Best attractions and places to see around Ekerö include a diverse range of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features within this archipelago in eastern Lake Mälaren near Stockholm. The municipality is notable for being home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ekerö offers picturesque lake views, an alternation of small forest areas and agricultural land, and eleven nature reserves preserving local flora and fauna.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Today I was lucky enough to be able to take part in a guided tour of the Swedish Parliament. You should know that only guided groups are allowed in. The tours are free and very informative. Prior registration is not necessary. Dates are announced on the notice board.
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Walking through the streets of Gamla stan in Stockholm is like a journey into the past.
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About half of the island of Helgeandsholmen is occupied by Riksdaghuset, where the Swedish parliament sits. The parliament building was built between 1897 and 1905. It ultimately turned out to be almost twice as expensive as calculated by architect Aron Johansson in 1888.
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Riksdagshuset, the Riksdag building in Stockholm is the seat of the Swedish Parliament. The building is located on the island of Helgeandsholmen and was built between 1897 and 1905.
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The Strömbron is a 140 m long bridge in the centre of Stockholm, which connects the two districts of Norrmalm and Gamla stan. The bridge leads from the Royal Palace on the island of Stadsholmen to the southern end of the Kungsträdgården park.
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The huge royal palace is very impressive. The changing of the guard was an absolute highlight for us. The whole procedure took us almost an hour and was accompanied by music from the brass band. (10.5.24)
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Gamla stan (Swedish; actually gamla staden, "the old town") is the old town of the Swedish capital Stockholm, located on the island of Stadsholmen. It is located in the Södermalm district. In Gamla stan you can find the castle built by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger as well as the two churches Storkyrkan (St. Nicholas Church) and Tyska kyrkan (German Church). In the Storkyrkan you can find the outstanding medieval equestrian sculpture of St. George fighting the dragon by Bernt Notke, which can also be found in bronze in the old town. As a tourist you really have to come here.
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The Riksdagshuset is the Swedish parliament building in Stockholm, which houses the assembly of the Riksdag (Sweden's Parliament) and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
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Ekerö is rich in history, featuring two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the Swedish royal family, known for its 17th-century architecture and extensive gardens. Another significant site is Birka - The Viking City on Björkö island, an important Viking Age trading center with a museum and reconstructed Viking village. Additionally, Hovgården on Adelsö island is a UNESCO site with numerous archaeological remains from the Viking Age and Middle Ages. Don't miss the medieval churches like Adelsö Kyrka and Munsö Kyrka.
Yes, Ekerö offers beautiful natural features. You can visit Blå Lagunen (The Blue Lagoon) on Munsön island, an artificial bathing lake with clear, turquoise water. The municipality is an archipelago in Lake Mälaren, providing picturesque lake views and opportunities for outdoor bathing and rod fishing. Ekerö also boasts eleven nature reserves, such as Lovö Naturreservat and Adelsö-Sättra Naturreservat, which are perfect for hiking and enjoying the local flora and fauna. Uppsalaåsen, a gravel moraine, also offers beautiful natural areas.
Beyond the major historical sites, Ekerö offers unique cultural experiences. The Chinese Pavilion, located within the Drottningholm Palace grounds, showcases fascinating Chinese-style architecture. You can also visit the historic Drottningholm Palace Theatre, which stages international classics. For a taste of local heritage, explore Äppelfabriken (The Apple Factory) on Färingsö, where you can see historical apple orchards, have your own apples pressed into must, or buy homemade goods from their farm shop and café.
Ekerö provides several family-friendly options. Children will enjoy exploring the extensive gardens at Drottningholm Palace. The Viking village and museum at Birka - The Viking City offer an engaging way to learn about history. Blå Lagunen (The Blue Lagoon) is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. Many of the nature reserves also offer easy walking paths suitable for families.
Absolutely. Ekerö's diverse landscape of small forest areas, agricultural land, and nature reserves makes it ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking and cycling. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Loop from Ekerö around Färingsö island' or the 'Lovön loop from Brommaplan' as detailed in the Gravel biking around Ekerö guide. For general cycling, consider the 'Drottningholm Palace – View of Drottningholm Palace loop' from the Cycling around Ekerö guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can check out trails like the 'Lovö Trail' in the MTB Trails around Ekerö guide.
For scenic views, Ekebyhov hill near Ekebyhovs Slott offers great panoramic vistas of Lake Mälaren and Stockholm. The archipelago setting of Ekerö itself, with its numerous islands, provides picturesque lake views from many points along the shorelines and within its nature reserves.
Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Often called the 'Versailles of the North,' it is considered the best-preserved royal palace in Sweden. Visitors can explore its 17th-century palace halls, extensive Baroque and English gardens, and the historic Drottningholm Palace Theatre.
Yes, Ekerö is home to Birka - The Viking City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Björkö island. It was a crucial Viking Age trading center and is considered Sweden's first city. You can explore a museum, a reconstructed Viking village, and learn about Viking life.
For a unique local experience, visit Äppelfabriken (The Apple Factory) on Färingsö. This site features apple orchards that have existed for over 375 years. You can bring your own apples to be made into must, or purchase homemade jams, chutneys, and baked goods from their farm shop and café. Rosenhill is another farm with a restaurant and shop offering fresh vegetables.
Ekerö's terrain is predominantly flat with small hills. You'll find an alternation of small forest areas and agricultural land. The nature reserves, such as Lovö Naturreservat and Adelsö-Sättra Naturreservat, feature diverse landscapes from old, untouched spruce forests with soft moss-covered ground to pastures with impressive oak trees. Uppsalaåsen, a gravel moraine, also contributes to the varied natural areas.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical significance of sites like Drottningholm Palace and Birka - The Viking City, often highlighting the well-preserved nature and the immersive experience. The natural beauty of Lake Mälaren and the tranquility of the nature reserves are also highly valued, offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for outdoor activities.


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