Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Beyond Stockholm’s sleek design, royal charm, and buzzing city life lies a different kind of magic.The best places to visit near Stockholm include tranquil islands, medieval towns, Viking ruins, and storybook castles, all within a scenic hour’s drive or boat ride. These lesser-known gems offer more than just a day trip, they offer a step into Sweden’s layered history and natural splendour. If you’re after crisp air by the lake, a cinnamon bun by the coast, or a glimpse into the Viking age, the outskirts of Stockholm deliver.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Stockholm
Here is a list of places to visit near Stockholm, Sweden, offering royal charm, peaceful retreats and rich history.
1. Drottningholm Palace
Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
Drottningholm Palace is a magnificent 17th-century royal residence located just outside Stockholm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws comparisons to Versailles with its grand architecture and sprawling baroque gardens. The palace is still the official home of the Swedish royal family, adding a regal allure to every visit. Guests can explore its elaborately decorated rooms, the stunning Chinese Pavilion, and the unique Court Theatre, which still uses original stage machinery from the 1700s. During summer, live performances bring the theatre to life. Whether strolling the serene gardens or taking a guided tour, it’s a perfect blend of history and elegance.
Distance From Stockholm: 11 km
Major Attractions: Palace tour, gardens, Chinese Pavilion
2. Sigtuna
Photo: Arild Vågen / Wikimedia Commons
Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, offers a tranquil glimpse into the country’s medieval past. Established in 980 AD, it’s beautifully perched on the shores of Lake Mälaren. The town is adorned with cobbled streets, timber buildings, and atmospheric ruins, including the remnants of St. Olaf’s Church. Visitors can view ancient Viking runestones scattered throughout the town and explore the engaging Sigtuna Museum. A walk along the lakefront promenade is both peaceful and scenic. With quaint boutiques and lakeside cafés such as Tant Brun serving delicious local fare, Sigtuna feels like a living fairytale full of charm and quiet discovery.
Distance From Stockholm: 50 km
Major Attractions: Runestones, old churches, Sigtuna Museum
3. Uppsala
Photo: Andrew Friberg / Wikimedia Commons
Uppsala blends academic prestige with centuries of rich Swedish history. The city is home to Scandinavia’s oldest university, established in 1477, and boasts architectural gems like Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest in Scandinavia. History enthusiasts can explore the Gustavianum Museum, filled with artefacts and curiosities, or visit Uppsala Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. Just north lies Gamla Uppsala, an archaeological treasure featuring Viking burial mounds and ancient Norse sites. Despite its deep historical roots, Uppsala is lively, with bike-friendly streets, riverside cafés, and a vibrant student culture that adds a youthful charm to this timeless city.
Distance From Stockholm: 70 km
Major Attractions: Uppsala Cathedral, Castle, Gamla Uppsala
4. Birka
Photo: Holger.Ellgaard / Wikimedia Commons
Birka, located on Björkö Island, is one of Sweden’s most significant Viking-era settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 8th century, Birka was a major trading hub in the Viking world. Today, visitors can take a scenic boat ride from Stockholm to explore the island’s reconstructed Viking village, the Birka Museum, and preserved burial mounds. Guided tours vividly recount tales of ancient Norse life, bringing the fortress ruins and harbour area to life. It’s an immersive historical experience that combines natural beauty with archaeology. Don’t miss trying Viking-style stew at the cosy museum café before heading back.
Distance From Stockholm: 30 km
Major Attractions: Birka Museum, Viking village model
5. Vaxholm
Photo: ArildV / Wikimedia Commons
Vaxholm, a picturesque town in the Stockholm Archipelago, is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Known for its pastel-colored wooden houses and lively harborside charm, it offers an idyllic escape from city life. Take a short ferry ride to Vaxholm and visit its historic fortress, which once protected Stockholm from seaborne invasions. The town’s cafés, art shops, and scenic waterfront paths invite slow exploration. Adventurous visitors can rent kayaks or hop on boats to nearby islets. In summer, Vaxholm bursts with life and energy, making it a quintessential Swedish summer experience full of coastal beauty and laid-back culture.
