Västerås, there are a couple of interesting places to stay, including the STF Sala Silvergruva hostel, in a traditional old wooden building that was originally built as housing for workers from the local silver mine.

Getting there

Frequent trains (roughly every half an hour) connect Stockholm’s main train station with Västerås. The journey takes around an hour.

5. Boda Borg, Oxelösund

For a completely different kind of experience among the many exciting day trips from Stockholm, head for Boda Borg in Oxelösund, located around two hours from the city centre.

At this fun activity center, visitors try to solve a series of mental and physical challenges (if you’ve ever seen The Crystal Maze, you’ll know what to expect).

The tasks, which include trying to escape from a fake prison cell, are completed in small teams of three to five people. These challenges call for plenty of teamwork, coordination, and a bit of lateral thinking to succeed.

Getting there

Boda Borg is situated approximately 120km southwest of Stockholm. Please note that you should reserve your place in advance, as it is best not to just turn up without a booking.

The easiest option is to drive, but it is entirely possible to get there and back in a single day using public transport.

Take the Flixbus service from City Terminalen in Stockholm to the Nyköping bus station (1 hour and 25 minutes), and then change to bus 715 for the final 20 minute journey to Oxelösund. Get off at Oxelögatan; Boda Borg is just a short walk to the east.

6. Nyköping

Nyköping might seem like an unexpected choice for a day trip from Stockholm, but it is actually worth exploring. If you are flying home from the nearby Stockholm Skavsta Airport, which is just ten minutes away by road, it would be a perfect opportunity to spend time in the city’s charming medieval center.

Chief among the sights in town is the medieval castle known as Nyköpingshus, which now houses interesting museum exhibits. If you are visiting during the summer months, we suggest making the trip out to the city’s guest harbour. It is a popular stopping off point for travellers on yachting holidays, and you can easily find boats and bikes available for rent.

Getting there

Hourly train services run from Stockholm central station, taking about an hour to reach Nyköping, or you can take the Flixbus.

Arriving at Stockholm Skavsta Airport? Jump on LänsTrafiken bus 515 just outside the terminal. The journey into Nyköping takes only 15 minutes.

7. Tyresta National Park

If you are looking for the best day trips from Stockholm, head to Tyresta National Park for an unforgettable trekking experience. This wooded wilderness reserve is located just 15 miles from the city center, offering a pristine escape into nature.

Trails of various lengths wind through the ancient woodland past rugged rocks and large lakes, which are dotted with sandy beaches. Hiking, kayaking, and camping are all popular activities here. In the winter months, you can even enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake, or simply revel in the peace and quiet of the forest.

We highly recommend this sunset hike in the park, which stands out as one of the most rewarding day trips from Stockholm. It includes an experienced guide who can help you spot the local wildlife, along with a delicious picnic supper served right in the heart of the forest.

Getting there

To reach the main entrance at Tyresta village on public transport, take buses 807 or 809 from the Gullmarsplan T-bahn station in the south of the city.

8. Tom Tits Experiment

If you are travelling with kids and want to leave the city behind for one of the best family day trips from Stockholm, consider visiting Tom Tits Experiment (entrance fee included in the Stockholm Pass), making it a convenient stop for families looking for an educational outing.

Located about 30km southwest of the capital in Södertälje, this interactive science museum is packed with hands-on experiments designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. It is a fantastic place to keep inquisitive children occupied for several hours.

There is plenty of fun to be had for adults as well. For more ideas on how to enjoy these interactive experiences and other activities, see our guide to exploring Stockholm with kids.

Getting there

Reaching Tom Tits Experiment is straightforward when using public transport. Simply ride the train from Stockholm Central Station to Södertälje Centrum. Once you arrive, walk north along the pedestrian street that runs through the town center.

You will reach the science center after a pleasant 10 minute walk.

9. Drottningholm Palace

Perhaps the single most popular day-trip destination from Stockholm is Drottningholm Palace.

While this is not the official residence of the Swedish king, as that title belongs to Kungliga Slottet in central Stockholm, However, this is where the royal family spends most of their time.

Built on an island, the palace shares its grounds with carefully tended baroque gardens and the Drottningholm Court Theater, which was built way back in 1766 and is still in use today. You can tour the grounds and the palace (excluding the areas where the royal family lives) all year round, though opening hours are limited to weekends during the winter.

Entrance to the palace is included on the Stockholm Pass. There’s more on visiting the palace from Stockholm in this guide.

