I’m in Stockholm, I love to get out and explore the beautiful area around it. This city is a great starting point for so many different adventures. Whether you’re into old castles, cute little towns, or just want to be in nature, there’s a day trip for you. As a traveler, I’ve found that these day trips to explore from Stockholm Sweden are some of the very best. They are easy to do and give you a real taste of what Sweden is all about.
1. Drottningholm Palace
My first day trip from Stockholm was to Drottningholm Palace, and it felt like walking into a royal storybook. This UNESCO site is where Sweden’s royal family lives, and it’s like a mini Versailles. I still remember the moment I saw its golden walls glowing in the sunlight. The gardens stretched forever, and I could almost imagine kings strolling there centuries ago.
What to Do
I took a guided tour inside the palace, and the guide’s stories about royal drama made me laugh. The rooms are full of gold details and paintings from the 1600s. The Chinese Pavilion was my favorite—it’s this quirky 1700s building with Asian-inspired decor. I got a bit lost in the baroque gardens, munching on a sandwich by the lake. A funny moment was when I tried the free audio guide and accidentally played it in Swedish! The old theater was a highlight too, with machines that make fake thunder sounds for plays.
Getting There
I hopped on a boat from Stockholm’s center. The ride was so peaceful, watching islands pass by for about an hour. I felt like I was in a movie. You can also take a bus or drive in 30 minutes.
2. Sigtuna
One sunny morning, I decided to visit Sigtuna for a day trip from Stockholm. It’s Sweden’s oldest town, from the 970s, and it felt like stepping into a Viking village. I wandered down the main street, Stora Gatan, and got a bit emotional thinking about how people lived here 1,000 years ago. A kind shopkeeper shared a story about her family living in Sigtuna for generations, which made the place feel so alive.
What to Do
At the Sigtuna Museum, I geeked out over Viking rune stones. One had a carving saying a guy made it for himself while alive—talk about confidence! The ruins of St. Olaf’s Church were eerie but cool. I spent an hour on Stora Gatan, popping into shops and grabbing fika (coffee and a cinnamon bun) at a cozy cafe. I spilled some coffee on my shirt, but the warm vibe of the cafe made it okay. That’s fika culture for you!
Getting There
I drove for an hour, singing along to my playlist. You can also take a train to Märsta and a quick bus. Super easy.
3. Uppsala
I love history, so visiting Uppsala was like a dream for me. This city has the oldest university in Sweden, and it also has a very big cathedral. When I went there, it was autumn. The air was fresh and cool, and the trees had red, orange, and yellow leaves. It felt like I was walking inside a painting.
As I walked through the town, I met a student from the university. He told me that Uppsala has a young and lively feeling because of all the students who live there. I could feel it too—cafés full of people, bikes everywhere, and the sound of laughter coming from the streets. It was different from the quiet feeling of Stockholm’s old town.
What to Do
The first place I went was Uppsala Cathedral. It was so tall that I had to look up for a long time to see the top. Inside, it was peaceful. I lit a small candle and stood for a moment in silence. It felt very calm, almost magical. I learned that this is the biggest church in Scandinavia, and I could believe it.
After that, I visited the Gustavianum Museum. This museum had Viking treasures, old maps, and even an old room where doctors once studied the human body. That room felt a little strange and creepy, but it was also very interesting.
Later, I walked to the Botanical Garden. This was my favorite part of the trip. There were many flowers, trees, and wide green spaces. I sat under a tree and sketched a few flowers in my notebook. I also thought about Carl Linnaeus, the famous scientist who worked here. He gave names to thousands of plants, and his spirit still feels alive in the gardens.
Finally, I went to Uppsala Castle. The castle is not only beautiful, but it also has art exhibits. I remember one painting of a stormy sea—it pulled me in, and I almost forgot the time while looking at it.
Getting There
It was very easy to travel to Uppsala from Stockholm. I took a train, and it only took 40 minutes. The train was comfortable, and I even closed my eyes for a quick nap. If you don’t want to take the train, you can also take a bus, which takes about one hour.
4. Vaxholm
Vaxholm is another attractive site to visit on day long tour in stockholm. People call it the “Capital of the Archipelago,” and after going there, I understood why. The moment I arrived, I saw the water shining in the sun. Small, colorful wooden houses stood by the shore, and the whole place looked like a picture from a postcard.
I walked to the harbor and bought an ice cream. I sat on a bench, watching the boats move gently up and down on the water. The air smelled of salt and seaweed. A fisherman passed by, waved at me, and smiled. That small moment made me feel like I belonged there, even though I was just a visitor.
What to Do
The biggest sight in Vaxholm is the Vaxholm Fortress. It is an old stone fort on an island, and inside I learned about sea battles from long ago. I imagined what it was like when soldiers watched for enemy ships.
After the fortress, I walked slowly around the harbor. There were food stalls selling fresh fish, and I couldn’t resist. I bought a plate, and the taste was so good I almost went back for more.
The little shops were also fun to explore. They sold handmade crafts and souvenirs. I found a small wooden boat and bought it—it still reminds me of that sunny day.
One of my favorite parts was renting a kayak. I paddled around the clear water, feeling free and happy. At one moment, a seagull flew right past me, and I got so surprised that my kayak shook. I almost tipped over but managed to laugh it off.
In the summer, there are also sandy beaches where you can swim or just lie in the sun. I didn’t try them this time, but I saw families enjoying the water.
