When you’re in Stockholm, nature is never far away. From the blue waters of the archipelago stretching across 30,000 islands, to the deep woods and forests just a short drive from the city centre, there are plenty of ways to enjoy one of the best things Sweden has to offer – its natural surroundings.
So here’s our guide to 10 great ways to experience nature in Stockholm – regardless of the time of the year!
Take a stroll through leafy Djurgården
Djurgården is one of Stockholm’s best-loved islands. Formerly the royal hunting grounds, it’s now a beautiful, green oasis with leafy paths stretching to the edge of the archipelago.
While the island is also home to the open-air Skansen museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park and the Vasa Museum, it’s the royal park that gets nature-loving Stockholmers flocking here.
Don’t miss a walk along Djurgården canal, especially in autumn and summer when it’s at its most beautiful.
Hop on a floating sauna
Having a sauna is a quintessentially Swedish experience and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it in Stockholm. The philosophy behind it is very much rooted in nature, which is why most saunas are built by the water – so you can cool off after enjoying the warmth of the hot wood.
From Tanto Bastu, Hornstull’s floating sauna with beautiful views of Liljeholmskajen – nicknamed “little Manhattan” – and the Hellasgården woodland sauna, to Bastuflotten ReLaxa, a wood-fired floating sauna on a raft that takes you on a small cruise around the archipelago while you bake, you certainly won’t be short of choice!
Is the Stockholm Pass worth buying?
Read this guide to see how much you could save during your trip!
Relax beneath the apple trees at Rosendals Trädgård
In the heart of leafy Djurgården, Rosendals Trädgård is surrounded by a beautiful orchard, where the greenhouse-turned-café and flower shop offer a perfect combination of great food and nature.
The café and wood-fire bakery serves tasty meals and treats made from vegetables, herbs and fruit grown in the garden.
Chill out at Bergianska trädgården
For almost 100 years, the Gamla Orangeriet has sat by the waters of Brunnsviken Lake, surrounded by the gorgeous Bergianska trädgården, home to tropical and Mediterranean plants. It’s hard to believe that this lush oasis is only a short train ride away from Stockholm’s city centre.
Head to the orangery for delicious, home-grown produce, served in a stunning setting, with light flooding into the white-washed conservatory through large windows.
Have a picnic in Hagaparken
Stockholmer’s favourite park, Hagaparken is perfect for picnics, dates and long strolls along the lake. Its history stretches back as far as Gustav III who founded it in the late 1700s, while the current Swedish monarch, Carl XVI Gustaf, grew up at Haga Palace, in the heart of the park.
Home to royal palaces, gazebos and fairytale-like pavilions resembling something out of a Studio Ghibli Japanese anime film, Hagaparken’s charm is undeniable. Stretching all the way from Northern Vasastan to suburban Solna, it has plenty of places for a good walk or a picnic.
It’s also one of Stockholm’s most beautiful places to see the autumn leaf colours in full glory.
Sunbathe at Rålambshovsparken
Kungsholmen’s most beautiful park Rålambshovsparken, or Rålis as the locals call it, runs from Norr Mälarstrand, the island’s famous waterfront promenade, all the way to Mariaberg.
It’s a popular spot especially in spring and summer, when the parkside cafés start to open, making it a great place to enjoy those first rays of spring sunshine.
Like many other Stockholm parks, Rålambshovsparken sits right by the water, with a beautiful, sandy beach at the foot of the park.
Explore Hellasgården
Pretty paths, bike trails, a lakeside sauna, a small beach and a charming restaurant serving wine and Swedish meatballs by an open fire… Hellasgården has it all.
Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre, Hellasgården is part of the Nacka Nature Reserve, and makes a perfect break from the busy city life.
Here, you can swim in the lake (or go cross-country skiing if you visit in winter!), warm up in a Swedish sauna or grill sausages over a fire, right by the lakeside.
Go for a run through Tantolunden
At a comfortable distance from the cafés and restaurants of hipster Hornstull, Tantolunden stretches all the way to the waterfront, where pretty, sandy beaches and waterside cafés create plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun in summer.
Stroll along Zinkens Väg in the northern part of the park and explore the local allotments, or go for a run along Tantolunden’s many paths.
Paddle round the archipelago
One of the best ways to explore Stockholm’s natural surroundings is, of course, a trip to the islands of the archipelago.
There are plenty of options to choose from, with the nearest island, Fjäderholmarna – famous for its artisan studios and speckled with pretty beaches – only a 20-minute boat trip from Stockholm.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get a true taste of the region, a kayak tour is the best way to get back to nature and explore the archipelago.
On this two-day guided tour, you’ll travel to the very heart of the archipelago by kayak, paddling from island to island, sunbathing on the warm rocks, camping under the stars and cooking in the wilderness.
Take a boat tour
Stockholm is best enjoyed from the water – so hop on board the Delfin II and explore Stockholm’s waterways. This two-hour boat trip takes you on a tour of the city’s landmarks, as you glide your way beneath Stockholm’s bridges and admire the beautiful waters of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea.
How will you choose to explore Stockholm’s nature? Let us know in the comments!
Planning a trip? Get insured
However you’re planning to get back to nature, it’s always a good idea to have adequate insurance.
There are plenty of different policies on the market, so make sure you shop around to find one that suits you and get a few quotes. We recommend World Nomads – you can get a quote for your trip below.
See also:
Where to go swimming in Stockholm
The best Stockholm boat tours and cruises
