Stockholm Summer Guide
Summer in Stockholm
Summer in Sweden is almost like religion, after a long dark and cold winter Swedes live it up to the fullest and the city offers a amazing variety of things to experience and enjoy. Stockholm summer is all about water, green areas and bright nights that energizes the people. It's impossible to cover everything this amazing city has to offer during the warmer months, but we have compiled our favorites and cherry picks for you to start with before creating your own perfect summer experience in Stockholm.
Brunnsvikens Kanotklubb
Brunnsviken is an excellent option for beginners as the waters in lake Brunnsviken is calm and the traffic is light. The beautiful Hagaparken and option to take a swim in conjunction with paddling is just an additional plus. Webpage: www.bkk.se (Swedish) E-mail: info@bkk.se Phone: +46(0) 8-15 50 60 Open: June to AugustDjurgårdens Sjöcafé
The more touristy Djurgårdens Sjöcafé, just off Djurgårdsbron, offers kayak, canoe and pedal rentals and it can be a good option if you want to tour the waters and canals around Djurgården. Webpage: www.sjocafeet.se E-mail: info@sjocafeet.se Phone: +46(0) 8-660 57 57 Open: April to SeptemberKafé Kajak
If you like to paddle in Lake Mälaren Kafé Kajak can be a convenient choice since it is located in Rålambshovsparken on the island of Kungsholmen, very convenient to reach. Webpage: www.kafekajak.se (Swedish) E-mail: info@kafekajak.se Phone: +46(0)8-738 06 00 Open: April to SeptemberLångholmen kajak
This is a great option for those who want to try out kayaking for the first time and in need of some training, as they offer lessons for beginners on Thursday evenings from June to September. Webpage: http://www.langholmenkajak.se E-mail: info@langholmenkajak.se Phone: +46(0)76-069 38 52 Open: May to SeptemberSvima sport
Svima sport is located next to Karlbergskanalen and offers the possibility of renting a kayak per hour, day, weekend or the whole week. Located near the Pampas Marina in Solna. Webpage: www.svima.se E-mail: kanotcenter@svima.se Phone: +46(0) 08-730 22 10 Open: from May to SeptemberBlue Lagoon on Ekerö
Enjoy incredible turquoise water and the sandy beach on the island Ekerö, just west of the city. Water is clear and deep, but very cold. This makes Blue Lagoon excellent choice for very warm summer days. Make sure to bring drinking water and snacks with you since there are no shops or drinking water nearby.Brunnsviksbadet
This Swimming spot especially popular among students, since it is very close to Stockholm University. This is also one of the kids-friendly swimming locations. Therefore make sure to come early in order to find a good space.Fredhällsbadet
For those who prefer lake over sea, this can be an excellent choice. Rocky beach is a good spot for sun bathing and gives you a very nice view of Lake Mälaren. Less families and more singles and couples due to the uncomfortable terrain.Långholmsbadet
Narrow, but pleasant beach on the island of Långholmen, just off Södermalm, is a very popular swimming destination for experienced swimmers. It's possible to swim both from rocks and from a sandy strip and waters are shallow near land.Smedsuddsbadet
This swimming location at the heart of Rålambshovsparken is very popular with families. It has a nice big lawn and a sandy beach. You can find food and Ice cream stands nearby and several restaurants within walking distance. Very crowded on a hot summer day.Tantobadet
On Södermalm's western strip you find Tantobadet, which is actually several spots along the water where you can take a dip from. There are both sandy beaches, piers and rocky places to enter the water from. Around the beach part there are several food outlets, ice cream vendors and from this summer also a sauna (!) available.Vinterviken
If you prefer more secluded place for swimming in Stockholm with less families present, we recommend you to take the tube a few stops to Aspudden where Vinterviken is located. Here you can enjoy Lake Mälaren view both from the cliffs and by the water near the pier. Vinterviken mostly populated by a younger crowd and has a more relaxed atmosphere.Bike Sweden
You can rent different types of bikes here, including children’s bikes. Costs depend of the bike you are renting and starts at 80 SEK/hour. Webpage: www.bikesweden.se E-mail: info@bikesweden.se Phone: +46(0)8-52 52 70 00City Bikes
Most convenient and accessible way of renting a city bike is through City Bikes. Their bikes are available from 140 sites in the city, from April to October, and you can buy either a season or a three day pass. Costs: 250 SEK for a season pass if purchased online, or 300 SEK if purchased at 7-Eleven, Pressbyrån or SL Center. Three day passes can only be purchased through retailers. Webpage: www.citybikes.se E-mail: info@citybikes.se Phone: +46(0) 77-444 24 24Rent a Bike
Rent a Bike is located on Strandvägen near the entrance to Djurgården and a perfect starting point for visitors to the city or newly arrived on their first exploration tour. They offer different types of bikes, with prices starting at 80 SEK/hour for a city bike. Webpage: www.rentabike.se E-mail: info@rentabike.se Phone: +46(0) 8-660 79 5918 smaker Glassmakeri
This shop offers, as the name suggests, 18 different home made ice cream flavors that vary depending on season and you can always find a decent selection of flavors for vegans. www.18smaker.se Hornsgatan 64, StockholmAH's Glassbar
This little hole in the wall ice cream shop on Nytorget is very popular due to the fact that it is around for three decades. They are open only during the summer and lines are very long, but it is worth trying. Please note that they accept only cash. Skånegatan 83, StockholmCafé Morelli