Getting there

During summer days, the nicest way to get there is on a scenic boat trip (included in the Stockholm Pass), which takes around an hour to reach the palace.

A cheaper, less scenic option is to take the T-bana (subway) to Brommaplan. Once there, change to bus 176 or 177 and get off at Drottningholm.

Or, if you really want to push the boat out, how about this private tour of the palace with your own expert guide, skip the line entrance tickets, and return ferry tickets?

10. Sigtuna

Lying on the peaceful shores of Lake Mälaren, Sigtuna is a picturesque destination known for its wealth of ancient rune stones and the captivating ruins of 12th century churches.

As the oldest town in Sweden, Sigtuna was founded more than 1000 years ago by the Viking King Erik Segersäll.

The town features charming cobbled streets lined with colorful wooden cottages, making it a perfect spot to wander around and soak in the rich local history.

We think the best way to explore Sigtuna is on this guided walking tour, which highlights the city’s impressive rune stones and historic remains, while also including a convenient stop in Uppsala.

Getting there

In summer, you can take a boat trip to Sigtuna (included in the Stockholm Pass), or you can get there by train and bus in under an hour.

SJ regional trains run regularly from Stockholm central station to Märsta, where you can easily transfer to bus number 575 for the final leg of your journey into Sigtuna.

11. Mariefred

This charming village sits on the southern shores of Lake Mälaren, featuring narrow cobbled streets, timbered cottages, and picturesque squares.

However, the main attraction is the imposing Gripsholms slott, or Gripsholm Castle, which is built on an island just a short walk from the village center. The original castle was started in the 14th century by Bo Johnsson Grip, though later sections were added throughout the 16th and 18th centuries. If the castle looks familiar, it might be because the iconic cover for the ABBA Waterloo album was shot here, making it a popular stop for music fans enjoying a Scandinavian vacation.

Entrance to the castle is included on the Stockholm Pass.

Getting there

Mariefred can be reached in under an hour from Stockholm central station. Take the train to Läggesta, and then change onto bus 303 or 305 to reach the village.

12. Go on a wildlife safari

For a taste of Sweden’s wild side without travelling too far from Stockholm, head out into the surrounding forests on a guided wildlife safari.

Moose are the big attraction, but you’ll also keep an eye out for deer, wild boar and other animals that live in the area. Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but an experienced guide will take you to some of the best places to look for them.

This guided wildlife safari takes you on a short forest hike before driving between different wildlife hotspots. You’ll also stop for a campfire dinner along the way – a suitably Swedish end to an evening in the woods.

Getting there

The tour includes transport from Stockholm, so there’s no need to make your own way out into the countryside. Check the tour details for the current meeting point and departure time.

13. The Stockholm Archipelago

Regardless of the time of year, a quick day trip into the Stockholm Archipelago is the perfect way to escape the city.

There are thousands upon thousands of islands to explore, but to reach most of them you would need a lot more than a single day. Luckily, there are plenty of options within easy reach of the city center. Here are a few of our favorites:

Vaxholm

The fact that the island of Vaxholm is so easy to reach by boat or road means that it can get very busy. Even so, it is packed with pretty wooden buildings and places to eat and drink, providing a gentle introduction to the wider Stockholm Archipelago. There is also an impressive fort just offshore that houses a museum. In summer, water taxis make the trip between Vaxholm and the fort every 15 minutes. Our favorite way to explore Vaxholm is by kayak; on this fun day-trip, you will paddle around the island, looking out for wildlife, then moor up on one of the beaches for a tasty picnic lunch.

Grinda

A little further out into the islands and with more of a relaxed feel, despite its popularity with locals, Grinda has some excellent beaches. The majority of the island is given over to rocky forest, so it is a lovely place to explore on foot and have a dip. If you want to stay the night, it is home to the lovely Grinda Wärdshus, a renovated traditional wooden guest house.

Finnhamn

Finnhamn is just about near enough to reach on a day trip, but you are much better off spending the night on the island if possible. The forested island is beautifully serene and is crowned by a cosy hostel. There is a sauna available for hire by the water, otherwise there is little to do here except wander along the woodland trails and enjoy the isolation of being far out among the islands.

Sandön

A sleepy place in winter, the car-free island of Sandön has a resident population of just 120 people. During long summer days, the pretty village of Sandhamn with its narrow, cobbled alleyways and lively harbour front attracts many visitors. It is a popular stopover for sailors and the yachting set. The island has several lovely sandy beaches and a comfortable hotel if you are tempted to stay the night.

