Stockholm Travel Guide

Day Trips

The Royal Gripsholm Castle: was built on an island in Lake Malaren and is today considered one of the best-preserved castles in the country. It was commissioned by Gustavus Vasa in the mid 16th century and is situated just outside the town of Mariefred, an idyllic spot well-known for its vintage, narrow-gauge railroad. In the 18th century, during the reign of the Swedish actor-king Gustavus III, a theatre was built at the castle.

Sandhamn and Vaxholm: the islands nearest to the city of Stockholm have become its suburbs, now heavily-populated and connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. Many of the other islands remain wild and unpopulated and attract visitors during the summer for picnics, boating and swimming. Many can be visited by boat from Stockholm’s harbour.

Sigtuna: is the oldest town in Sweden, an attractive, small community characterised by its winding lanes, colourful wooden houses, pretty cottage gardens and interesting shops. Around a thousand years ago, Sigtuna was the country’s most important town. In 980 AD it was founded by Olof Skotkonung, who built a royal hall here, and a town subsequently developed around it.

Sweden’s first coins, which bear the image of the town’s founder, were minted in Sigtuna. By 1100, the town became the seat for the bishop, at a time when nearby Uppsala was still predominantly pagan.

Dating as far back as the Viking period, Uppsala has been an important religious centre: in the early days it was the scene of animal and human sacrifice to the Norse gods. It was also home to royalty at one time, when Queen Christina held court in Uppsala.