Day Trips from Stockholm

Our selection of delightful day trips from Stockholm will have you back in the city before nightfall, so you can reflect on a day of discovery while sipping a hot glass of glogg (Sweden’s answer to mulled wine) in the comfort of your own hotel.

Drottningholm Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just seven miles outside Stockholm. An elegant and impressive palace, it was built towards the end of the 16^th century and has been beautifully preserved ever since. Drottningholm was commissioned by Queen Hedvig Eleonora, and to this day remains the permanent residence of Sweden’s king and queen. And although the Royals have reserved a portion of the castle for themselves away from the public gaze, there’s still a stunning selection of things to see.

Breathe in the scent of fragrant lime trees in the palace’s expansive park before encountering a Chinese pavilion and serene gardens complete with a bounty of bronze sculptures. The Palace Theater dates from the 18^th century and is still in use – it has a masterfully curated museum displaying a storied array of old costumes from performances through the centuries. Guided tours are highly recommended to truly bring the history of the palace to life.

Gävle

Lying less than a two-hour drive north of Stockholm, Gävle is a thriving, offbeat town built on curious attractions and culinary artistry that pulls in visitors from far and wide. The industrial town has been here since 1446 and has a story to tell at every turn.

There are two rivers here, the Testeboan and Gävlean, both punctuated with piers that bring out sunseekers in the summer months. It’s a perfect place to gaze out over the calming waters. The tiny enclave of Gamla Gefle dates back to the 15^th century and is quaint, quiet and cobblestoned. Elsewhere, there are a number of fascinating museums, including Sveriges Fangelse – a former jail where you can check out the original cells and instruments of torture for a gruesome glimpse of days gone by.

There are a host of great restaurants here too. Matildas has more than a smattering of French influence on the menu – oysters, snails provencale, moules frites, and steak tartare join turbot in brown butter and local duck in orange sauce on the menu. Consider skipping dessert and pick out a box of truffles at one of the town’s world-class chocolate shops instead.

Uppsala

One of the oldest and prettiest cities in Sweden, Uppsala is also one that comes alive at night – no surprise when it’s home to some 40,000 students. Uppsala University dates from the 15th century and, along with the cathedral, lends the place a medieval feel.

It may be one of Sweden’s bigger cities, but the laidback atmosphere, bohemian vibe and handsome streets lined with cafes give it a cozy, welcoming feel. Take a walk by the meandering river Fyris and then tour the 13th-century Domkyrka cathedral. Marvel at the ornate chapels and tombs inside and bask in the regal glory of the treasury, packed with ancient crowns and swords.

Just three miles north of the city you’ll find Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), a significant burial site dotted with mounds dating back as early as the 6^th century. It’s a pre-Viking site of royal burials and sacrificial rites, with all the Nordic legends you’d expect swirling around it.

Back in the city, you can drop by Uppsala Castle, built in 1549 by Gustav Vasa, and then take your pick for dinner. In the mood for fresh local fish in a riverside setting? Head for Hambergs Fisk, where specialties include a sizeable seafood platter, as well as lobster and scallop salad with a sherry dressing.

Sigtuna

Close to both Stockholm and Uppsala, Sigtuna is the oldest city in Sweden. In fact, it was the capital long before Stockholm, until being brought to its knees by pirates in the 12t^h century. It retains a keen sense of the past, which you can experience with a stroll through ancient rune stones, reminders of its Viking heritage and atmospheric ruins.

Wander through the medieval churches and historic buildings that stand here, before browsing the lovingly tended local craft stores. St Mary’s Church – Mariakyrkan – is thought to be Sweden’s oldest place of Christian worship. There are a couple of cafes worth checking out, not least for the fresh pastries at 17th-century Tant Brun Kaffestuga. Small but fascinating, Sigtuna is a perfect place to combine with Uppsala on a day trip from Stockholm.

Birch Island

On the nearby island of Bjorko – which translates as Birch Island – lies Birka, which also lays claim to being Sweden’s first ever city. Sitting on Lake Malaren, it’s been a World Heritage Site since 1993, mostly due to its Viking excavation site. An array of ancient remains have been unearthed here, including burial sites with more than 2,000 graves.

There’s a small chapel in Birka, along with the Ansgar Cross, named after the 9th-century bishop from Hamburg who came here to spread Christianity in Northern Europe. The restaurant here serves up hearty fare such as beef brisket with horseradish, and smoked herring. Children are catered for, too, but the best thing about the place is bagging an outside table for the view of the lake. Grab the return boat to the mainland and you’ll soon be back in Stockholm having seen a slice of Sweden’s ancient and fascinating past.

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