If you are only into proper Italian Gelato the way it's made in Italy, Café Morelli is the right place for you. Hantverkargatan 78, StockholmGelato Sosta Bar
Another, more centrally located place, with good standard of Italian gelato and even better Italian espresso is Sosta on Sveavägen. Sveavägen 86, StockholmStikki Nikki
Probably the biggest chain of authentic ice cream shops in Sweden. This ice cream shop offer healthy, homemade and organic ice cream. Stikki Nikki can be found at 6 locations in Stockholm and you can find them all on the shop webpage.Stockholms Glasshus
Stockholms Glasshus is an institution in Vasastan with tasty ice cream and exotic flavors like licorice, Danish apple pie, sea buckthorn and lingoberry. www.glasshus.se Birkagatan 8, StockholmFlickorna Helin Voltaire
Another charming summer café on Djurgården is Flickorna Helin Voltaire, located in a castle-like building along the pedestrian path on Djurgården. It’s a splendid place for lunch or a coffee break between visits to the one of the many cultural sights on Djurgården. www.helinvoltaire.com Rosendalsvägen 14, StockholmFåfängan
Fåfängan is synonymous with summer for most locals. The outdoor seating area is bordered by linden tree topiary, and it boasts one of the most beautiful views in Stockholm, over the sea approach to the city, Djurgården and Gamla Stan. Where there is an indoor dining area open on weekends year-round, people come her for the fantastic outdoor area. www.fafangan.se Klockstapelsbacken 3, StockholmHimlavalvet
Probably the most unexpected place to find a garden café is in the middle of downtown Stockholm. Himlavalvet is located on the tourist packed Drottninggatan and offers a retreat for shopping and sightseeing exhausted visitors to the city. The temptations here include waffles, homemade elderflower cordial and simple lunch dishes. Drottninggatan 120, Stockholm www.kafehimlavalvet.se/enKonditori Lyran
Just a 10 minute car ride from the city center you find the fabulous Konditori Lyran. Located in a Pippi Longstocking inspired building with views over Lake Mälaren, all kinds of home made desserts and lunches are served. Very popular among families. www.konditorilyran.se Ålgrytevägen 90, SkärholmenRosendals Trädgård
Located in the heart of Djurgården, Rosendal's Garden is an open garden with a café, bakery and plantshop. The café is set in a green house, but you can enjoy your "fika" outdoors by the garden tables, under the beautiful apple trees or just on the grass. www.rosendalstradgard.se Rosendalsterrassen 12, StockholmVintervikens Trädgård
Vinterviken is a place you most likely would not visit at any other time of the year than summer. Besides the charming swimming site there is a nice and organic garden café. If you're lucky you can experience live music while sipping on your "fika". www.vinterviken.com Vinterviksvägen 30, StockholmZetas
Looking to get off the beaten track and find something more unique? Zetas is a good bet then! It's located in Huddinge, 20 minutes outside town where you can explore a beautiful garden, buy plants and indoor and outdoor furnishing - or enjoy a lunch or coffee in the lush settings. www.zetas.se Blombacken 2, SegeltorpDjurgården
Djurgården is a unique green area in the heart of the city and perfect place for getting out of the buzzing city in no time. These royal lands is widespread and packed with several cultural sights and nature accessible to everyone. Many of Stockholm's most popular museums (Vasa, ABBA, Skansen etc.) can be found here, as well as nice walking areas and and the amusement park Gröna Lund.Gärdet
Although the largest open green area in this part of the city, most Östermalmers would prefer Djurgården for a weekend stroll och picnic. Gärdet is besides the occasional sports events and home to the TV-tower Kaknästornet, mostly populated with dog owners and joggers.Hagaparken
Just north of the city in Solna you find the Versaille styled Hagaparken. These royal grounds are home to several historical buildings, among others the Haga Castle where the Crown Princess and her family resides and perfect for long walks, picnics or just chilling out with your friends and family on a hot summer day.Ivar Los Park
Probably one of the smallest parks in the city, but undoubtedly the one with most stunning views over Stockholm. Located on top of beautiful Mariaberget on Södermalm this piece of green area is perfect for enjoying the sunset over central Stockholm with an ice cream from nearby 18 Smaker or Stikki Nikki.Rålambshovsparken
On the south parat of Kungsholmen you find Rålambshovsparken, commonly referred to as "Rålis" by locals. On a nice summer day it's packed with people taking a swim, having a picnic, playing boule and beach volleyball or just enjoying a cold drink people watching. Relies offers a great view over Riddarfjärden, City Hall and Gamla Stan and there's something for all members of the family to enjoy.Tantolunden
Canto, as it's commonly referred to, is Södermalm's equivalent to "Rålis" besides that there are also small gardening areas and picturesque summer houses located in this green part of the city. Many come for just a walk, jogging or taking a swim, but it's a large open area for picnics and sports available too.Don’t miss the chance to experience Stockholm archipelago during the summer. With nearly 30,000 islands, islets and rocks there is a whole world to discover. We have listed some of the recommended islands to visit below.
