Sweden: Hiking Stockholm And Beyond

Today you are free to explore the picturesque city of Stockholm or start your walking in Stockholm's Ecopark or in the 'Söder' region of Stockholm.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. You don't need to walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic sea as it winds past the city walls. Stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. There is so much to see in Stockholm, appealing to so many different interests, that you are sure to find something special within walking distance of your hotel.

There are two hiking options to choose from. The first is through Stockholm’s unique Ecopark – the world’s first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The Ecopark is 27km² and is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Here you can hike through ancient forests, visit palaces and bathe from waterside rocks.

Alternatively concentrate on the vibrant ‘Söder’ region of Stockholm and walk the many quaint alleys, passing historic housing and churches and a handful of impressive viewpoints across the city.

This morning starts with a transfer from Stockholm south to the county of Sörmland and the impressive Tullgarn Palace, an 18th century royal palace located on the seashore with magnificent views of the Baltic sea. After your visit, hike southwards enjoying the coastal scenery of the hiking path. The hike follows the Sörmlandsleden which winds its way for over 1000 km through the Sörmland county passing true wilderness, glittering lakes, areas of cultural tradition and historic monuments. You pass by wonderful viewpoints and Kömote beach where you can have a quick swim in the sea before you continue your journey on to the seaside town of Trosa. Trosa is a charming 17th century town called 'the World's End' because of its location on the banks of the Baltic Sea and its endless views of water all around. The little square, surrounded by old wooden houses, marks the centre of town and the walkway along the canal as it winds its way to the ocean is not to be missed.

Distance walked: 12-19km/7.5-11.8mi

This morning, a 30 minute transfer is arranged for you from Trosa to Stendörren nature reserve, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world because of its distinct feeling of peace and tranquillity in unspoilt nature. Here you have the rest of the morning to hike across the many islands using their intriguing system of suspension bridges, visit the viewpoint and Naturum information centre, or swim in the clean, refreshing Baltic. At Stendörren a boat will be waiting for you to take you the short distance, 15 minutes, to Sävö island nature reserve to enjoy the Sörmlandsleden hiking trail around the island. After your island hike, you are then collected again by boat for the 20 minute ride from Sävö and taken back to Källvik on the mainland where you once again pick up the Sörmlandsleden hiking trail and follow it as far as Sandvik beach, from where you are collected and transferred back to Trosa.

Walking distance: 12km/7.5mi

Today you have a free day in Trosa to visit the village, harbour, church and museum. If you feel like stretching your legs before boarding the boat then there is a short walk available through the village and along the river. You then board the boat for your 3 hour journey from Trosa, Sörmland to Nynäshamn, located in the southern part of the Stockholm archipelago. Once at your accommodation, you can choose to take an evening walk enjoying the long daylight hours along Nynäshamn’s best kept secret, ‘Strandvägen’ – a small winding road following the coast. Here you enjoy stunning views across the cliffs over the open horizon. The route was created in connection with the Olympic sailing events held here in 1912, and shows off the Stockholm archipelago at its very best. Your accommodation tonight is along Strandvägen with its exceptional location by the water’s edge.

The optional walking distance today is 6km/3.7mi.

Option 1: hiking Strandvägen and Lövhagen

Option 2: Hiking at Häringe nature reserve

This morning you have two choices, either you can walk direct from your hotel along beautiful Strandvägen into Lövhagen recreation area which offers many hiking trails, swimming opportunities and great sea views. All within easy reach of your hotel and flexible so that you can find time to enjoy the hotel spa.

Alternatively head by public bus (tickets included) to Häringe nature reserve which is located on a coastal peninsula. It is a region of manor houses, giant oaks, broad-leaved woods, coniferous forest and saltwater bays. The birdlife is rich, and white-tailed eagles are common.

At Häringe, visitors are greeted by Häringe manor from 1657, although the present exterior is a product of the 1770s. Both Gustav Vasa and Gustav II Adolf are former owners of the estate. The oval room in the sea wing was furnished for Greta Garbo, a regular guest to the manor.

Find time to relax in the hotel’s spa looking out across the ocean!

Walking distance: 10-15km/6-9.3mi

This morning, you take the boat from Nynäshamnout into the archipelago after 20 minutes you will arrive at Nåttarö island. Nåttarö is one of the archipelago’s sandiest islands and here you can enjoy many sandy beaches as well as views across the islands from Bötsudden viewpoint.

You then hop back on the boat for a 30 minute ride to Ålö island, where you again explore the beautiful scenery of this peaceful island plus have the chance to visit its wonderful fish restaurant offering local delicacies.

You are then transferred from Ålö over the small bridge to Utö island and then all the way onto Utö’smain village, Gruvbyn.

Gruvbyn, the iron mine was worked as early as the 1100s and today both the mine and the museum are open to visitors. The village buzzes with life in the summer months and has shops selling interesting local products and a good selection of restaurants and cafes. It is however always easy to find your own quiet, calm spot if you head out of the village and explore the rest of the island.

Walking distance: 12km / 7.5mi

After a free morning spent on Utö to explore the northern end of the island by foot, you then island hop to neighbouring Fjärdlång island, a 30 minute boat ride. Despite being on the edge of bustling Stockholm, Fjärdlång could not be more remote and the whole island has been deservedly declared a nature reserve. Marked footpaths wind their way through the island’s woodland so you can spend the day hiking around the island. Don’t miss a trip to the island’s highest point, Tysta Klint, where you can admire the spectacular views stretching across the archipelago. You then board the boat for the impressive 3 hour journey back to Stockholm. Watch as the archipelago changes from the remote outer islands to the more inhabited regions as you near town, with the homes of the rich and famous lining the waterfront. The boat takes you right to the centre of Stockholm, from where you are transferred the short distance to your hotel.

Walking distance: 10-15km/6.2-9.3mi

You have more time today to explore the city of Stockholm. We recommend a visit to Stockholm’s open air museum, Skansen, which is famous for its Nordic Zoo and living history exhibition; over the years about 150 historical buildings have been moved here from nearly every part of Sweden. Alongside Skansen is the always impressive Vasa Museum. The Vasa ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged from the depths of Stockholm’s harbour in 1961. Despite over 300 years lying at the bottom of the Baltic, the Vasa is extremely well preserved thanks to the Baltic’s brackish waters. Consider a boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Royal family which is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It is the most well-preserved royal palace built in the 1600’s in Sweden. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy and explore the trendy clothing and design shops that Stockholm is becoming increasingly renowned for. Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Ask us about extending your stay in Stockholm.