Unwind from the flight and immerse yourself in nature on your first day in Stockholm. Djurgarden Island is home to lush green forests, serene canals, and plenty of wildlife. Explore the island by foot or bike, and make stops at Skansen open-air museum and the ABBA museum to learn about Swedish culture and pop legends.
Get your hiking boots on and head to Tyresta National Park for a day filled with scenic trails and timberland forests. See if you can spot golden eagles, black woodpeckers or moose as you wander past lakes, streams, and rocky outcrops. Take in the serenity of this natural reserve, recharge your batteries and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
Take a break from nature and explore the Old Town, Galma Stan in Stockholm. Explore this medieval district, stroll through historic avenues lined with cobblestone streets and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Begin with the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) and end with a visit to the Stortorget Square, famous for its iconic colored buildings, check out the various restaurants and cafes in the area to grab a bite.
Indulge your carefree mind amidst the colors and scents of a lush oasis in the city. The Bergius Botanic Garden houses more than 9,000 plant species, including a famous rainforest greenhouse with an exotic variety of flowers, palms, and climbers. Take a guided tour, relax by the ponds or enjoy coffee in the sunshine.
The Millesgården Sculpture Garden is a unique outdoor museum and a true gem for fans of modern art and historical architecture. Admire more than 200 sculptures by sculptor Carl Milles surrounded by tranquil fountains and terraced gardens. Inside, tour the artist's home and visit the art gallery to check on the exhibitions on display.
The Bogesund Nature Reserve is a protected wildlife haven and dense forestland just a short trip away from Stockholm. Take a hike through the dense forests, past streams and coastlines, and spot wild boar, roe deer, and many different species of birds. Savor the panoramic views from Bogesund Castle and its beautiful gardens.
Get fit and healthy in beautiful Hellasgården Nature Reserve. This oasis of pine forests, beaches and lakes lets you enjoy various outdoor activities in every season. Go swimming, hiking, skating, and skiing or simply relax in a sauna or a spa after your workout. Recharge your batteries amidst relaxing nature.
Discover the largest city park in Stockholm and experience its history and tranquility. The National City Park is ideal for nature trail enthusiasts with more than 4,000 species of plants and animals. Visit the historic royal farm Ulriksdal Palace, stroll through the gardens, and explore galleries and stately buildings of historical significance.
Take a joyride on the vintage Saltsjöbanan Tramway and hop on and off along the way. The railcars date back to the beginning of the 20th century, and the ride takes you through nostalgic sceneries gliding by historical landmarks and quirky boutiques. Be sure to stop to shop in the trendy district of Södermalm, with eclectic vintage shops and boutiques everywhere.
End your journey back where you started, in the Royal Djurgården (Royal Game Reserve). The park was once a private hunting ground for the royal family, and it remains a world garden for plants and animals from all over the world. Stroll through the stunning groves and gardens, witness great examples of traditional architecture, sculpture, or have a picnic in a wildflower meadow. If you're lucky enough, glimpses of rare and intriguing animals should add color to your joyful day.
Total Estimated Costs: $73
You can get around most of Stockholm by foot, but for longer distances or taking public transportation, try purchasing an SL Access card which will grant you unlimited access to buses, trams, the metro, and select local trains. A card with a 10-day limited is roughly $50.
If you have more time, consider exploring the Stockholm Archipelago, or taking a day trip to Drottningholm Palace. If you have less time, shorten your itinerary, or skip one of the nature reserves or museums.
Stockholm has four airports; the main international airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), which is located 37km north of city center. Another large airport, the Stockholm-Bromma Airport (BMA), is located 8km west of the city center and is mostly used for domestic flights along with Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) and Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST), located 100 km and 110 km west of Stockholm respectively.