Distance From Stockholm: 35 km northeast of Stockholm
Major Attractions: Vaxholm Fortress, waterfront promenade
6. Mariefred & Gripsholm Castle
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons
Mariefred is a picturesque lakeside town steeped in charm and rich in history. Its crown jewel, Gripsholm Castle, is a stunning 16th-century Renaissance fortress nestled along the shores of Lake Mälaren. Inside, you’ll find Sweden’s national portrait gallery with portraits dating back centuries, regal halls, and intricately preserved rooms. Outside, the scenic surroundings invite peaceful lakeside walks or nostalgic rides on the historic steam train and paddle steamer. Mariefred offers a perfect blend of art, architecture, and romantic ambience—ideal for couples or travellers seeking serenity and cultural depth just a short drive from Stockholm.
Distance From Stockholm: 70 km
Major Attractions: Gripsholm Castle, steam train
7. Trosa
Photo: Epiq / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked along the Baltic Sea, Trosa is a dreamy coastal town that invites visitors to embrace a slower pace. With its flower-lined canals, colourful wooden houses, and quaint harbour, it feels like a postcard brought to life. The historic town centre is filled with boutiques, cosy cafés, and charming inns, while the surrounding area is great for hiking and boating. Trosa is a great base for exploring the archipelago or simply soaking up sea breezes and silence. Whether you’re wandering its scenic riverside walk or enjoying a sunset picnic, Trosa offers pure, unhurried relaxation with a nostalgic maritime vibe.
Distance From Stockholm: 70 km
Major Attractions: Trosa riverwalk, old town, boat tours
8. Norrtälje
Photo: ArildV / Wikimedia Commons
Norrtälje, nestled in the heart of the Roslagen region, is a scenic blend of Swedish countryside charm and coastal flair. It’s an artsy haven where local creativity thrives—from summer open-air concerts and art galleries to cosy cafés and vibrant markets. The town hugs the banks of the Norrtäljeån river, perfect for peaceful walks or people-watching on sunny days. Roslagsmuseet offers fascinating insights into local heritage, while the surrounding woodlands and beaches make it a nature lover’s delight. With its relaxed pace and artistic energy, Norrtälje is perfect for a rejuvenating day trip or a weekend of mindful discovery.
Distance From Stockholm: 70 km
Major Attractions: Roslagsmuseet, river promenade
9. Skokloster Castle
Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
Skokloster Castle stands as one of Europe’s most impressive baroque landmarks, preserving a glimpse into Sweden’s noble past. Constructed in the 17th century, the castle has barely changed since and houses a stunning collection of art, weapons, books, and antique furnishings. Its famed armoury and library reflect the opulence and intellectual legacy of the time. Surrounded by Lake Mälaren and scenic forests, it also makes for a peaceful day immersed in nature. Visitors can stroll the castle grounds, enjoy lakeside views, or picnic under ancient trees. It’s a majestic blend of architectural splendour and pastoral calm.
Distance From Stockholm: 60 km
Major Attractions: Castle museum, weapons room, library
10. Taxinge Slott
Photo: Holger.Ellgaard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nicknamed “The Cake Castle,” Taxinge Slott is Sweden’s most delicious countryside detour. This elegant manor house, overlooking Lake Mälaren, is famed for its massive cake buffet—often offering over 60 varieties of handmade pies, pastries, and tarts. It’s a dessert lover’s dream served in a regal yet relaxed setting. Beyond the sweet treats, visitors can enjoy manicured gardens, forest trails, and lakeside views perfect for a post-cake stroll. The manor also hosts art exhibitions and markets throughout the year. Whether you come for the legendary Princess Cake or the serene scenery, Taxinge is an indulgent retreat worth every bite.
Distance From Stockholm: 65 km
Major Attractions: Café, manor gardens
The best places to visit near Stockholm are real scene-stealers, from the cakes of Taxinge Slott to the quiet gravitas of Gamla Uppsala’s burial mounds, every destination near the city offers a slice of Sweden’s soul. These escapes remind us that you don’t have to go far to find something extraordinary,sometimes, the most memorable journeys happen just outside your front door. Plan a trip with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
