Top 20 Lakes in Stockholm
Best lakes in Stockholm are integral to the city's identity, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Stockholm, a city built across islands, is surrounded by various freshwater lakes and waterways. These bodies of water provide diverse opportunities for recreation and serve as important natural habitats. The region's geological history has shaped its landscape, creating numerous lakes that are easily accessible from urban areas.
Best lakes in Stockholm
- The most popular lakes is Wooden Bridge Over Lily Pad Lake, a bridge that crosses a channel. The path is accessible even in winter, and in warmer weather, it is a popular swimming spot.
- Another must-see spot is Camping and picnic area by the lake, Tyresta National Park, a facilities area. This location provides a designated camping and rest area with a toilet.
- Visitors also love Fireplace at Lake Bylsjön, a facilities area with a fireplace. It offers a view over Lake Bylsjön and is suitable for relaxation.
- Stockholm is known for central swimming spots, serene nature reserves, and lakes with historical significance. The variety of lakes includes those with sandy beaches, extensive grassy areas, and those suitable for activities like kayaking and ice-skating.
- The lakes in Stockholm are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 190 upvotes and 50 photos shared across more than 230 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Camping and picnic area by the lake, Tyresta National Park
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Inland forest and archipelago
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Brunnsviken Lakeside Walk
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It is highly recommended to walk the full round around Brunnsviken (12 km) passing by the English park, barbecue areas, a sandy beach, Hagaparken with its palace and Chinese pavilion as well as boat and kayak clubs.
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Djurgården Island
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A number of museums are located on the central Djurgårdsvägen. These include:
- Vasa Museum,
- Nordic Museum,
- ABBA The Museum,
- Liljevalchs Kunsthalle,
- Aquaria Vattenmuseum,
- Spritmuseum
- Children's Literature Museum Junibacken,
- Vrak (Museum)
- Estonia Memorial.
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Trehörningen Lake
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Vaxholm Island
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Path Along Långsjön
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Fireplace at Lake Bylsjön
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Wooden Bridge Over Lily Pad Lake
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Sandakällan Water Source
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Tips from the Community
Numerous well-marked and well-trodden trails. The gentle gradient allows for easy walking for about twenty kilometers. Beautiful views and sightings of ravens, ospreys, and woodpeckers are among the many opportunities.
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I was immediately captivated by the island: colorful houses, a wonderful marina, forests for hiking, small, beautiful beaches, and a charming town center with lovingly designed shops.
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Scenic lake with shelters and fire pits – perfect for a break, swim, or camping. Plenty of spots around Trehörningen, even for bigger groups.
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This place is a good place to take a break or even spend the night. This place is specially designated for camping
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There is a fire pit with a wonderful view of the water
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There are really great rock formations to see here
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Both in winter and summer you have a really good time in Tyresta Nature Reserve
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Stockholm are best for families?
Several lakes in Stockholm are great for families. Hellasgården, featuring Källtorp Lake and Söderby Lake, offers extensive bathing areas, sandy beaches, barbecue facilities, and activities like football golf and boat rentals. Flatenbadet Beach on Lake Flaten is known for its clean water and is a good option for children. Additionally, the Camping and picnic area by the lake, Tyresta National Park, provides a designated rest area with a toilet, suitable for family outings.
Are there lakes with historical significance near Stockholm?
Yes, Lake Mälaren is Sweden's third-largest lake and holds significant historical importance, once being an arm of the Baltic Sea. It's surrounded by historical sites like Drottningholm Palace. Brunnsviken is another historically rich lake, part of the royal Haga Park, offering magnificent gardens and architecture to explore.
What are the best lakes for swimming in Stockholm?
Stockholm offers many excellent swimming spots. Flatenbadet Beach on Lake Flaten is renowned for having some of the cleanest lake waters. Långholmsbadet is a centrally located spot with a 50-meter sandy beach and a Blue Flag certification for water quality. Hellasgården's Källtorp Lake has wide jetties and an enclosed swimming area for children, while Söderby Lake offers sandy beaches. The Wooden Bridge Over Lily Pad Lake is also a popular swimming spot in warmer weather.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I expect around Stockholm's lakes?
The lakes in Stockholm are set within diverse natural landscapes. You can find dense forests around lakes like Drevviken and Trehörningen, offering tranquil havens for outdoor enthusiasts. Areas like Nacka Nature Reserve (home to Hellasgården) and Tyresta National Park provide opportunities to observe wildlife. The Path Along Långsjön is known for potential sightings of ravens, ospreys, and woodpeckers.
Are there good hiking and walking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes offer excellent hiking and walking opportunities. The full 12 km walk around Brunnsviken passes by English parks, barbecue areas, and a botanical garden. The Path Along Långsjön provides a beautiful walk directly along the water. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes like 'The Källtorpssjön trail' or 'Tyresta Loop Trail' near the lakes. Find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes in Stockholm guide.
What activities can I do at the lakes during winter?
During winter, Lake Mälaren becomes a popular spot for ice-skating. The area around the Wooden Bridge Over Lily Pad Lake is also known as an ice-skating spot. Some visitors enjoy winter swimming, and the serene, often snow-covered landscapes offer beautiful opportunities for peaceful walks.
Are there facilities available at the lakes, such as picnic areas or fireplaces?
Yes, many lakes are equipped with facilities. Hellasgården (Källtorp Lake) has barbecue facilities and expansive grassy lawns. Tyresta National Park offers a Camping and picnic area by the lake with a toilet. You can also find a Fireplace at Lake Bylsjön, offering a beautiful view for relaxation.
Which lakes are less crowded for a more peaceful experience?
For a more tranquil experience, consider Lake Drevviken, located south of Stockholm, which is surrounded by dense forests and scenic trails, offering peace and relaxation. Trehörningen Lake in Tyresta National Park is another option, known for its beautiful scenery and multiple fireplaces, ideal for a quiet lunch break or camping.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, the Stockholm region offers various cycling and mountain biking routes that pass by or are close to lakes. For road cycling, routes like 'Vaxholm Loop from Stockholm' or 'Norra Djurgården and the Royal National City Park' are popular. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as 'NICK 2.0 MTB-trail' or 'Lovö Trail'. More details can be found in the Cycling in Stockholm guide and the MTB Trails in Stockholm guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Stockholm?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, the accessibility of nature close to the city, and the variety of activities available. Many appreciate the opportunity for sunbathing and romantic picnics, as well as the well-maintained trails for walking and cycling. The clean water for swimming and the peaceful atmosphere are also commonly highlighted.
Are there any unique swimming experiences among Stockholm's lakes?
Yes, Stockholm offers unique swimming experiences. The 'Blue Lagoon' (Blå Lagunen) provides a distinctive 'tropical' swimming environment. For those who enjoy a more rugged feel, Fredhälls Klippbad offers a refreshing dip from cliffs, perfect for a picnic, especially in the evening.
Which lakes are easily accessible from central Stockholm?
Långholmsbadet is one of Stockholm's most centrally located bathing spots, easily accessible from Södermalm and Kungsholmen. Brunnsviken is just north of Stockholm and is well-connected. Djurgården Island, while not a lake itself, is surrounded by water and offers lake-like experiences and is very close to the city center.
Most popular routes in Stockholm
Most popular attractions in Stockholm
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