Parks and the outdoors in Stockholm

40 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Stockholm.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

SeeVasastan and Hagastaden
Bellevue Park and Carl Eldh Studio Museum
The park gives an astounding view of Brunnsviken, a brackish bay. The Carl Eldh Studio Museum contains early 20th-century sculptures.
SeeÖstermalm
Bergius Botanic Gardens
Bergianska trädgården
Open-air gardens open to the public, as well as a greenhouse, popular during the cold season. The Victoria House is a preserved Victorian greenhouse.
EatDjurgården
Blå Porten [bloːˈpuʈən]
Blå porten, hidden in the back yard of Liljevalchs konsthall, is the one exception. Delicious food in a lush garden makes the long queues worth it. The excellent cakes and pies also makes this a good choice for a coffee break.
Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00, Sat Sun 11:00-19:00
DoÖstermalm
Brunnsviken
[ˈbrɵnsˈviːkən]
A brackish bay, adjacent to the National City Park. There are several fine beaches, particularly on the eastern side (T Universitetet). Popular with students as it is less than a kilometre from the university's main campus.
EatGamla stan
Chokladkoppen & Kaffekoppen
Kaffekoppen and Chokladkoppen (literally, the Coffee Cup and the Chocolate Cup) are two LGBT-friendly sister cafes situated on the Stortorget in Gamla stan, just off the touristy Västerlånggatan. If one is full you can just walk over to the other one. The interior in both of them is small but cosy, probably not for the claustrophobic! Gigantic sandwiches if you're hungry, and if you're looking for something sweet try their chocolate cake!
Winter: Mon–Thu 10:00–22:00, Fri 10:00–23:00, Sat 09:00–23:00, Sun 09:00–22:00; Summer: daily 09:00–23:00
EatÖstermalm
Glashuset
A waterfront restaurant with a bar, on the walk between Norrmalm and Djurgården. Less of a tourist trap than one could expect from the location.
DoDjurgården
Gröna Lund
[grønaˈlɵnd]
Djurgården has Stockholm's only amusement park, with more or less standard attractions and games. The restaurants in the park are expensive and generally far from a culinary experience. No rides are included in the entrance fee. Adults 80 kr (90 kr from mid-June to mid-August, 150 kr from 18:00 on concert nights), ages 0-7 and over 65 for free. Rides 20-60 kr with single tickets, day pass 289 kr.
Open at least noon-23:00 most days June-August, shorter hours in May and early September
SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg
Hagaparken
A Royal Palace park in Solna with a rich history, open to the public, and great for picnics. The palace, Haga slott, is the residence of Crown Princess Victoria and her family. See also Swedish monarchy.
DoKungsholmen
Hornsbergs strand
An artificial beach, acclaimed for its design. Crowded at summer.
DoDjurgården
Junibacken
[ˈjʉːniˈbakən]
Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof and numerous other children's books, is by far Sweden's most popular writer of children's books. Located on the island Djurgården, like many other child-friendly attractions, Junibacken could be described as an indoor theme-park dedicated to the world of her (and a few other Swedish authors') stories. Story train is a destination in itself here. The place also features several large playrooms; claims to have largest bookshop for kids in the country; has a restaurant. See Astrid Lindgren tourism for related destinations.
Jan-May: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, June: daily 10:00-17:00, July: daily 09:00-18:00, 1-15 Aug daily 09:00-18:00, 16-31 Aug daily 10:00-17:00, Sep-Dec: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
SeeVasastan and Hagastaden
Karlberg Palace
Karlbergs slott
Built in 1632 and has hosted the Military Academy since 1792. The interior is usually not open to the public. The palace park is a pleasant place for picnics.
SeeKungsholmen
Kristineberg Palace
Kristinebergs slott
Built around 1750 by the merchant R. Schröder, with a beautiful park. Today used partially as a school and partially as dwelling, though you can still watch it from the outside.
DoNorrmalm
Kungsträdgården
A park with frequent stage performances, and ice skating during winter.
DoSödermalm
Långholmen
An island with several good spots for swimming, including a small sandy beach.
SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg
Marabouparken
A sculpture park with an art hall. It was built for the Marabou chocolate factory.
DrinkSödermalm
Mosebacke Etablissement
In the same building as the Södra Teatern theatre and bar, this is a laid-back restaurant, bar and music venue. In the summer, its large beer garden with a panoramic view is extremely popular with Stockholmers and tourists alike. Indoors, you will find lots of clubs and live music in a wealth of genres, including brunches with live jazz on weekends 10:30-03:00.
SeeNorrmalm
Museum of Modern Art
Moderna Museet
Stockholm's museum of modern art is headed by Lars Nittve, formerly of London's Tate Modern. These museums have several works by famous artists - Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí and Irving Penn, an American photographer. Although its Stockholm counterpart might not have as vast a collection, there is still enough to satisfy both the modern art buff as well as the curious amateur. Also, the building, by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, is a sight in itself. Admission 80 kr (60 kr reduced price). World-class collection of modern art, free for the main collection and paid for temporary ones. There are also several outdoor sculptures in the park around the museum.
Tue 10:00-20:00, Wed-Sun 10:00-18:00
SeeDjurgården
Rosendal Gardens
Rosendals trädgård
A historic free-entrance garden, worth a visit for travellers not in a hurry.
