The guide to day trips outside Stockholm

Set amidst cliffs and pine forests on Värmdö lies Artipelag – an architect-designed art museum featuring a restaurant, café, shop, and events. Experience exciting art both indoors and outdoors, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and indulge in good food. Artipelag is open year-round and is easily accessible by car, boat, bus, or the summer express bus from the City Terminal.

Meet baron Carl Gustaf Wrangel and baroness Anna Margareta von Haugwitz who had Skoklosters Castle built in the 17th century, and get to know the people who lived and worked in the castle. This magnificent castle, an easy day trip from Stockholm, will transport you on a journey through time with artefacts from the aristocratic family's everyday life, along with artworks, books and textiles. During the summer there are lots of family activities with games and arts and crafts. 

Take an hour's boat trip with Waxholmsbolaget and disembark on Idöborg, a privately owned island with a summer restaurant, activities and accommodation. Relax in the sauna, go kayaking tour or just soak up the archipelago's beautiful natural surroundings. Various retreats are also organised throughout the year, including yoga and meditation.

Visit Lake Mälaren and the Stockholm archipelago all year round with Blidösundsbolaget's three steam ferries, Norrkskär, Blidösund, and Storskär. The day trips are popular, as are the cruises where you get to enjoy the archipelago from the boat. Take a seat in the restaurant for something to eat or drink, listen to live music and enjoy the breeze on the deck.

In a charming, refurbished stone barn in Steninge, just outside Märsta, lies Steninge Bruk. They serve lunch, brunch, and coffee with Nordic flavours and dishes from the grill – which is Sweden's largest indoor grill. Combine your visit with a stroll in the garden centre, enjoy coffee outdoors in the greenery, or take a stroll through the interiors shop. In winter, one of Sweden's largest Christmas markets is held here.

This idyllic small town is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Gripsholms Castle, which was built in the 16th century and houses an 18th century theatre built by King Gustav III, is the town's star attraction. Spend the day and stop off at charming cafés, restaurants and shops, or move on to the historic cobbled streets of nearby Strängnäs or to explore the lake islands. During the summer months you can travel between Stockholm and Mariefred by steamboat.

Whether you want to head out to the islands or explore the historic coastal towns, Roslagen in the northern part of the Stockholm archipelago makes for a charming day trip. Take the bus or drive to Norrtälje and stroll around the town's wooden houses, visit cafés, stores, museums and art exhibitions and take a swim in the sea. Take a ferry out to the beautiful surrounding islands and visit archipelago restaurants such as Fejan, as well as manor houses and walking trails.

It's not far from Stockholm to Sigtuna, but the town's charming little alleyways feel like a different world. Stroll among the quaint cafés and shops along Sweden's oldest street, take a dip in Lake Mälaren or go for a walk in beautiful natural surroundings. Don't miss the historic attractions such as old ruins, churches and castles. The town also arranges various cultural events throughout the year.

Take a seat under the apple trees at Rosenhill's charming farm out on Ekerö. They serve coffee, cake and seasonal food using produce from their own organic vegetable gardens. There's also a farm store and an apple press, where you can bring your own apples for juicing, and regular events such as musical evenings and car boot sales. If you like the farm so much you want to stay, there's accommodation in cabins or a treehouse, or you can camp.

The Hellasgården outdoor area in Nacka attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts year-round. You can hike, cycle, ski, swim in the lake, or enjoy a sauna here. There is also a café and barbecue areas if you want to recharge your energy. Hellasgården is a simple and nature-friendly destination for the whole family.

The history of Nyckelviken Manor dates back to medieval times with owners such as Herman Petersen and the French Baron Louis de Breteuil, through to Gustaf Beskow's family and finally to Nacka municipality in 1944. Over the centuries, the manor has served as a venue for festivities for cultural figures and royalty. Today, visitors can enjoy coffee and lunch here, as well as organise parties.

Just 30 minutes outside of Stockholm city you'll find Görvälns Slott's elegant boutique hotel, dating back to the 17th century. Whether you want to treat yourself to a luxurious staycation or simply visit for a day trip, the castle is a charming destination, beautifully located by the shores of Lake Mälaren and surrounded by lush forest where you can experience nature up close. The restaurant serves dinner and weekend lunches according to their 'Clean Eating by us' philosophy - meaning high-quality, additive-free food.

If you want to experience Viking history from the front row, then Birka is the place to go. Birka is generally regarded as Sweden's first city and is located on the island of Björkö, the Vikings' most important trading post. Explore the historic surroundings by yourself, join a guided tour or visit the Viking museum and the reconstructed Viking village with period forges and weaving huts.

Tyresta Nature Reserve and Tyresta National Park consists not only of real primeval forest with gnarled pines, barren rocks, wet mosses, and mighty spruces. It's the largest primeval forest area south of the river Dalälven and is surrounded by Tyresta Nature Reserve. Together they cover 5000 hectares with 55 kilometres of hiking trails, barbecue areas, cafés, stroller-friendly paths, and the National Parks House offering exhibitions, guided tours, and other activities.

This glamorous 17th century castle is just 25 minutes south of Stockholm, making it ideal for a day trip or overnight stay. Eat, drink champagne and hang out by Sweden's first private outdoor swimming pool, built in the 1930s. Or why not go riding, take a walk or enjoy a picnic in the surrounding countryside? If you want to stay over, one of the hotel rooms was specially built for movie star Greta Garbo, who was a regular summer visitor.

Gålö Havsbad in Haninge has lots of outdoor experiences for all ages. The peninsula has the longest sandy beach in the Stockholm archipelago, a shallow sandy beach perfect for children. You can play mini golf, hire kayaks, SUPs and mountainbikes, rent a cabin, camp and much more.

At the far end of Saltsjöbaden you'll find Vår Gård, a hotel, restaurant and conference facility surrounded by greenery and with beautiful views of the sea. Stay the night, eat and enjoy the peaceful surroundings - whether it's a romantic stay for two, a conference with work colleagues or fun celebration. Eat in the restaurant or wine café, which serves homebaked bread and food made from locally-produced ingredients in season.

Trosa, around 70km south of Stockholm, is a charming little seaside town with quaint old wooden houses, shops, narrow streets and a canal you can stroll along as you eat ice cream in the sunshine. Perfect for a day trip or a whole weekend. If you want to get active in the great outdoors, you can rent a kayak or take a hike on the Sörmlandsleden trail.

If you want rural surroundings without having to travel too far, Siggesta Gård on the island of Värmdö is a great option. The beautifully renovated barn houses a restaurant and accommodation and there are masses of outdoor activities for all ages. The farm is surrounded by walking paths, an obstacle course, mountainbike tracks and cute animals including goats and alpacas.

If you're heading south to visit Trosa, don't miss nearby Tullgarns Castle. The seaside castle, which used to be a royal summer residence, was built in the 18th century and is a popular destination. Explore the magnificent state rooms, enjoy a picnic in the park and take a coffee break in the castle café.

If you're interested in food and exploring Sörmland, Järna is well worth a stop. Just south of Södertälje, Järna is a hub for organically and biodynamically-grown produce and several organic restaurants and cafés. Stop off for something to eat, or buy seasonal vegetables, game meat, artisan bread and other goodies to take home with you.

Discover this historic paper mill museum south of the city and explore the museum, have a coffee in the café and learn how to make handmade paper. During the summer months they arrange activities such as boules and guided tours.

Are you drawn by the wind and water? Then the Stockholm archipelago, with its thousands of islands and skerries, could be just the place for you. Follow our guide to the best spots to explore in the archipelago.