Riddarholmen Day Trips: Top 5 Stockholm Escapes Reviewed

Riddarholmen, often thought of as the Island of Knights, is actually that sort of awesome, tiny island right smack in the center of Stockholm, Sweden. Actually, it’s almost overflowing with history and so makes a pretty sweet starting point for all manner of adventures. This little gem gives you super easy access to tons of different day trip options that are just begging to be explored. So, you can find anything from gorgeous archipelago excursions to seriously cool historical digs. Basically, you’re in a super spot to kick off a bunch of memorable experiences.

1. Drottningholm Palace: A Royal Retreat

Just a short hop, skip, and jump from Riddarholmen, you’ll find Drottningholm Palace. What could be described as Sweden’s own mini-Versailles, this palace offers some pretty spectacular gardens, that palace, and so a theater all rolled into one seriously amazing historical site. What is neat about the palace is it has actually been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, and even better, it continues to be the residence of the royal family. Drottningholm Palace gives visitors a super neat peek into the lives of Swedish royalty, both now and way back when.

You can, perhaps, take a lovely walk around the flawlessly kept gardens, where you might be checking out fountains, statues, and also a ton of cool greenery. When you get inside the palace itself, it’s like stepping way back in time with incredibly ornate rooms filled to the brim with historical artifacts and stunning works of art. So, don’t skip a look at the Chinese Pavilion. What might be surprising, this cute little structure, sitting in a totally picturesque spot in the gardens, will absolutely grab your attention.

There are ferries making trips from Stockholm to Drottningholm more or less every day. What can be appreciated is that ferry ride lets you view amazing views of the city skyline and the pretty waters of Lake Mälaren, just adding even more fun to the whole thing. The palace and its surrounding area have always been pretty highly thought of as the top spots near Stockholm, just offering a seamless blend of history, design, and the beauty of nature.

Read our full review: Drottningholm Palace Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Drottningholm Palace)

2. Vaxholm: Gateway to the Archipelago

If you’re craving a trip into the Stockholm Archipelago, then think about Vaxholm as your first pit stop. You know, this little charming town is often referred to as that gateway to the archipelago, and it’s like the perfect spot to soak up the genuine feel of coastal Sweden. Even though it is only a boat ride away from Stockholm, Vaxholm has tons to offer, too. I am speaking on that old fortress called Vaxholm Fortress that’s a museum today, along with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants that totally show off that town’s vibe.

Be sure to have a leisurely wander all through the streets of Vaxholm, where you will see seriously cute wooden houses and, by the way, super inviting little stores. What is something neat, a bunch of places around have been family-owned for generations, that have contributed loads to Vaxholm’s distinct character. You should think about checking out Vaxholm Fortress. Apparently, this fortress is super significant because it defends Stockholm from sea attacks for a very, very long time. Take, potentially, a guided tour to find out everything regarding its awesome history and perhaps sneak peek into just how vital it’s always been.

To thoroughly soak up all that coastal vibe, what might really grab your attention is a boat tour from Vaxholm out in the wider archipelago. Plenty of tours cater for varying durations and what you like to do, offering unmatched scenery of rocky islands and tranquil waters. Oh, and you know, it’s always good to keep an eye out for local wildlife while you are out on the boat. More or less, like birds and seals tend to be quite common, giving visitors a pretty cool nature experience just a stone’s throw out from Stockholm.

Read our full review: Vaxholm Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Vaxholm)

3. Birka: The Viking Age Brought to Life

For history enthusiasts, that place, Birka, just offers an engaging journey to what was once a Viking settlement. Situated on Björkö Island, what I am speaking about is Birka, that had always been one of the biggest trading hubs of the Viking era, and today, it’s actually recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might take a boat from Stockholm to the island and literally step back in time to get the hang of how life was like over a thousand years ago.

Visiting Birka means walking about actual Viking grounds, with some guides there always offering really useful perspectives on its rich past. Consider touring the museum just to scope out a wide array of artifacts which had been dug up during different excavations. These awesome findings totally show a spotlight on trade routes, the lifestyles back then, and artistic skills of the Viking society. There are like recreations of Viking Age houses on display, what might really pull you in to feeling what an actual day was like during that timeframe.

Aside from the historical value of the site, Birka also has great natural splendor to see. You see, the island has seriously lush scenery that are really a total please for you while exploring the location. Maybe pack a picnic just to enjoy it around scenic locations or get a bite at a local cafe, what might be surprising, while basking around its tranquil atmosphere. You know, many end up coming back every year just to re-explore and totally appreciate that perfect combo of history coupled with beauty found around Birka.

Read our full review: Birka Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Birka)

4. Artipelag: Art and Nature in Harmony

If culture’s your game, think about checking out Artipelag, just an outstanding art museum nicely placed within the Stockholm Archipelago. This place, blending art coupled with the beauty surrounding it, does feature current exhibitions from both globally recognized artists as well as regionally based ones. The museum has tons to offer everyone, no matter the age nor background. What is appealing regarding Artipelag has been how easily reachable by boat out from Stockholm, providing that scenic ride across really tranquil waters.

Artipelag is actually not simply just any art spot, what it actually is like an architectural accomplishment, so nicely designed as one with its surrounds. The internal spots often showcase multiple artistic types, right from paintings to sculpted pieces or photography installations that draw in multiple senses. Walk throughout display halls while contemplating just the awesome skill around you; several exhibits have really cool, deep stories to totally get the message being conveyed across. What it does so nicely includes regularly showcasing really innovative exhibits to actually keep attracting audiences.

You might consider touring its expansive gardens along with boardwalks right on its property for that great after exploring within or for even more inspiration, whatever it can be. They have amazing outdoor areas with jaw dropping vista opportunities coupled with sculptural setups which go very well to each and everyone. I guess I’d mention even its in house eatery; really delicious meal spots offer really nice dining while surrounded just by absolutely fantastic scenery.

Read our full review: Artipelag Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Artipelag)

5. Sigtuna: Sweden’s Oldest Town

Those excited for a touch with Sweden’s rich backstory just has got to check out Sigtuna which turns out to be among its absolutely most early communities, still radiating like charm now. What’s so interesting is it had been founded far over a grand year and ago; currently this totally features cobblestone roads, super unique little huts along with incredibly historic spots that will totally grab those curious. From Stockholm getting out towards there just requires only taking one quite effortless excursion either via cruise possibly by regular transit making it truly simple even those living locally, visitors every year keep flocking straight down towards the region to thoroughly enjoy this historic vibes alongside jaw dropping beauty.

As you trundle through its pretty avenues ensure really appreciating that classic timber based frameworks showcasing like cute merchants as also cafés, simply perfectly for only strolling through and immersing totally inside native vibe! Try paying such awesome sights examples for that old City corridor as for the awesome relics off that tenth decades as being Church linked with Sigtuna providing cool snippets throughout its rich early times inside society. What does it do best? Just perfectly captures why earlier occupants totally went over to developing their homes round that spot through history.

Take always some really gentle stroll across that really amazing seaside pathway running across Loch Mälaren, only delivering peaceful views alongside calm setting properly just suited just by unwinding whilst inhaling local climate which encompasses. Make you feel free only just pack various snack foods if maybe even get pleasure around locally centered bars spots while taking deep appreciation totally around only which just happens nearby offering only memories completely valuable. Perhaps a picnic in scenic spots. Very commonly they flock totally back any period only by actually reliving and intensely sensing simply what completely constitutes just that wonderful confluence through both culture combined even purely gorgeous landscape right there upon Sigtuna.

Read our full review: Sigtuna Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sigtuna)