Day Trips From Stockholm – Weekend Getaways from Stockholm, Sweden

Visiting Stockholm? Apart from the Stockholm city tour, please plan beautiful day trips from Stockholm to get the full feel of Sweden. If you’re staying in or visiting Stockholm and looking for a quick escape, then there are plenty of things to do near Stockholm.

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Day Trips from Stockholm, Sweden – Best Places to Visit near Stockholm

From ancient Viking islands and baroque palaces to vibrant university towns and sleepy archipelago villages, the best day trips from Stockholm deliver culture, calm, and just enough adventure to make a weekend feel like a proper getaway.

Uppsala — ancient cathedral town, student life, and history in one friendly stroll

Uppsala is Sweden’s academic heart—home to an elegant cathedral, cobbled university courtyards, botanical gardens, and cafés where students debate everything from literature to politics. It’s the perfect blend of scholarly atmosphere and accessible history: think cathedral towers, rune stones, and lively cafés.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: About 36–70 km, depending on route; direct trains take roughly 35–45 minutes from Stockholm Central, making it one of the fastest and most amazing places to visit near Stockholm by train.

How to reach: Take an SJ or regional train from Stockholm Central (SJ regional or intercity services frequently run to Uppsala). There are also commuter options. Trains are frequent, comfortable, and drop you in the heart of the city.

Things to do in Uppsala

• Uppsala Cathedral: A Gothic behemoth with royal tombs and soaring stained glass—great for slow, reverent sightseeing and photos.
• Uppsala University & Carolina Rediviva library: Wander the university quarter; the library houses the priceless 13th-century Codex Argenteus. The campus buzz is an intoxicating, living history of Sweden’s intellectual life.
• Gustavianum museum: A compact museum with artifacts and an atmospheric anatomy theatre. It’s a neat way to connect to centuries of learning.
• Botanical Garden (Botaniska trädgården): A serene spot for a picnic or a gentle, restorative stroll.
• Fika by the river: Uppsala is a great place to slow down; sit by Fyrisån and enjoy fika (coffee and cake).

Tours & attractions: Walking tours of the university quarter, cathedral tours, and guided museum visits (look for English-language options in summer). There are also Viking-era guided walks in the adjoining countryside during peak season.

Useful tips: Weekdays are busier with students; weekends are perfectly mellow. If you like antiques or quirky bookstores, allow extra time to browse.

Overnight: Best Western Hotel Svava

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Sigtuna — Sweden’s oldest town, with postcard-perfect streets and rune stones

For anyone enchanted by small-town charm, Sigtuna feels like stepping into a living postcard: low wooden buildings, medieval church ruins, and the hush of lake-lined streets. It’s intimate, tiny, and full of stories.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Roughly 40–50 km; depending on your connections, travel time ranges from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours by a mix of commuter trains and local buses, or by direct car/bus routes.

How to reach: There’s no fast direct train into Sigtuna itself; most visitors take a commuter train toward Märsta and transfer to a local bus (lines like 575/570) for the short hop into town—alternatively, buses run from Stockholm Cityterminalen. Driving is straightforward if you have a car.

Things to do in Sigtuna

• Stroll the main street (Stora Gatan): Picture-perfect and lined with cafés, artisan shops, and Swedish wooden houses—ideal for aimless wandering and photography.
• Ruins & rune stones: Sigtuna is dotted with runic inscriptions and medieval church ruins. If you’re into archaeology or early medieval history, this compact town is a goldmine.
• Harbor & sunset: The small harbor has a calm, scenic vibe—wonderful for a late-afternoon drink.
• Museums and local handicrafts: Small but charming local museums capture civic history, and shops sell lovely Scandinavian crafts.

Tours & attractions: Look for guided walks focusing on runestones and medieval history — they pack a lot of narrative into a short visit.

Useful tips: Sigtuna is tiny—plan for a relaxed half-day or full day. Summer weekends can get busy with local visitors.

