Embark on a day trip from Stockholm to explore palaces, islands, Viking heritage, and more

Stockholm is brimming with thrilling attractions. Venture beyond Gamla Stan to discover majestic country palaces, rugged islets, vibrant towns, and rich Viking history through convenient day trips.

The Stockholm area is easy to navigate by car and even simpler to explore using public transport. With SL Travelcards, you can enjoy unlimited travel on all local buses and trains, making your exploration hassle-free.

From Drottningholm Palace to Vaxholm in the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, discover the top day trips from Sweden's capital.

1. Dive into Swedish history in Uppsala and Gamla Uppsala

Travel duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour each way

As one of Sweden’s oldest cities, Uppsala dates back to the 3rd century and is a vibrant college town rich in history. It’s also adjacent to one of the country’s most significant pre-Viking sites.

The city’s 40,000 students contribute to a youthful energy that’s palpable in the many stylish yet unpretentious cafes and bars. Cobblestone streets bustling with bicycles lead to the banks of the Fyris River, which flows through the heart of the city. A charming pink castle stands atop a hill, with a royal garden sprawling below. Aspiring scientists will appreciate the Linnémuseet and its adjacent botanical garden, replicating the workspace of renowned botanist Carl von Linné. History enthusiasts will find much to explore, starting with the treasure-filled Museum Gustavianum or the iconic Domkyrka (Cathedral). However, the main attraction is Gamla (Old) Uppsala, located just up the road.

A beautiful 2.5-mile (4km) bike ride north leads you to this captivating archaeological site, which was once a thriving 6th-century religious hub where – reportedly – human sacrifices occurred. With 300 mounds dating from the 6th to the 12th centuries, it ranks among Sweden’s largest and most significant ancient burial grounds. You can discover more at the nearby Gamla Uppsala Museum, or explore on your own, reading the informative plaques scattered throughout the area.

If you’re up for more walking or cycling, Eriksleden is a 3.75-mile (6km) “pilgrims path” connecting the cathedral in Uppsala with the church in Gamla Uppsala. Named after Erik the Holy, who became King of Sweden around 1150 until he was beheaded by the Danes ten years later, the legend says his head rolled down the hill and a spring emerged where it landed. The main trail also leads to a rugged wilderness hiking area known as Tunåsen, featuring a panoramic viewpoint (just follow the signs along Eriksleden south of Gamla Uppsala to “Utsiktsleden”).

Getting there from Stockholm:

SL commuter trains depart regularly (every 30 minutes or more) from Stockholm’s Central Station and City Station to Uppsala’s central station, taking about 40 minutes to an hour. Bus 801 frequently runs from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Uppsala station via Arlanda Airport, taking around 45 minutes. Buses to Gamla Uppsala leave from Stora Torget in central Uppsala.

3. Experience royalty at Drottningholm Palace

Travel duration: approximately 1 hour each way

The magnificent 17th-century palace of Drottningholm serves as the royal family’s residence for part of the year and offers insightful, 1-hour guided tours year-round (in English three times daily from June to August, and on weekends during the rest of the year).

The tour includes the lavishly decorated State Bedchamber of Hedvig Eleonora, featuring an exquisite baroque interior that’s a favorite on Pinterest. The library of Lovisa Ulrika is a bright and stunning space, largely retaining its original 18th-century furnishings, although most of her 2000 books have been relocated to the Royal Library in Stockholm for preservation.

Finished in 1766, the royal Slottsteater remains exceptionally well-preserved. Summer performances utilize the original 18th-century machinery to create spectacular effects, with the wind machine being particularly remarkable. At the end of the royal gardens, Kina Slott stands as a richly adorned Chinese pavilion showcasing some of the finest rococo chinoiserie interiors in Europe.

The palace grounds are open for guests to explore, and the geometrically designed gardens, positioned for maximum visual impact, are worth the visit on their own.

Getting there from Stockholm:

Take the tunnelbana (metro) to Brommaplan, then transfer to the bus heading to Drottningholm. There’s also a clearly marked bike path from central Stockholm to the palace (13km / 8 miles). During summer, regular boat services depart for Drottningholm from Stadshuskajen.

4. Uncover Viking history at Birka

Travel duration: 2 hours each way

Located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, the historic Viking trading hub of Birka offers a memorable day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site was established around 760 CE to enhance and manage regional trade. Although little remains today—just a cemetery with about 3000 graves and a picturesque Swedish island—the allure lies in picturing a bustling marketplace filled with traders and artisans centuries ago. The site also features excavated remnants of a defensive fort and the harbor.

If you need a spark for your imagination, check out the excellent Birka Museum, which showcases artifacts from the digs, replicas of remarkable finds, and a scale model depicting the village as it would have appeared during Viking times.

Getting there from Stockholm:

Strömma Kanalbolaget operates round-trip cruises to Birka from Stadshusbron in central Stockholm. Since the journey takes 2 hours each way (the boat ride is stunning), plan for a full-day adventure. Cruise fares include museum entry and an English-guided tour of the settlement’s burial mounds and fortifications.