Places to Visit Near Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, with a population of more than 1.6 million people. Rich in history and culture, Stockholm is a city that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant street life, Stockholm never fails to impress. As the city is situated on the Baltic Sea, Stockholm also provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as sailing and kayaking.

The city itself is full of attractions and things to do, but there are also many wonderful places to visit and explore in the surrounding area. From beautiful castles to peaceful lakes and islands, there are so many places to visit near Stockholm not to be missed. Read on for an overview of the best places to visit near Stockholm for first-time visitors.

Drottningholm Palace

One of the most popular places to visit near Stockholm is Drottningholm Palace, located just outside the city. This stunning 18th century palace is where the Swedish Royal family currently resides, and it’s open to visitors during certain times of the year. The palace features beautiful formal gardens and a large lake, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Stockholm. Inside, visitors can explore the lavishly furnished rooms and admire the impressive works of art. The palace also houses the Drottningholm Palace Theater, which is one of the few remaining 18th century opera houses in the world.

Vasamuseet

The Vasa Museum is another popular attraction near Stockholm. Located on the island of Djurgården, this museum is home to one of the world’s most impressive maritime displays. The centerpiece of the museum is the Vasa ship, a 17th century Swedish warship which sank in Stockholm harbor in 1628. The ship was salvaged in 1961 and is now on display in the museum, along with a vast collection of artifacts recovered from the wreck. The museum also features interactive exhibits which explore the history of the ship and its crew.

Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle is an impressive 16th century castle located just outside of Stockholm. This beautiful castle is famous for its Renaissance architecture and its extensive art collection – it houses over 4,000 paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds, which include a beautiful moat and two picturesque lakes, as well as its spectacular furnishings and artworks. The castle also hosts plays and concerts throughout the year, making it a great place to visit for culture-lovers.

Uppsala

Uppsala is an ancient university town located less than an hour’s drive from Stockholm. Home to Sweden’s oldest university, Uppsala offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Visitors can explore the town’s historic monuments and buildings, such as the Uppsala Cathedral and Uppsala Castle, or simply wander around the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture. Uppsala also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Uppsala International Short Film Festival in October and Uppsala Jazz Festival in June.

Sigtuna

Sigtuna is one of Sweden’s oldest towns, located just north of Stockholm. Founded in 980 A.D., Sigtuna is home to some of Sweden’s oldest churches and rune stones, as well as several well-preserved 17th century buildings. Sigtuna also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Sigtuna Art Week in June and Sigtuna Jazz Festival in August.

Lake Mälaren

Lake Mälaren is one of Sweden’s largest lakes, located just outside of Stockholm. This beautiful lake is home to several islands which are perfect for exploring by boat or kayak. There are a number of charming villages scattered along its shores, as well as a few historic castles which offer stunning views over the lake. Visitors can also go fishing or swimming in Lake Mälaren – it’s one of Sweden’s most popular recreational spots during summer months.

Archipelago of Stockholm

The archipelago of Stockholm is a stunning collection of islands located just outside of Stockholm. Home to thousands of small islands, islets and skerries, this archipelago provides visitors with a wealth of activities to enjoy. From sailing to fishing to kayaking, there are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful landscape. Visitors can also explore some of the islands’ picturesque villages and sample some traditional Swedish cuisine at one of the archipelago’s many restaurants.

Popular Tours

In addition to visiting these amazing places near Stockholm, visitors can also choose from a variety of popular tours that will allow them to explore more of this beautiful area. Here are two popular tours near Stockholm that visitors should consider:

Stockholm Sightseeing Bus Tour

The Stockholm Sightseeing Bus Tour offers visitors an easy way to explore some of Stockholm’s most popular attractions while learning about its history and culture along the way. The tour takes visitors on a 1-hour guided bus tour around central Stockholm, past many of the city’s iconic sites, such as the Royal Palace and Stortorget Square. The tour includes stops at several key points along the route, giving visitors plenty of time to explore each location before continuing on their journey. Visitors can book this tour online via Viator.

Stockholm City Walking Tour

The Stockholm City Walking Tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s culture while exploring some of its most iconic sites. During this 2-hour tour, visitors will explore some of Stockholm’s most fascinating places, including Gamla Stan (the old town), Riddarholmen Island and Stortorget Square. Along the way, visitors will learn about Stockholm’s history from their expert guide and enjoy plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can book this tour online via GetYourGuide.

Stockholm is an amazing destination for first-time visitors – from exploring its stunning architecture and vibrant street life to discovering its many nearby attractions, there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful city and its surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an action-packed adventure, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste near Stockholm. So why not start planning your trip today?