Overnight: Sigtunastiftelsen Hotell & Konferens

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Vaxholm — gateway to the archipelago with fika-perfect quays

Vaxholm is the quintessential archipelago town—red cabins, colorful boats, and a friendly waterfront full of cafés and local food. It’s very accessible and gives you the archipelago feel without a long boat ride.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Expect roughly 40–60 minutes, depending on transport: a direct bus ride takes about 45–50 minutes; ferry options from central Stockholm take approximately 1–1.5 hours.

How to reach: Multiple options — the SL bus (e.g., 670 from Tekniska Högskolan) runs frequently, and in summer, the Waxholmsbolaget ferries connect central piers to Vaxholm for a scenic approach.

Things to do in Vaxholm

• Vaxholm Fortress: A compact, photogenic fortress with historical exhibits and a tiny museum—fun to explore and perched right by the sea.
• Harbor strolls & cafés: The quayside is ideal for fika and watching boats bob by; excellent local food choices if you’re hungry.
• Kayak or rental boat hire: For a bit of gentle adventure, rent a kayak and paddle among the islands. 
• Local boutiques & galleries: A slow browse through craft shops offers a lovely souvenir-hunting experience.

Tours & attractions: Ferry cruises into the archipelago often stop at Vaxholm; consider a combined archipelago tour if you want to visit multiple islands in a day.

Useful tips: In summer, ferries fill up—book ahead if you care about a guaranteed seat. The bus is reliable year-round.

Overnight stay:  Waxholms Hotell – Charming mid-range hotel right by the water in Vaxholm’s harbor — perfect for exploring the archipelago

Drottningholm Palace — royal gardens, historic theater, lakeside calm (UNESCO-listed)

If palaces and regal gardens are your thing, Drottningholm is a dream: beautifully preserved rooms, parkland, a theater with historic stage machinery, and a peaceful lakeside setting. It’s often a highlight for visitors looking for royal history without the crowds of larger European palaces.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: About 11–14 km from central Stockholm—roughly 25–40 minutes by public transport, depending on route; buses and short taxi rides are common. You can also combine a boat ride with local transport for a more scenic option.

How to reach: Take the subway toward Brommaplan, then a bus (or take the 176/177 directly) that will drop you close to the palace. In summer, some boat tours run near the palace; check the timetables, as services change seasonally.

Things to do

• Palace interiors: The main palace has richly furnished state rooms—beautiful and historically resonant.
• Drottningholm Palace Theatre: A rare, working 18th-century theater with original machinery; magical if you can catch a performance or a guided backstage tour.
• Chinese Pavilion & gardens: The little Chinese pavilion and terraced baroque gardens are postcard-perfect and blissful for a slow walk.
• Picnic by the lakeside: If the weather’s decent, bring a picnic and enjoy the calming views of the water.

Tours & attractions: Guided palace and theater tours are available; summer performances at the Drottningholm Theater are special, ticketed events.

Useful tips: The palace is on UNESCO’s list, so aim to arrive early if you want photos without crowds. If you’re combining this trip with other attractions, allow time for transport windows.

Mariefred & Gripsholm Castle — riverside village and a storybook castle

For a picture-perfect combination of a quaint small town and a stately castle, Mariefred and Gripsholm are the perfect choice for a weekend getaway near Stockholm. The castle sits right on Lake Mälaren and has royal galleries, tapestries, and a pleasantly moody atmosphere.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Around 65–70 km; expect roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by train plus a short bus or taxi, or a direct journey via regional trains and local connections.

How to reach: Trains run to Södertälje or Strängnäs, with connections to Mariefred; the drive is about an hour on a clear day. From Mariefred station, you can walk or take a short taxi to Gripsholm.

Things to do

• Gripsholm Castle visit: The castle’s portrait gallery and ramparts are atmospheric and very photogenic.
• Walk Mariefred’s streets: Small cafés, artisan stores, and waterfront promenades make for a satisfying stroll.
• Boat rides on Lake Mälaren: If the schedule aligns, an afternoon boat ride gives lovely perspectives of the castle from the water.

Tours & attractions: Guided castle tours are rich in history and often available in English during tourist season.

Useful tips: Combine Gripsholm with a slow afternoon in town for the best experience; ferry options vary, so check seasonal schedules.

