Cycling in Stockholm

Starting from Östermalm it's a lovely ride from Gärdet to Hagaparken. From Valhallavägen, head towards Tessinparken and up onto Blanchegatan. Go past Erik Dahlbergsgatan and the far end of Artillerigatan and carry on past Starrängsringen before crossing Lidingövägen. Head through the equestrian and tennis station, past the railway lines and onto the cycle path towards Norra Djurgårdsstaden. Turn off towards Stora Skuggan and the farm café Skafferiet, perfect for a breakfast or coffee and cake stop. You'll then get to Laduviken, the larger lake you'll pass first, followed by Lappskäret, a slightly smaller lake. If you continue on the cycle path alongside Roslagsbanan you'll pass the Museum of Natural History and Bergianska trädgården botanic gardens, which are also well worth a visit if you have time. Before long you'll get to Brunnsviken where there's a bathing spot ideal for a dip if it's a sunny day. After that you'll pass the boat docks, sculptor Carl Eldhs Ateljé, Stallmästaregården, The Royal Cemetry and Chinese Temple. The final destination for this trip is Haga park. Explore the park and its ruins, visit the Butterfly House, have a coffee at Konditori Vasaslätten or brunch at the Radisson Blu Royal Park Hotel.

If you're starting out from Södermalm, one option is to bike eastwards towards Hellasgården. Head through Södermalm towards Skanstull and Sofo. Then you can either bike across the bridge by Trädgården or pedal on towards Katarina Bangata and past Bleck restaurant before taking the ferry from Barnängsbryggan. That will take you across to Lumabryggan in Hammarby sjöstad where you can carry on along the Sickla canal to Sickla lock. Follow the cycle path to the wooden bridge which you need to cross before continuing on the right-hand side. Carry on pretty much straight alongside Sickla lake, past large fields and "The Philosopher's Grave". Sickla lake then turns into Järla lake. Continue towards Hästhagen and on towards Kärrtorp bathing spot and lake Kärrtorp until you come to Hellasgården. You'll find green spaces and benches to sit at next to the lake, or why not have a go on the popular high ropes course.

Explore the south-western edges of the city for a shorter biking trip. Pass Årstabergs commuter train station, past Nyboda traffic junction and on the cycle path alongside Södertäljevägen. Follow the light-rail line towards Liljeholmsvägen and Liljeholmsgränd. When you see the red melon, you've come to the Doft- och fruktparken, a fruit-themed sculpture and play park, which you should bike around to get to lake Trekanten. Follow the lake on the left side and cycle under Essingleden motorway which then leads to Vinterviksvägen and finally the café Svavelsyrefabriken. You can swim, have a picnic and enjoy the sunset on Vinterviken's rocky shore.

Travel from Södermalm via Norra Hammarbyhamnen and Henriksdalsbron, via Skanstull bridge or the ferry. Then bike alongside Sickla canal and on towards Sickla beach and through Sickla shopping centre. Continue on Järlaleden towards lake Järla and in to Lillängen. Bike on between colourful old houses until you see Storängen station where you cross the railway station and continue on Saltsjöbadsvägen, which turns into Reginavägen, until you get to Saltsjö-Duvnäs and Strandpromenaden. Bike alongside the water in Duvnäs' charming residential area, towards Skuru with Skurusundet on your right hand side. Cross Värmdövägen and follow Solsundavägen towards lake Bastu, via Kristinedalsvägen and Sjöstigen. Sjöstigen is easy to miss if you're not careful, so keep your eyes peeled. Take Bråvallavägen in to Ivar Åkerfeldts stig - after around 50 metres you'll come to the back of Nyckelviken's greenhouse. Nyckelviken has a gorgeous garden, café and animals. If you head down to the waterfront you can swim and enjoy the views towards Lidingö.

Nybroplan - Blockhusudden
Cycle along Strandvägen, over the bridge to Djurgården, out towards Waldemarsudde and on around Blockhusudden. There are numerous cafés, restaurants and activities along the way, including Sjöcaféet, Café Ekorren, Oaxen Slip and Skansen.

Gärdet - Djurgårdsbrunn
Bike past Sveriges Radio and Berwaldhallen, through Diplomatstaden and past Museiparken. You'll follow Djurgårdsbrunnsviken on your right side and when you get to the bridge at Blockhusringen you've arrived at Djurgårdsbrunn.

Around Riddarfjärden
Cycle carefully on the cycle paths along Nörr and Södermälarstrand. At Västerbron bridge there are unbeatable views over Stockholm and on the opposite side in the Old Town you'll ride past the Royal Palace.

Skanstull - Skogskyrkogården
Choose whether to bike via Slakthusområdet or the Skärmarbrink and Blåsut residential areas. When you get to Skogskyrkogården cemetery there are lots of beautiful natural areas and cafés to visit.

Don't forget to read up on biking and traffic rules.