Weekend & Day Trips from Stockholm, Sweden

1. Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a coastal city in Western Sweden known for being the headquarters of Volvo and having some of the best seafood on the planet. There is plenty to do in Gothenburg, which is also the largest non-capital city in Sweden, including visiting Liseberg, which is the largest amusement park in all of Scandinavia.

Take a day trip from Stockholm to visit the Gothenburg archipelago, which can be visited by ferry, personal vehicle, or group bus. There are so many waterways through Gothenburg you can also explore the city by kayak or boat tour. Make sure to visit the Haga neighborhood where you'll find cafes and artisan shops. If you're visiting with the family, visit the world-famous Universeum where you'll find a rainforest, aquarium, and zoo, all under one roof.

2. Tyresta National Park

Tyresta National Park was established in 1993 in Stockholm County and is one of the most significant untouched sections of ancient forest in Sweden outside of the Alpine forests of Sweden. The forest features a rift valley landscape with pine trees abundant in the rocky areas but spruce trees being common in the valley.

Activity in the Tyresta National Park is limited for preservation sake; however, the Tyresta Nature Preserve which provides a buffer zone around the national park allows more intensive outdoor recreation such as hiking. Visitors to the National Park can explore Naturum National Park House (the visitor center), the Tyresta village, Fornborgen at Lake Stensjon and the fire area. The Tyresta Village is one of the best-preserved iron age villages in Sweden.

3. Gavle

History lovers enjoy traveling to Gavle, the oldest town still occupied in Norrland. Gavle received its charter in 1146. The city is known for the Gavle Goat, a Yule goat figure constructed from straw that is set on fire every year by vandals. The goat has become a branding symbol for the city nonetheless. Visitors to Gavle can explore iron age villages, modern and ancient art museums, take part in many different cultural festivals throughout the year, and more. You can even spend the day at The Viking Farm, a living history museum and working farm. The Baltic sea border, the eastern coast of Gavle and Several islands, can be visited from the harbor and marina. Overnight accommodations include cabins, camping, hotels, inns, and hostels.

Gavle, Gävle Tourist Center, Södra Skeppsbron 15, 802 84 Gävle, Sweden, Phone: +46-26-14-41-17

4. Sigtuna

Some people say that Sweden began in Sigtuna, a town north of Stockholm where King Erik the Victorious founded the town on the banks of Lake Malaren more than 1,000 years ago. Many historic places can be visited in Sigtuna including St. Mary’s Church which was built in the 13th century. There are also more runic stones in Sigtuna than anywhere else in the world with more than 170 in the entire municipality. Other areas of interest in Sigtuna include other ancient and medieval churches, Arlanda Flights collection, Drake Garden, Roserberg Palace, Steninge Castle, Skokloster Castle, The Main Square, the Waterfront and guest harbors, and much more.

Sigtuna, STORA GATAN 33 SIGTUNA, PHONE: 08 - 594 806 50, Sweden

5. Uppsala

Uppsala is one of the most culturally rich cities in Sweden. Known for their film, theater, art, music, dance, performance art, and culinary arts, Uppsala is a city you can get lost all day in and never get bored. Uppsala also has deep ties to world-renowned director, Ingmar Bergman, features a vibrant theater district, and hosts the Annual International Guitar Festival. If you love art, just taking one of the walking tours in Uppsala will be satisfying because the city focuses on public art. Walking tours in Uppsala is also particularly fun for foodies with many food trucks found downtown. Other popular attractions in Uppsala include the annual Night of Culture in September, Kottinspektionen Theater House, Uppsala Reggae Festival, Uppsala City Garden, Fyrishov Water Park, and the Uppsala Art Museum. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lakes and rivers.

Uppsala, Stationsgatan 22, 753 40 Uppsala, Sweden, Phone: +46-1-87-27-48-00

6. Vasteras

Vasteras is a great day trip from Stockholm for locals since the town isn’t very touristy. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of the city center and can also be reached via public transportation. Vasteras is one of the oldest cities in Sweden dating back to 990 and was named for the inlet that cuts through the city towards Lake Malaren.

The downtown area was part of the cities modernization project during the 1950s-1970s, but there are still many old architecture buildings and historic sites that can be seen and explored including the Anundshog, an ancient burial ground; The Turbine House, Vasteras castle built in 1527, Vasteras Cathedral, the burial place of Erik XIV, built in 1200, and several parks with ancient stone inscriptions. Map

7. Jarlabanke Runestones

In Uppland, Sweden the Jarlabanke Runestones are a set of twenty runestones written in the Younger Futhark rune script from the Old Norse language in the 11th century. A chieftain named Jarlabanke ingefastsson ordered the runestones to be carved by his clan. Ingefastsson was also responsible for organizing the leidang (coastal fleet) and the stones specifically mention his Christianity rather than pagan beliefs which were still strong at the time of his rule. There are dozens of other runestones in Uppland related to the Jarlabanke clan including eight attributed to Estrid, and others of Jarlabanke’s direct relatives.

8. Gotland and Visby

Visby is the only town in Gotland and is a town full of ethereal romance with cottages covered in rose vines, towers and turrets, cobblestone streets, and charming shops that will transport visitors back to the Olde World. Visby still has many medieval structures, and visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy saffranspannkaka, a Gotland specialty. A walking tour of Visby is available that tours the 2km medieval city wall. Stops on tour also include the historic Sankt Mary Cathedral. Other great attractions in Gotland include the limestone pillars that line the coast around Sudret and Faro, the island that was once home to Ingmar Berman, gamed filmmaker. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy spending the day at Gotska Sandon National Park where they can enjoy sand dune, turquoise waters, and the best beaches in Sweden. Gotland and Visby Map

9. Malmo

Malmo is the perfect town to venture to if you’re looking for a relaxing day spent on beautiful beaches and exploring lush, green city parks and museums. Malmo features a modern, vibrant commercial center but is surrounded by the past with Olde Town and Malmohus Castle being just a short walk away. Visitors interested in shopping can explore the 16th-century shopping center or one of the shopping areas with boutique shops. There are also several restaurants and cafes with fine and casual dining, fantastic seafood, and taverns. The best time to take a trip to Malmo is during the last week of August. Malmofestivalen is the biggest festival in Scandinavia and features music, food, art, vendors, cultural events, sports, and more.