The 5 best day trips from Stockholm

Just 30 to 40 minutes north of Stockholm by train, Uppsala is home to the oldest university in the Nordics, founded in 1477. More than 40,000 students study in Uppsala every year, adding significantly to the population of Sweden’s fourth-largest city. It’s a walkable, picturesque place with a relaxed yet dynamic vibe and plenty of attractions for a day trip or a longer stay.

Uppsala’s skyline is dominated by the city’s medieval cathedral and 16th-century castle, west of Fyrisån, the river that divides the town. Many of the university’s buildings are located in the same area, including the university administration building, the botanical garden, and the main library, Carolina Rediviva.

Uppsala was an important site long before the arrival of the university, with a history as a religious centre going back more than 1,500 years. Several runestones brought from their original locations in the region stand outside the cathedral, with additional stones in nearby University Park.

EAT: Hambergs Fisk serves up fresh, flavorful seafood in a casual, snug riverside restaurant that doubles as a fishmonger’s.

DRINK: Housed in Uppsala’s old train station, Stationen is a three-part venue, housing a brasserie (Paris), a café (Rome), and a bar (London).

DO: The oldest university building in Sweden, Gustavianum is a fascinating museum housing archaeological artefacts.

STAY: Hotel Villa Anna is a small boutique hotel with 11 rooms, housed in a lovely 19th-century building close to Uppsala Cathedral.

If you only do one thing: Visit Uppsala Cathedral. 

Founded around the year 980, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town. Rich in history and archaeological treasures, it’s a picturesque place on an arm of Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s third-largest lake. Just an hour north-west of Stockholm by commuter rail and bus, it’s also reachable by Strömma excursion boat during the peak summer season.

Sigtuna’s attractions are diverse, ranging from runestones and medieval church ruins to a quaint pedestrian downtown and a lovely lakeside promenade. If you’re interested in Swedish history, it’s a place not to be missed, but either way, it’s a charming destination for an escape from the Stockholm bustle.

EAT: The beloved Tant Bruns Kaffestuga occupies an old wooden house from the 17th century, believed to be the oldest surviving building in the town. 

DRINK: Open every night except Mondays, Båthuset Krog och Bar is a floating restaurant and bar near Sigtuna harbour.

DO: Check out Sigtuna’s adorably tiny town hall, which dates back to 1744. 

STAY: 1909 Sigtuna Stadshotell has one of the best locations in town, in the heart of the historic centre and just a few steps from Lake Mälaren.

If you only do one thing: Don’t miss Sigtuna’s medieval churches. 

Sandhamn, on the outermost edge of the Stockholm Archipelago, began as an outpost for customs agents and ship captains in the late 17th century. It gradually evolved into a permanent settlement and has been a gathering spot for the sailing and yachting community for nearly a century.

About 120 people currently live on the island, but in the summer, the population swells with seasonal residents and short-term visitors, and a lively party atmosphere takes over. Visit during the high season if your aim is to experience the island at its most hopping. If you prefer peace and quiet, opt for the shoulder seasons, when the summer crowds have departed, and the pace slows down substantially.

Sandhamn is an hour by passenger ferry from Stavsnäs, reachable by direct bus from downtown Stockholm (one hour). From April to early November, boats run directly from the city centre (two hours). There is also a summer excursion boat that takes a slower route through the scenic Strömma Canal (three hours). 

EAT: The oldest restaurant on the island, Sandhamns Värdshus has a long history – well over 300 years – of serving locals and visitors alike. 

DRINK: If you’re visiting between May and September, pop into laidback Dykarbaren for drinks and/or a meal with a view of the harbour. 

DO: Sandhamn is known for its white-sand beaches, the largest of which is at Trouville, a 20-minute walk from the harbour. 

STAY: For accommodation at any time of year, your best bet is Missionshuset, a bed-and-breakfast run by Sandhamns Värdshus.

If you only do one thing: Explore the village away from the harbour. It’s car-free.

Vaxholm began as a defensive outpost of Stockholm in the 16th century but received its town charter in 1647. During the 19th century, it became a popular weekend and summer getaway for Stockholmers, which it remains today. Known as the capital of the archipelago, Vaxholm is easily accessible from the city by both road and passenger ferry.

Although Vaxholm has few large-scale sights, it’s an enchanting place to walk around, with small streets lined with pastel-hued houses with decorative touches and quaint fences. Most date from the turn of the 20th century. The town centre has shops selling homeware, baked goods, sweets, clothing and groceries.

EAT: Open year-round, Hamnkrogen is perched on the waterfront opposite the guest harbour.

DRINK: During the off-season, your best bet for a drink is Waxholms Hotell on the pier. In summer, the hotel opens up an outdoor bistro bar, Lilla Strand.

DO: Vaxholm’s main tourist attraction is the imposing fortress just offshore known as Kastellet.

STAY: For an unusual night, book a room at Kastellet Bed & Breakfast, the former artillery barracks at the fortress.

If you only do one thing: Arrive by boat. A cruise from Stockholm to Vaxholm is the best way to get a sense of the archipelago and Vaxholm’s place within it.

A small town on the southern shore of Lake Mälaren, Mariefred is easily reachable from Stockholm if you catch a train to Läggesta, followed by a short bus ride. During summer, a scenic alternative is to travel between Stockholm and Mariefred by sea aboard the historic steamship SS Mariefred, which has been plying this route since 1903.

Mariefred is best known for Gripsholm Castle, one of Sweden’s most imposing Renaissance structures, built by King Gustav Vasa in 1537 on the site of an earlier 14th-century castle. The town itself is charming, with many well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, plus excellent shops and cafés. It’s a relaxing place to spend the day, particularly in summer, when the town bustles with life and restaurants spill onto the pavements and pier.

EAT: Slottspaviljongen (the Castle Pavilion) has large windows and both indoor and outdoor seating.

DRINK: If you’re looking for bars, Mariefred is not the place for you. Try coffee at Två Goda Ting instead. 

DO: Take a steam train ride through the countryside via Mariefred’s distinctive yellow railway station.

STAY: Billed as Sweden’s oldest inn, Gripsholms Värdshus dates from 1609 and occupies the site of a former Carthusian monastery, Pax Mariae.

If you only do one thing: Visit Gripsholm Castle.