A picturesque dock scene at Fjäderholmarna, with a seagull perched on the railing. The dock is equipped with railings, and a life preserver is visible attached to one of the railings. Across the water, there is a small red cottage. — Fjäderholmarna

Stockholm is great with its historic charm and vibrant city life, but there are also plenty of fun day trips you can take from the city to explore more of what Sweden has to offer. There's something for everyone just a short car, train, or boat ride away.

A man standing indoors at a craft beer festival, holding a program listing various beers. He is smiling and wearing a purple T-shirt with a colorful, intricate design. The background shows other festival attendees mingling around high-top tables. — Belgoträff home brewer festival in Uppsala

History and Craft Beer in Uppsala

Hop on a train from Stockholm’s Central Station and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Uppsala in no time (about 40 minutes). The journey is straightforward, and trains run frequently, making it a hassle-free option for a day trip.

A panoramic view of Uppsala Cathedral in Uppsala, Sweden, captured from a distance. The cathedral's two tall, pointed spires dominate the skyline, rising above the autumn-colored trees in the foreground. The sky is filled with large, fluffy clouds. — Uppsala domkyrka

Dominating the city’s skyline, Uppsala domkyrka is a masterpiece of late 13th century Gothic architecture. Step inside to admire the stained-glass windows and the tranquil ambiance. Don’t forget to visit the royal tombs, including that of Gustav Vasa, one of Sweden’s most famous kings.

A view of Gustavianum in Uppsala, Sweden, featuring its distinctive green copper roof. The dome is visible above the surrounding buildings, which have beige and yellow facades with traditional window designs. — Gustavianum in Uppsala

Gustavianum, right next to the cathedral, is the former main building of Uppsala University and now a museum. Here, you can explore artifacts from the university's collections, including scientific instruments, art, and relics from the Viking Age. Please note that Gustavianum is currently closed for renovations (as of November 2023) and scheduled to reopen in spring 2024. Check their website for updated information.

A picturesque view of a riverside scene in Uppsala, Sweden. The river flows gently alongside a street lined with buildings that feature various pastel colors and traditional Scandinavian architectural elements. — Uppsala

Uppsala has embraced the craft beer revolution. You can book a brewery tour and beer tasting at Uppsala Brygghus on their website. Churchill Arms, Taps Beer Bar, DomCraft, and William’s Pub are all great places to try a variety of local and international craft beers. Uppsala Hembryggareförening has a homebrewing festival every year in January called Belgoträff where visitors can try a variety of homebrewed Belgian-style beers and vote for the best ones.

A serene view of Uppsala Cathedral in Sweden, taken from across a calm river. The cathedral's two tall spires dominate the skyline, with the historic brick structure nestled among lush green trees. The river reflects the cathedral and trees. — Uppsala

Brunch enthusiasts should try Café Linné or Café Varga, both of which offer a wide range of breakfast and lunch options in a cozy setting.

A wooden dock with a metal ladder leading into dark, slightly choppy water. The water appears deep and mysterious, with ripples and white foam scattered across the surface. The metal ladder is worn and sturdy, suggesting frequent use. — Lake Mälaren in Sigtuna

Step Back in Time in Sigtuna

Sigtuna, on the shores of Lake Mälaren, is Sweden's oldest town. It’s filled with medieval streets, ancient ruins, and inviting cafes. You can reach Sigtuna from Stockholm in about 45 minutes by car, or around an hour if you take the bus.

A small, quaint church with a tall steeple in a residential area with traditional Swedish houses in the background. The scene is framed by bare trees, indicating a late autumn or winter setting. — Sigtuna

Take a walk and you’ll find narrow, winding streets lined with well-preserved wooden buildings. You can also visit medieval churches and ruins including Mariakyrkan and S:t Olafs kyrkoruin.

The exterior of a charming yellow wooden house with a red and white striped awning over a pair of windows. Each window is framed in white, and there are flower boxes filled with vibrant red and purple flowers beneath the windows. — Sigtuna

Dive deeper into Sigtuna's past with a visit to Sigtuna museum, where you can explore exhibitions showcasing artifacts from the Viking Age and learn about the town’s history and development over the centuries.

