Discover Sweden, a Scandinavian gem blending stunning natural beauty with modern design and rich Viking heritage. From the cosmopolitan streets of Stockholm to the Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden offers diverse experiences year-round.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Uppsala
Highlights: Uppsala Cathedral -- Scandinavia largest Gothic church · Uppsala University Botanical Garden (Linnaeus Garden) · Gamla Uppsala burial mounds -- Viking royal burial site · Gustavianum University Museum
Vaxholm
Highlights: Vaxholm Fortress -- 16th-century sea fortress museum · Colourful wooden village centre · Local fresh shrimp lunch · Stockholm Archipelago boat views
Sigtuna
Highlights: Sweden oldest town, founded 980 AD · Runic stone trail through the village · Ruins of five medieval churches · Sigtuna Museum -- Viking age artefacts
Gripsholm Castle, Mariefred
Highlights: Gripsholm Castle on Lake Malaren -- Sweden best-preserved Renaissance fortress · National Portrait Collection (largest in Scandinavia) · Mariefred town -- peaceful 17th-century streets · Lake Malaren views
Drottningholm Palace
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage palace -- official residence of Swedish Royal Family · Best-preserved 18th-century theatre in Europe still staging performances · Baroque formal gardens · Chinese Pavilion
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Stockholm from $60 — archipelago boat tours, Uppsala heritage tours, and Drottningholm palace tours available through Stromma and Viator
- Private
- Car hire from $50/day. Best for exploring Dalarna, Skåne wine country, or the Bohuslän coast at your own pace.
- Public
- SJ trains and SL commuter trains serve Uppsala, Vaxholm ferry, and Sigtuna easily. Waxholmsbolaget archipelago ferries extremely reliable and scenic.
- Rental
- Car rental from $50/day through AVIS, Hertz, or Europcar. Essential for multi-stop day trips beyond train network. Winter driving requires experience.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book SJ train tickets at least 1-2 weeks ahead for best Tidig prices — Stockholm-Uppsala costs $12-20 booked in advance vs $35 walk-up
The Waxholmsbolaget archipelago card covers all ferry routes — great value for island hopping over 2-3 days
Start early (first train out) to maximize time at destinations — Stockholm trains to Uppsala run from 5AM
Combine Sigtuna and Uppsala in one day — they're on the same train line, 10 minutes apart
Check museum opening days before going — many Swedish museums close Mondays