Getting to the archipelago

There are plenty of boats and a relaxing ferry ride available to help you reach the outer islands. Some can even be reached by bus. For full details of how to get to each destination, see our ultimate guide to 10 of the best islands in the Stockholm archipelago on how to get there.

14. Birka

Easily reached by boat on a day trip from Stockholm, the preserved Viking settlement of Birka is a must for any history enthusiast.

The site sits on the island of Björkö in the middle of Lake Mälaren, and it served as a vital trading hub between the ninth and tenth centuries. Birka remains one of Sweden’s most significant archaeological treasures.

The excellent museum provides a good introduction into Viking activity, showcasing a wide collection of Viking artifacts found during excavations. Beyond the exhibits, the area is famous for its collection of ancient rune stones and the reconstructed Viking village, which features accurate replicas of traditional dwellings.

Getting there

Strömma runs boat tours to Birka from the quay near Stockholm City Hall, including entry to the museum and a guided tour of the site (May–September only).

A full-day trip out to Birka, including entrance to the Viking village plus the return boat trip is included on the Stockholm Pass.

15. Helsinki

While it is technically more than a standard day trip, an overnight ferry ride from Stockholm to Helsinki remains a fantastic highlight for anyone planning a wider Scandinavian vacation. By taking the overnight ferry, you gain a full day to explore the Finnish capital before heading back.

Boats leave Stockholm in the late afternoon, arriving in Helsinki the following morning. After spending a day in the city, you can re-embark on the ferry for the return journey to Stockholm.

If you book far enough in advance, this trip can be a real bargain.

Getting there

Prices start at €130 per person for this two-night cruise that includes a four-bed cabin and two buffet breakfasts. That price is roughly what you would pay for hotel accommodation alone in the city.

For the full lowdown on the journey and tips on how to book, see our guide to the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki.

16. Side trips from Stockholm to see the northern lights

Seeing the northern lights in Stockholm is an extremely rare occurrence.

While it is technically possible to plan a northern lights excursion as part of your day trips from Stockholm, it is a significant undertaking. You would need to book a domestic flight very early in the morning to reach a northern city such as Luleå, Gällivare, or Kiruna, and then travel into the countryside to find dark skies.

Even with careful planning, there is no guarantee that you will see the aurora before your return flight to the capital, as visibility depends on clear weather and solar activity.

The best advice is to dedicate at least a few days to visiting the north of Sweden to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Kiruna and Abisko both serve as excellent bases for aurora hunting. For more information, check out our full guide to seeing the northern lights in Sweden.

See also:
Where to go hiking near Stockholm
Taking the Stockholm to Tallinn ferry
6 of the best food tours in Stockholm

Frequently Asked Questions

Are day trips from Stockholm accessible for travellers with limited mobility

Yes, Stockholm’s public transportation network is highly accessible, with most trains, buses, and ferries equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility issues. Major attractions like Drottningholm Palace and regional hubs like Uppsala offer accessible paths and facilities, though it is always a good idea to check specific site accessibility before you travel.

The best time for day trips from Stockholm is during the summer months, specifically from June through August, when daylight hours are long and ferry services to the archipelago are most frequent. Late spring and early autumn also offer pleasant weather for exploring nature reserves and historic towns without the peak summer crowds. While winter trips are possible, be aware that some attractions may have limited hours and ferry routes are significantly reduced.

Is it better to book a tour or travel independently?

Travelling independently is generally cheaper and offers more flexibility with your schedule. However, guided tours are worth considering if you want to save time, learn from an expert, or need transportation to harder-to-reach natural areas.

Can I visit the Stockholm Archipelago in one day?

Yes, there are several islands like Vaxholm and Grinda that are easily reachable within a day. While you can visit multiple islands, it is usually better to pick one or two to allow enough time to enjoy the scenery and local atmosphere.

Is the Stockholm Pass worth the money for day trips?

If you plan on visiting multiple paid attractions like Drottningholm Palace, the Viking Museum, or taking various boat tours, the pass offers significant savings. It is best to calculate the individual entrance costs of the sites you want to visit to see if the pass fits your specific itinerary.

What is the best way to travel between Stockholm and these destinations?

Public transport, including regional trains and the local transit network, is excellent and connects to most of these spots. For locations further away or in nature, a combination of train and local bus is usually the standard method for independent travelers.