The best picnic spots in Stockholm

This leafy summer oasis is just a short walk from Liljeholmen, Aspudden or Gröndal. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass or in the evening sun up on the bathing rocks. If you haven't got a picnic with you, you'll find Vintervikens Trädgårdskafé and Winterviken Café nearby - or you can always grab a hipster pizza to take with you from EPA - En Pizza i Aspudden.

This island on Lake Mälaren is packed with locals walking and jogging in the summer months, and there are often parties and performances in the amphitheatre. There are several places to swim and grassy spots to lay out a picnic blanket, whether you want to be alone or socialise. Buy something to drink and eat from one of the spots in the area listed below. Lasse i parken, close by on the other side of the water, puts on regular live music throughout the summer. 

It would be hard to find a better sunbathing and swimming spot on this side of Stockholm than the swimming rocks around Fredhäll. People flock here when the mercury rises to hang out, barbeque and take a dip. There's plenty of space to sit and various places to buy food and drink from nearby. Swimming spots in Hornsberg and Smeduddsbadet are also within walking distance.

"Vitan" is a hilly park on the highest point of Södermalm. It's a peaceful, leafy spot with plenty of trees, perfect if you want to relax and forget you're in central Stockholm for a while. In the summer months, you can watch Stadsteatern musical and theatrical performaces in the park, totally free.

Stroll over to Skeppsholmen or Kastellholmen if you're looking for a peaceful island vibe in the centre of the city. Hotel Skeppsholmen serves everything from coffee to food, or if you've got your own food with you there are several nice spots around the island to sit and enjoy it. If you want to move on afterwards, boats go from Skeppsholmen to Nybrokajen, Gröna Lund and Slussen.

This large city park, the former royal hunting grounds, is famous for its museums and other attractions, but also leisure opportunities. Explore the island and find your own favourite spot, with beautiful natural surroundings and places to eat and drink within easy walking distance of the city centre, Djurgården is always a good idea. If you still want to feel a little of the big city buzz, the grassy areas close to Junibacken or near Rosendals Trädgård are a good choice. If you want some proper peace and quiet, head out towards Biskopsudden.

During the summer, 'Rålis' is one of the city's hotspots for sunny hangouts, swimming, and activities. In the large park in Kungsholmen, you can combine your picnic with a refreshing swim at Smedsuddbadet, a game or two of boules at Boulebar, or why not bring your own kubb set? If the party animal in you comes alive after a calm day on the lawn, head over to Eden for an evening of drinks and DJs.

Party-mad singles and loved-up couples gather here in the heart of Stockholm in a summery symbiosis. Gather together your friends and a picnic blanker, plonk yourselves down on an available patch of grass and enjoy. It's close to everything here, so if you've forgotten your picnic basket at home, Stureplan is just a stone's throw away. You'll often meet hen do groups or pre parties - "Humlan" seldom disappoints.

Walk up the steps on Mariatorget and to Ivar Los Park where you can picnic in the grass with unbeatable views over Stockholm. Don't miss the magical sunsets here. This small, pleasant park is close to places like A Bowl and Magnolia if you want to buy some food to take with you.

Tantolunden is huge, with plenty of space for swimming, playing and picnicking right next to the buzz of Hornstull. On sunny days, the crowds gather on the grass to enjoy this green oasis in the heart of town. Sunbathe and swim on the beach, or stop off for a game of boules at Boulebar.

A short detour from the city centre, right next to Vasastan, is the lush greenery of Hagaparken. Many Stockholmers come here during the summer to admire the English-inspired park, visit Fjärilshuset, swim in Brunnsviken, or simply relax in the shade of the large deciduous trees. Bring your own picnic or treat yourself to something delicious at Värdshuset Koppartälten or one of the other cafés found in the park.