After emerging from the dark winter, all of Stockholm lights up (literally) and its people are ready to enjoy all of the outdoor activities the city has to offer. Summer is the perfect time to experience Stockholm. Most activities you can do on a budget to get a taste of Swedish culture, live like a local, and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Read on to find out more about our top 10 summer hangouts in and around Stockholm:
1. Archipelago Tour
Since the Stockholm archipelago is so big, it can be a good idea to start with a boat tour to explore the unique, rocky beauty of this area. There are several companies that do tours during the summer where you can explore several of the islands. You can also spend a night or two at a bed and breakfast or go camping, and maybe fit in some time for berry or mushroom foraging. Pro tip: Remember to bring a jacket because it can still get cold on the water, even in the summer.
2. Wander through Gamla Stan
The old town is touristy, but ultimately not to be missed – its beautiful architecture and window-shopping makes it the prime place to have a casual stroll and purchase souvenirs. You can check out Stockholm’s narrowest street and Café Dox, which has a living room aesthetic with very good baguette sandwiches. In the heart of Gamla Stan, Café Chokladkoppen offers Stockholm’s arguably best sticky chocolate cake, which you can enjoy in the café’s cellar vault dating back to the 1600s.
3. Swim at one of Stockholm’s City Beaches
Stockholm is surrounded by water, which means you can take a swim almost anywhere. From sandy beaches and local docks to jetties and rocky shores, there are enough places to find a safe spot for a cool dip on a hot day.
4. Spend an afternoon at Skansen
The world’s oldest open-air museum has beautiful parkland and historic events to showcase the culture and history of Sweden. Featuring houses and farmsteads from all over Sweden, a zoo, an aquarium, a Baltic Sea center, and many places to eat, this is a wonderful summer activity to be outdoors and take in some new and interesting cultural knowledge.
5. Stroll the Snösätra Graffiti Wall of Fame
This former industrial area in Southern Stockholm is now one of Europe’s largest open-air graffiti exhibitions with long stretches of gorgeous street art by various artists.
6. Visit Gröna Lund
The oldest amusement park in Sweden lies on Djurgården, and is a summer wonderland for adults and kids alike. With 30 rides and a summer concert series, this place is not to be missed in the brighter, and warmer, months. Bonus info: Catch a ferry to Gröna Lund from Slussen and enjoy the beautiful view from the water. The ferries run often and are part of the public transit system.
7. Go Kayaking with Långholmen Kayak
There are several kayaking companies that you can choose from in Stockholm, but this company has kayaks with foot-pedals and the route that you take is absolutely breathtaking.
8. Explore Bromma
This town on the outskirts of Stockholm is often overlooked, but has many quality sites to see in the summer. The Judarskogen nature reserve is one of the most loved outdoor areas in and around Stockholm, so you can hike the forest trails or possibly swim in one of the ponds with the locals. There are also a few historic buildings in the area, including Ulfsunda Slot and Bromma Kyrka, which dates back to the 12th century – cultural and natural exploration all in one!
9. Have a Picnic or Fika Break in Bergianska Trädgården
This botanical garden just on the outskirts of Stockholm is a wonderful place to have a relaxing break in the summer with several greenhouses, and Italian terrace, Japanese gardens, and many other beautiful landscapes. Visit Gamla Orangeriet for afternoon tea or bring your own coffee and enjoy in the park.
10. Exercise at an Outdoor City Gym
If you’re looking for a new way to get some exercise, try some of Stockholm’s many outdoor gyms instead of paying for a gym membership. They’re easy to spot and a wonderful alternative to your normal routine.
Get Some More Scandinavian Culture
>> Scandinavia as Your Kitchen