A picturesque red wooden house with white trim under a partly cloudy sky. The house has a traditional Scandinavian design, with a steeply pitched roof covered in red tiles. A large windowed porch extends from the front of the house. — Vaxholm

For brunch or lunch, Sigtuna offers a variety of cafes and restaurants with picturesque lakeside views. Tant Bruns Kaffestuga, located in one of Sigtuna’s oldest buildings, has a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. Enjoy your meal in the garden during the warmer months.

A charming yellow wooden house with white trim and a red-tiled roof is partially obscured by lush greenery and blooming lilac bushes. In front of the house, a white bicycle serves as an eye-catching sign for a nearby bistro, bar, and café. — Vaxholm

Sigtuna is also home to several arts and craft shops, where you can find unique handmade items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

A tranquil lakeside scene featuring a small red and white boathouse at the edge of a calm, reflective body of water. The surrounding landscape is dotted with autumnal trees, displaying a mix of bare branches and muted foliage. — Vaxholm

Archipelago Adventures in Vaxholm

If you’re looking to explore the Stockholm archipelago, Vaxholm is the perfect destination. The journey to Vaxholm is itself a treat, with boat transport from Stockholm providing stunning views of the archipelago. The boat ride takes about an hour, or if you prefer to drive, you can reach Vaxholm in around 45 minutes.

A charming scene of a narrow path flanked by lush green foliage and quaint houses. On the left, a red wooden house with a steep roof displays a sign reading "Textil Hus No. 14 Hantverk." The house is partially hidden by dense greenery. — Vaxholm

Take some time to wander around Vaxholm’s streets and visit the boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops. It’s a great opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and appreciate the local artistry.

A picturesque waterfront scene featuring a large, elegant yellow building with a black roof and multiple chimneys on the top of a hill. Below this building, a series of charming, smaller houses cascade down the hillside towards the water. — Vaxholm

Waxholms Hotell, on the waterfront, offers a fantastic brunch spread on Sundays. Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café, open on weekends in May and daily in the summer, serves light lunches and pastries.

A serene sunset over a tranquil body of water, casting a warm, golden glow across the sky. The sun's rays are beautifully diffused by scattered clouds, creating a breathtaking display of light. There are rocks in the foreground. — Vaxholm

Located on a small island of its own near the town, the imposing Vaxholm Fortress once played a crucial role in defending Stockholm from naval attacks. Today, it’s a museum that’s open from May through August where you can explore the old barracks and enjoy panoramic views.

A lone sailboat with white sails navigates through a vast expanse of calm, dark water under an overcast sky. The horizon is shrouded in mist, creating a serene and slightly melancholic atmosphere. Distant landmasses are visible through the fog. — Vaxholm

To truly appreciate the beauty of the archipelago, consider taking a boat tour from Vaxholm. There are various options available, ranging from short excursions to full-day adventures, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding islands and waters.

A dense forest scene with tall, slender trees reaching high into the sky, their trunks casting long shadows on the lush green undergrowth below. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. — Mariefred

Mariefred, A Royal Retreat

To get to Mariefred, a town on the shores of Lake Mälaren, you can take a train to Läggesta station, which takes about an hour, and then take a bus from there.

A vibrant and lush lilac bush in full bloom with clusters of purple flowers set against a clear blue sky. The dense foliage and rich colors create a striking contrast, capturing the beauty of spring in full bloom. The sunlight highlights the flowers. — Vaxholm

It’s impossible to miss the red brick façade of Gripsholms slott when you arrive in Mariefred. Inside the castle, you’ll find well-preserved rooms that take you back in time to the 16th century and a vast collection of portraits and artifacts. Don’t miss the famous Lion of Gripsholm, a peculiar taxidermy that has become a quirky symbol of the castle.