Overnight: Hotell Röda Magasinet

Sandhamn (Stockholm archipelago) — sandy beaches, yacht harbors, and island life

Sandhamn is the poster child for Stockholm archipelago charm: no cars, red wooden houses, sailing culture, beaches, and a lively summer scene. It’s ideal if your idea of a Weekend Getaway from Stockholm involves salt air and slow afternoons.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Travel usually involves a transfer to a boat hub like Stavsnäs and then a 30-minute boat ride to Sandhamn. The island is well connected in summer via regular services from Stavsnäs and, in peak season, some direct connections from central Stockholm.

How to reach: Commonly, train/bus to Stavsnäs or Vaxholm and then a passenger ferry or speedboat to Sandhamn. Private boat taxis are also an option if you need flexibility.

Things to do in Sandhamn

• Beach time & swimming: There are lovely sandy spots and sheltered bays for a dip on warm days.
• Walk the island: Follow gentle paths through pines and past red cottages — pure Scandinavian calm.
• Maritime vibe & dining: Harborside restaurants and cafés serve fresh seafood and local specialties.
• Sailing & boat-watching: If you love boats, Sandhamn is an endlessly entertaining place to watch schooners and yachts come and go. 

Tours & attractions: Boat charters, sailing lessons, and guided archipelago tours operate during the summer months.

Useful tips: Sandhamn is busiest in July and August; book ferries and any accommodation early. Bring cash/card — both are typically accepted, but small vendors may prefer cardless transactions or local apps.

Overnight: Sandhamn Seglarhotell

Birka — Viking history on an island (yes, it’s real!)

Birka — on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren — is Sweden’s most famous Viking Age trading center. If you’re fascinated by Norse culture, runestones, and atmospheric archaeological sites, Birka is a deeply evocative day trip.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Boat tours to Birka typically take around two hours each way from central Stockholm, leaving you a few hours to explore the island’s museum and archaeological sites—so plan for a full-day commitment.

How to reach: Boats depart from central Stockholm on scheduled tours (seasonal) — these often include guided walks on the island and museum entry.

Things to do in Birka

• Birka Museum & archaeological sites: The museum explains the site’s significance and showcases artifacts. The island’s burial mounds and rune stones are tangible links to Viking life.
• Guided Viking walks: A guide brings the island’s history alive, connecting artifacts to the landscape.
• Combine with Adelsö: Some boat tours also touch nearby Adelsö, adding variety to the trip.

Tours & attractions: Seasonal boat tours and museum-guided programs are the core experiences. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into history, this is the ticket.

Useful tips: The ferry ride is part of the experience—bring snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and check museum opening times before you go. No formal hotels exist directly on Birka (it’s a day-trip island with limited accommodation), so most visitors stay in Stockholm or in nearby towns like Sigtuna or Uppsala.

Skokloster Castle — baroque showstopper with old-world interiors

Skokloster is a less-talked-about but spectacular baroque castle with lavish interiors, armor collections, and atmospheric rooms that feel straight out of a period film. It’s a treat for architecture and history lovers.

Distance / How long from Stockholm: Roughly 60–65 km north of Stockholm; depending on your route, it’s about an hour’s drive and similar by mixed train/bus connections.

How to reach: Drive or take regional trains toward the Uppsala/Enköping area and follow local transport to Skokloster.

Things to do

• Explore the grand halls & collections: The castle’s interiors and military collections are beautifully preserved.
• Gardens and lakeside walks: The setting is peaceful and very photogenic.
• Photography & contemplative wandering: This is a place to admire and soak up craftsmanship.

Tours & attractions: Guided castle tours help contextualize the artifacts and décor.

Useful tips: Check opening times (some seasonal closures) and combine with a trip to nearby lakeside towns.

There isn’t a large hotel right at the castle — the best option for an overnight is usually to stay in nearby towns like Uppsala

Norrtälje — a lively coastal market town and gateway to northern archipelago islands

Norrtälje has a lively harborfront, boutiques, and is an ideal base for exploring the less-visited northern parts of the archipelago. It’s a practical mix of town energy and coastal scenery.