Getting There
Reaching Vaxholm was easy. I took a ferry from Stockholm, and the one-hour ride itself felt like part of the trip. The views of the islands, green trees, and wide blue sea were unforgettable. If you don’t want the ferry, you can also take a bus, which takes about the same time.
5. Skokloster Castle
When I visited Skokloster Castle, it felt like stepping inside a time machine. This baroque castle from the 1600s is one of the most famous in Europe, and the moment I saw it, I was amazed. The tall walls, the details on the windows, and the grand entrance all made me feel small, like I had entered another world.
Just next to the castle is a quiet lake. I sat by the water for almost an hour, simply watching the ripples and thinking about life. The air was still, and everything felt peaceful. While I was sitting there, a guide walked by and started telling me stories about the castle’s past. He spoke with so much passion that it made me imagine knights, royals, and battles from hundreds of years ago. His excitement made my visit even more special.
What to Do
Inside the castle, I explored many rooms filled with paintings, beautiful furniture, and shelves of old books. The most surprising part was the armory. It was full of swords, muskets, and armor—like a treasure chest of history. I could almost hear the sound of clashing steel in my imagination.
After exploring inside, I went outside to the parklands. The gardens were wide and green, perfect for walking slowly. I sat on a bench to eat a sandwich, and suddenly a little squirrel came close and stole a piece from me. Instead of being annoyed, I laughed—it was a small, funny memory that made the day even better.
Sometimes, the castle also hosts music events and special programs. When I was there, it was quiet, which I actually enjoyed. It felt like my own secret discovery, away from the busy city.
Getting There
I decided to drive from Stockholm, and the trip took about one hour. The countryside views along the way were beautiful—green fields, red cottages, and peaceful roads. If you don’t want to drive, you can take a train to Bålsta and then a bus to the castle. Another option is a boat tour, which is slower but gives you lovely views of the lake and nature.
6. Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle
One of my favorite day trips from Stockholm was visiting Mariefred, a small town beside Lake Mälaren. The town looked so cozy, with colorful wooden houses and narrow streets. The star of the town is Gripsholm Castle, with its red brick towers that look like something from a fairy tale.
I stopped at a little café near the lake and ordered hot chocolate. A woman at the next table started chatting with me. She told me that Mariefred is her happy place, where she comes whenever she needs peace. As I looked around at the calm lake, the ducks swimming by, and the castle in the background, I understood exactly what she meant.
What to Do
The first thing I did was explore Gripsholm Castle. Inside, I found the portrait gallery, which is famous all over Sweden. I walked slowly from painting to painting, staring at the faces of Swedish kings and queens from long ago. It felt like they were watching me back. The rooms were also beautiful, filled with furniture and decorations from the 1500s.
After the castle, I walked through the small town. The streets were so charming, with small shops selling handmade things. I bought a warm scarf that a local woman had knitted. It felt good to take home something unique from the place.
Later, I sat at a café right by the water. The view of the lake with the ducks, boats, and castle towers in the distance made it the perfect spot to just sit and relax. Someone told me that in summer, a steam train sometimes runs in Mariefred. Sadly, I missed it, but I promised myself I’d come back to try it one day.
Getting There
I drove from Stockholm, and it only took about an hour. The road was easy and very pretty. If you don’t want to drive, you can take a train to Läggesta, then switch to a bus or even a steamboat for a scenic ride to Mariefred.
7. Tyresta National Park
I love nature, and Tyresta National Park gave me the best escape from the city. It’s only about 30 minutes from Stockholm, but when I got there, it felt like I was deep in the wild. The park is huge, with old forests, sparkling lakes, and trails that go on for miles.
When I arrived, I met a park ranger at the visitor center. He told me that they had recently spotted a rare bird in the park. The whole day, I kept looking up, hoping to see it. Even though I didn’t find the bird, I felt excited just knowing it might be nearby.
What to Do
I picked a hiking trail that went around one of the lakes. The views were incredible. The water reflected the trees like a mirror, and the air smelled fresh and clean. At one point, I saw a deer crossing the path. I almost screamed with surprise but managed to stay quiet so I wouldn’t scare it away.
I stopped by a small stream to eat my picnic. I had sandwiches, fruit, and water with me. At one point, I dropped a grape in the water, and it floated away, making me laugh. The simple things made the day so memorable.
After hiking, I went back to the visitor center, where I learned more about the plants and animals that live in the park. The displays were easy to understand, and it made me realize how special the park really is.
In winter, the trails turn into magical paths covered in snow. I didn’t visit in winter this time, but I can imagine how beautiful it must be for snow hikes.
Getting There
I drove to the park, and it only took about 30 minutes. If you don’t have a car, you can also go by train and bus together. It takes a little longer, but it’s still an easy trip from Stockholm.
Can I do a winter day trip from Stockholm?
Yes, many places like Uppsala, Drottningholm, and Tyresta National Park are open in winter. Just dress warmly.
Is it better to rent a car for day trips?
Not always. Trains, buses, and ferries connect most places easily, but a car helps if you want more freedom.
Which day trip is best for families with kids?
Drottningholm Palace and Vaxholm are very family-friendly, with open spaces and fun activities.
Are guided tours available for these trips?
Yes, several tour companies offer day trip packages with guides, transport, and entry tickets.
How many day trips can I do in one week?
If you plan well, you can easily fit in 3–4 different day trips in a week without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
Every one of these day trips from Stockholm gave me something different—royal palaces, Viking history, island views, and wild forests. If you ever visit Sweden’s capital, don’t just stay in the city. Take a small trip out, and you’ll see another side of this beautiful country.