A serene lakeside scene featuring two wooden chairs on a dock, overlooking calm, slightly rippled water that reflects the sunlight. The setting suggests a peaceful retreat, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. — Vaxholm

Stroll through the castle’s gardens and grounds, and then take some time to wander the town to see the cottages, shops, and cafes. Mariefred also has a thriving local arts scene, with galleries showcasing the work of local artists. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

A picturesque lakeside view featuring calm water under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, a Swedish flag flutters atop a flagpole, surrounded by smaller colorful pennant flags. The rocky shoreline has greenery and white umbrellas. — Vaxholm

If you have time, consider returning to Stockholm on the historic steamboat, which takes around 3.5 hours and offers stunning views along Lake Mälaren.

A charming street scene with a picturesque red church featuring a tall green spire in the background. In the foreground, there's a yellow house with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery. The pathway is lined with bicycles. — Nynäshamn

Seaside Serenity in Nynäshamn

Nynäshamn, at the southern tip of the Stockholm Archipelago, is the perfect spot for a rejuvenating day trip with its fresh sea air and relaxed vibe. You can get there in about an hour by train from Stockholm Central Station.

A picturesque yellow gazebo with white French doors and a green roof stands gracefully on a lush, well-maintained lawn. The structure is surrounded by tall, mature trees that provide ample shade, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. — Nynäshamn

Take a walk around the harbor, where you can enjoy views of boats bobbing in the water. Nynäshamn is also home to some lovely beaches, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a refreshing swim. Nickstabadet and Hamnvik are two popular choices near the city center.

A serene, winding road stretches through a forest bathed in autumn hues. Tall trees with slender trunks line both sides of the road, their leaves a mix of golden yellows and warm oranges, casting a soft, dappled light onto the pavement below. — Nynäshamn

There are several scenic hiking trails in the area, including the Sörmlandsleden trail, which offers a range of routes suitable for all levels of hikers. Alternatively, you could rent a bike and explore the coastal landscapes, with plenty of picturesque spots to stop and enjoy a picnic.

A picturesque view of a serene river flowing through a historic town, framed by trees and quaint buildings on either side. In the background, the towering spires of a grand cathedral rise above the rooftops, reaching into a partly cloudy sky. — Uppsala

If you’re a craft beer aficionado, you can book a brewery tour and beer tasting at Nynäshamns Ångbryggeri on their website. There are also several pubs and restaurants in Nynäshamn that serve a variety of craft beers, such as Eight Friends Inn and Restaurang Kroken.

A vibrant image of the exterior of Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri. The building features a rustic red facade with blue and yellow trim. A prominent sign reading "FJÄDERHOLMARNA" is displayed at the top, and below it is a round wooden emblem. — Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri

Fjäderholmarna, The Gateway to the Archipelago

Fjäderholmarna, the archipelago island closest to Stockholm, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Boat transport from Stockholm only takes about 25 minutes.

Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri

The island is small and there are plenty of walking paths that take you through lush greenery and rocky outcrops. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb up to the higher points of the island for panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago.

Visitors to Fjäderholmarna can explore art studios and craft shops offering everything from glassware and pottery to textiles and paintings. Spend some time wandering around, and you may even catch local artists at work.

A colorful craft beer menu board at Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri, listing various beers on tap. The wooden board has the title "BEER ON TAP" at the top, with detailed names and prices for each beer written below. — Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri

Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri’s Brewpub has a great selection of their own beers, and you can buy flights so that you can try a variety of different ones. They’re open from the beginning of May through mid-September. Their seating fills up fast, so if you’re interested in visiting, try to take the boat that arrives on the island just after they open.

Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri Craft Beer Flight.jpg

Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri Craft Beer Flight Menu.jpg

Stockholm is surrounded by options for incredible day trip destinations – there’s a world of adventure waiting just beyond the city limits. Check out sl.se for information on public transportation in Stockholm and the surrounding area and stromma.com for information on boat trips in the archipelago, including transport to Vaxholm and Fjäderholmarna and a steamboat tour to or from Mariefred. Enjoy your travels!