Explore the region
Publish date: 21 August 2024
Stockholm's closets neighboring cities and towns – like Uppsala, Mariefred, and Sigtuna – are just 90 minutes by car from the city center. In other words, perfect for a day trip!
Leave the big city and experience another side of the Stockholm region. You will find historical sites, quaint towns, lakes, forests, and the archipelago.
To the west, you'll find Lake Mälaren, with its wooded coves, parks, beautiful castles, mansions, and world heritage sites. To the north, you will discover charming villages, the university town of Uppsala, and the Walloon ironworks; to the south, the sea horizon, hiking paths, and the junction Nynäshamn; and to the east, the near-lying municipality of Nacka and Gustavbegrg/Värmdö.
Five neighbors – other towns and cities in the area
- Mariefred – Idyllic Mariefred is about an hour's drive from central Stockholm. The cozy town is home to 7-8000 inhabitants living in and around the town center on the Banks of Lake Mälaren. Mariefreds's most prominent landmark is Gripsholm Palace housing (among many fascinating things) the National Portrait Gallery and its 4 700 portraits of prominent Swedes dating back to the 16th century.
- Södertälje – Stockholm's closest neighbor, located just south of Stockholm. Södertälje can be easily reached by taking the commuter train from T-Centralen. The local specialty Södertäljekringlan (the Södertälje pretzel) can be tasted at for example Torekällberget outdoor museum. Another beloved attraction is the Tom Tits interactive science museum; perfect for inquisitive children and teenagers curious about the laws of physics and chemistry.
- Uppsala – Swenden's fourth largest city has a cozy atmosphere, thanks to the Fyris River running through the central parts of town. Uppsala is famous for its university and as a hub for science and innovation. The Gustavianum University Museum is Uppsala's oldest building and one of the most popular attractions, together with the Linneaus Botanical Garden.
- Sigtuna – With its origins dating back to the 10th century, picturesque Sigtuna is one of Sweden's oldest towns and was home to the royal family well into the 13th century. Just an hour's drive north of Stockholm, Sigtuna is a must for history buffs with its many Medieval churches, castles (like Rosersbergs Palace and Skokloster), and Viking rune stones to be found in the surrounding area.
- Trosa – Picturesque Trosa is located south of Stockholm, 90 minutes by car. Formerly an important fishing hamlet, the small town has been a popular vacation spot since the late 1800s. The guest harbor attracts many guests during the summer, as well as Tullgarns Palace on the outskirts of town.