SeeDjurgården
Skansen
Founded in 1891, Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, containing a zoological garden specializing in Nordic fauna, such as moose, reindeer, bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. It features over 150 historic buildings from previous centuries, relocated from all parts of Sweden. Museum guides in historic costumes further enhance this attraction, and demonstrate domestic crafts such as weaving, spinning, and glass blowing. The Skansen area is fairly large (700 metres across) with steep slopes and limited public transport (there is a funicular and an escalator to the upper area) so be prepared for long walks. 1-2 hours would allow a walk around the area; to see everything up close, a full day is needed. Skansen is one of few venues open during Christmas Eve, though just a few hours, with most attractions closed.
1 May-20 Jun: daily 10:00-20:00, 21 Jun-31 Aug: 10:00-22:00, shorter hours the rest of the year, but always at least 10:00-15:00
SeeSödermalm
Skinnarviksberget
A hill further west, close to the Zinkensdamm metro station, is a good option if you prefer cliffs to streets. When exiting the station turn back and head to the north. Walk up a small street to the right and climb the hill. Look for the "Kattenvägen" sign. A great alternative to watch the sun set in summertime.
SeeSödermalm
Sofia Church
Sofia kyrka
This 1902 Romanesque parish church is on the top of a hill, which is a great viewpoint in its own right. Vita Bergen is a calm park, sloping southwards.
DoSödermalm
Tantolunden
[ˈtantuˈlɵndən]
A big park, known for its quaint allotment gardens, and its beach. Crowded during summer. Good for outdoor games. Also contains a miniature golf course.
SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg
The Haga Park Museum
An indoor museum which displays the history of the Royal Park, since the 18th century.
Free
DoSödermalm
Trekanten
One of the main features of the Liljeholmen borough is this lake, which allows swimming at summertime and ice-skating in the winter. The 2½-km walk around the lake is magnificent. At the half-grass half-sand beach, the water temperatures are quite high in the summers, when many are bathing in the safe, clear water. If you are visiting in winter, don't miss the hill about half way through the walk which allows sledding, when the snow is thick. At summer, you can also do some fishing with the locals, if you ask the fishing club for permission. There are two ice-cream shops, one at the beach and one at the entrance of the lake. A small café serving hot food is located about a quarter of the way round the lake.
EatSödermalm
Trekanten restaurant
Serves traditional Swedish food, located about one quarter around the Trekanten lake.
Open at lunch
DoSöderort
Vinterviken
A popular swimming/sunbathing area close to the old Nobel dynamite factories, old explosion test caves can be seen when walking around the seaside area. The old factory building is a café and museum. Good place to have a good time when the sun is making the mountain rock hot, bring something to sit on, otherwise it's too hot to sit on the bare rock. Beware that it may be packed in summertime during warm evenings due to the beautiful sunset view. Closest metro is Axelsberg, walk north-east towards the water. Fun fact: Alfred Nobel was forced out of Vinterviken by the city council, due to several fatal accidents related to explosive experiments.
EatNorrmalm
Zocalo
A chain of Mexican fast-food restaurants. The restaurants are spacious and have a trendy decor. The service is based on automatic signal devices (no table service) and is very fast - getting your order ready usually takes about five minutes from when you walk in. Try the burritos, that's what the chain is known for. Five restaurants in Stockholm and four elsewhere in Sweden.
11:00 to 21:00 mostly95 kr
DoÖstermalm
Östermalms IP
An open-air sport park, usually open for the public. Ice skating at winter. In July-August, it hosts the Stockholm Pride festival.
SeeSödermalm Not mapped
Ivar Lo-museet
A museum for Swedish writer and labour activist Ivar Lo-Johansson, famous for depicting Swedish farm workers' harsh conditions. The museum contains a small exhibition and Lo-Johansson's apartment, and requires advance booking. A scrapbook of Lo-Johansson's life is on display in the window. Across the street is Ivar Los park, a public park with a playground, and a bust of Lo-Johansson.
DoDjurgården Not mapped
Mamma Mia! the Party
A dinner, show and after-show party where you can sing and dance with the cast to the music of ABBA. The Greek taverna from the musical and its landlord, Nikos, have been recreated in Gröna Lund amusement park on Djurgården, near the ABBA Museum. Authentic three-course Mediterranean meal; vegetarian alternatives available by ordering ahead. Buy tickets online as it sells out weeks in advance.
From 1355 kr
DoSöderort Not mapped
Nytorps gärde
A park with rock carvings (hällristningar) and an anti-aircraft battery from World War II.
Do Not mapped
Under the bridges of Stockholm
Departing from Strömkajen by Grand Hôtel and opposite the Royal Castle (T Kungsträdgården), this tour on both the sea and on lake Mälaren passes under 15 bridges and through two locks. Several departures every day, depending on the time of year. 1 hour 50 min.
From 260 kr
DoNorrmalm
Blekholmsterrassen
A waterfront park renovated in 2023.
DoKungsholmen
Fredhällsbadet
A rocky beach on western Kungsholmen.
DoSöderort
Highvalley Skateworld
Högdalens Skatepark
A skateboard park, to be expanded.
DoSöderort
Nackareservatet
A natural reserve forest in Nacka Municipality.
DrinkGamla stan
Secret Garden
An inclusive LGBT club with a dance floor.
DoKungsholmen
Smedsuddsbadet
The largest beach in inner-city Stockholm is child-friendly.
DoSöderort
Ågesta Naturistbad
Stockholm's only official nudist beach.
SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg Not mapped
Åkeshovs arboretum
A garden with exotic trees.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Stockholm (CC BY-SA 4.0).