Arholma
If you're looking to experience more than just beautiful nature, Arholma is a good bet for historical reasons. Arholma is the most northern island in the Stockholm archipelago and houses a 10.5 cm coastal battery from the cold war which has been turned into a museum. The island has two Hostels, restaurants, shops and regular passenger traffic as well as a port for visiting private boats.Birka
The Viking Island Birka is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, and the first ever known Swedish city. It is located in the middle of Lake Mälaren and its historic landscape is charming. Boats to Birka depart from the dock at City hall from May to September.Fjäderholmarna
Known as the "closest archipelago to Stockholm" Fjäderholmarna is reached by boat from Nybrokajen och Slussen within 20 minutes. A perfect half day trip with visiting friends, familiar or just to get out of the city during a hot day. The island has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and places to sunbath and swim. There is a museum of old ships (Allmogebåtar) and many craftsman shops.Grinda
Grindr is a popular island in the inner archipelago and a nature reserve. It is the perfect location if you want to go for a swim, rent a kayak, do sports or just enjoy a good meal at the guest harbor while spotting sailing boats.Möja
Möja is a traditional island with active fishermen and agricultural practices. The old harbor is colorful and well preserved. Möja is a perfect starting point for a kayak tour to the outer archipelago or just to take a long walk or to ride a bike around the island. Several restaurants and shops are located in the center of Möja.Sandhamn
The idyllic island Sandhamn is undoubtedly the place for party animals, spa lovers and the ones looking for amore busy experience. Located in the outer archipelago it's an important meeting point for sailors and yachters as well as a all year community of residents. It has everything you need for the relaxed summer day – nice beaches, restaurants, shops, hotels, camping and beautiful nature.Free concerts at Kulturhuset
Enjoy free performances of young jazz and classical musicians at the Kulturhuset from June to August. link for 2015Free concerts at Gärdet
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra organizes free concerts at Gärdet at the Maritime Museum during the summer.Summerburst
If you are up for a party and some urban dance tunes, check out the Summerburst festival on 10th and 11th June 2016. Two days tickets start at 1250 SEK. http://summerburst.se/stockholm/Make Music Stockholm
A one day music festival in Södermalm, Stockholm will take place on June 11th 2016. During the festival musicians will be performing on the streets of Södermalm. www.makemusiksthlm.comStockholm Street Festival
This festival offers a stunning performances from different street buskers, musicians, magicians, comedians from all over the world. Stockholm street festival takes place at Kungsträdgården from June 30 to July 3 and it is free of charge. http://stockholmstreetfestival.com/Stockholm Pride
The biggest gay Pride festival is Scandinavia is 5 days long and gathers a lot of people. This year Pride will be held from between July 25 to July 31. http://www.stockholmpride.org/Taste of Stockholm
Food festival with a lot of activities, competitions, and cook-alongs. If you are interested in food and drink, you should check it out at Kungsträdgården between June 2 and June 6. http://www.smakapastockholm.se/International Street Market
It is a 15 day long event with food, drinks and crafts from 16 world countries. International Street Market takes place from at Sergels torg from 4th to 18th June. https://www.facebook.com/events/801491796554079/Kulturfestivalen
Even though this year’s program is still in the making, we already know that the theme of the Culture Festival will be France. Festival starts at August 16, and will be closed on August 21. kulturfestivalen.stockholm.seCapital
In Stockholm's new landmark, the reconstructed Scandic Continental Hotel, there is now a rooftop bar on the 8th floor. If you enjoy having dinner or sipping on your drink in the middle of the buzzling city, Capital is the place for you. https://www.scandichotels.se/hotell/sverige/stockholm/scandic-continental Vasagatan 22, StockholmScandic Sjöfartshotellet
In a hidden hotel on a less visited location, Sjöfartshotellet at Slussen probably hosts one of the lesser visited rooftop bars but very accessible and beautiful views over Old Town. www.scandichotels.se/Hotels/Sverige/Stockholm/Scandic-Sjofartshotellethttp://www.scandichotels.se/Hotels/Sverige/Stockholm/Scandic-Sjofartshotellet Katarinavägen 26, StockholmSlakthuset
Step outside of the tolls and party in the old industrial slaughterhouse area near Globen. The 600-square-meter terrace is a summer night watering hole for club kids and hipsters. www.slakthuset.nu Slakthusgatan 6, JohanneshovSödra Bar
One of the classic outdoor spots with stunning views over Stockholm i Mosebacke and Södra Bar. The bar inside is just as spectacular, with its original decor from the last century. Enjoy live music several times a week with a good mix of styles. www.sodrateatern.com Mosebacke Torg 1-3, StockholmUrban Deli
One of the most recent opened rooftops in Stockholm is the newly opened Urban Deli downtown, where the roof transforms into a park with a bar on summer evenings. Go for the food, the drinks, the view, the sculptures or just the total experience. www.urbandeli.org Sveavägen 44