How to reach / distance: Roughly an hour’s drive or less by regional coach from Stockholm, with timetabled options depending on the season.

Things to do: Harbor strolls, local markets, and use it as a base to visit quieter islands via local ferries.

Useful tips: Visit on a market day if you can — the local food and craft stalls make for a cheerful morning.

Overnight: Atellet Hotell.

Helpful tips for planning – Day Trips from Stockholm – Weekend Getaways from Stockholm

1. Book trains & ferries in advance (especially in high season). Trains are frequent, but summer weekends are busy; island ferries are often seasonal and can sell out on sunny days.

2. Pack light but smart. A small backpack with weatherproof layers, water, and a packed snack will keep you comfortable through a long day of walking and transport connections.

3. Mix transport modes for fun. Combine a train in the morning with a ferry in the afternoon for that ‘voyage’ feeling—this is one reason Places to visit near Stockholm by Train and by boat both make such great choices.

4. Consider a guided tour for specialized sites. For Birka, Gripsholm, or palace theater tours, a guide adds tons of context, making a short visit feel richer.

5. Keep a flexible schedule. Ferry weather cancellations or train delays occasionally happen; build a buffer into your day to avoid a rushed return.

Overnight Stay Guide – Places to visit near Stockholm by train (if you want to turn a day trip into a Weekend Break)

Most places above are ideal day trips, but if you want to linger, here are mid-budget suggestions typical of the region (look up recent reviews and book early in peak season):

• Uppsala: Central hotels near the station/university — practical and comfortable.
• Sigtuna: Boutique B&Bs and small hotels in the old town.
• Vaxholm: Cozy harbor hotels and guesthouses.
• Mariefred (Gripsholm): Lakeside guesthouses.
• Sandhamn: Simple inns and seaside guesthouses — book early.
• Skokloster: Country hotels or cottages nearby.

Tours & attractions worth booking in advance – Weekend Breaks from Stockholm

• Archipelago boat cruises: For Sandhamn, Vaxholm, and multi-island trips — book popular routes early.
• Guided castle tours (Gripsholm, Skokloster): English tours run in tourist season.
• Birka museum visits: Seasonal guided tours and museum entry may be bundled with boat tickets.
• Drottningholm Theatre backstage tours: Limited and special—check performance schedules.

Quick planning tips – Things to do near Stockholm

If you live in Stockholm or are staying in the central area, most of these escapes are simple logistics: trains from Stockholm Central, commuter rail (Pendeltåg), regional operators (SJ), or summer ferries run by companies like Waxholmsbolaget and private operators who visit the archipelago islands. For many island trips, you’ll board a ferry from one of the piers in central Stockholm — and that boat ride itself becomes part of the day’s charm.

Save these handy tips

• Buy train tickets via SJ or SL apps — they’re reliable and sometimes cheaper online.
• For archipelago islands, check Waxholmsbolaget timetables; services are seasonal and more frequent in summer.
• Pack layers: coastal winds can turn a sunny day brisk, even in summer.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes — many of these towns reward wandering.

These quick escapes recharge you with the beauty of nature, history, or small-town authenticity without a long commute.

Whether your mood is scholarly (hello, Uppsala), sea-salted (Sandhamn and Vaxholm), or royally cultured (Drottningholm and Gripsholm), there’s a trip waiting that fits the rhythm of a single gorgeous day or a leisurely Weekend Getaway from Stockholm.

Wrapping up — sample 3-day mini-itinerary (if you want to pack three lovely day trips into a long weekend)

Day 1: Uppsala in the morning, back to Stockholm for the evening — easy, cultural, and gentle.

Day 2: Archipelago day — Vaxholm in the morning, ferry to a smaller island or Sandhamn in the afternoon (summer).

Day 3: Drottningholm + Gripsholm combo (if you want a bit of royal history and a lakeside castle).

This mix gives a little of everything: intellectual life, sea air, and regal architecture — perfect for a Weekend Getaway from Stockholm or a longer trip.

I hope you loved reading about things to do near Stockholm, Sweden, and will soon plan any of these day trips from Stockholm when you plan a trip to Sweden.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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