Around Stockholm - Land of Lakes & Castles

Day 1: Arrival in Stockholm
Day 2: Stockholm - Stendörren Nature Reserve - Trosa, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 3: Trosa - Tullgarn Palace - Trosa, 17 - 26 mi. (27 - 41 km)
Day 4: Trosa - Lake Klämmingen - Marviken Lakes - Mariefred, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 5: Mariefred - Taxinge Manor - Stockholm, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: Stockholm
Day 7: Departure or extension of stay

* All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.

Day 1: Arrival in Stockholm
After you check in at your hotel and recuperate from your travels, you'll want to explore the city of Stockholm. Often referred to as the "Venice of the North", Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city. You don't need to walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic water as it winds past the city walls. Furthermore, stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colorful houses of yesteryear. There is so much to see in Stockholm, appealing to so many different interests, that you are sure to find something special within walking distance of your hotel.

Preferred accommodations:
Hotel Hellstens Malmgård: A newly renovated 3* hotel recently opened in Stockholm’s southern district Södermalm. Personal hotel with quiet and intriguing rooms all uniquely decorated in a historic building.
Glashus Hotel: A newly opened hotel with exciting architecture and plenty of charm. Excellent location in the heart of the lively Söder region of Stockholm. Glashaus, like all Hellsten hotels, offers an exciting environment and daring colors, combined with a caring staff.

Day 2: Stockholm - Stendörren Nature Reserve - Trosa, 27 mi. (43 km)
After a transfer to the tranquil setting of Stendörren Nature Reserve, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Sweden, the day's itinerary begins. You will have the remainder of the morning to hike across the many islands using the intriguing system of suspension bridges. Perhaps you prefer to swim in the clean, refreshing Baltic waters. After a picnic lunch in the Nature Reserve, you cycle along country lanes through the varied landscape; evergreen forests, meadows, and lakes. Upon arrival at the impressive 17th century Nynäs Manor House, you may decide to rest your legs and enjoy a guided tour or hike the trails in the manor house grounds. En route, you can also stop at Sandvik beach for a quick swim in the sea before you continue your journey to the seaside town of Trosa. Trosa is visited by many Stockholmers in the summer months because of its unique location surrounded by both open landscape and another marvelous archipelago.

Preferred accommodations: 
Två Små Svin B&B (tidigare Ågarden): The oldest parts of Två Små Svin are from the early 18th century. Två Små Svin is a small, cozy guest house in which all rooms are unique. There is an impressive breakfast room as well as a delightful garden with apple trees by the river edge. Renovated in 2021 with new pool area.
Trosa Stadshotell: The hotel dates back to 1867 in is located right in the village square and alongside the picturesque Trosa stream which winds its way through the village. The hotel is recently renovated and offers comfort and charm plus a well-equipped spa.

Day 3: Trosa - Tullgarn Palace - Trosa, 17 - 26 mi. (27 - 41 km)
This morning you can choose to take a short break in Trosa before continuing your journey onwards. Trosa is a charming 17th-century town called 'the World's End' because of its location on the banks of the Baltic Sea with endless views of the ocean all around. The little town square is surrounded by old wooden houses and is worth a visit. The walkway along the canal as it winds its way to the ocean is another highlight that we suggest you do not miss. Once rested and ready, you continue your journey, with a suggested stop at the royal Tullgarn Palace, an 18th-century palace located on the seashore with magnificent views of the Baltic waters. Relax and enjoy your lunch in the beautiful palace gardens. The route after lunch leads through typical Swedish countryside at its very best; pine forests, sparkling lakes, and open green fields back to your seaside village of Trosa. Today you can choose between a shorter or longer route. Overnight Trosa (preferred accommodations as above).

Options:

• Archipelago Boat Tour
• Cyle to Komöte alt. Trosa havsbad beaches

Day 4: Trosa - Lake Klämmingen - Marviken Lakes - Mariefred, 39 mi. (62 km)
This morning, your cycle ride takes you through a landscape of sparkling lakes. From Trosa you cycle along the shores of the beautiful Lake Klämmingen where you have plenty of opportunities to stop and swim in the clear waters. At Laxne, you continue your cycle journey passing the very beautiful Marviken lake system where you have the option of taking a slightly longer route along small country lanes taking you past impressive viewpoints, Skottvångs Mine with a restored museum as well as the former works area at Åkers Styckebruk.

Your cycle journey ends today at the charming town of Mariefred, founded in 1605 and famed for its narrow, winding streets and colorful, wooden houses as well as being home to one of the most important and magnificent castles in the region, Gripsholm.

Preferred accommodations:
Skomakargård Bed & Breakfast: Charming bed and breakfast in old typical wooden house from the early 1800’s just moments from the central square, church, and Gripsholm Castle. Four double rooms are located around a delightful courtyard.
Röda Magasinet B&B: Charming bed and breakfast with spacious rooms centrally located in Mariefred just moments from the central square, church, and Gripsholm Castle. Three double rooms & one suite. Kitchenette & private facilities. Breakfast is served at a local cafe.

Day 5: Mariefred - Taxinge Manor - Stockholm, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today you have half a day to enjoy the area around Mariefred and will have some options on how best to explore. You can opt to cycle through green fields, forests, and along the shores of Lake Mälaren to the isolated Taxinge Manor House. Taxinge is not only a delightful manor but is famous for its cakes as well! There's plenty of time to marvel at the display. Another option is to set aside your bike for the afternoon and visit the impressive Gripsholm Castle to learn about Swedish royal history. Return either by bike or take the narrow-gauge steam train take back to the quayside, if available. In the afternoon take a three and a half-hour ride on a steamboat that has been in operation since 1903 back to Stockholm. Overnight Stockholm.

Preferred accommodations:
Hellstens Hotel
Rex hotel

Options:

• Steam train from Taxinge to Mariefred

Day 6: Stockholm
There is an option for a self-guided bicycle tour through Stockholm’s unique Ecopark, the world’s first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The Ecopark is 27 km squared and is a green oasis, combining cultural heritage and natural features. You cycle through ancient forests, visit palaces, and swim from waterside rocks. Animals such as foxes, badgers, marten, mink, and deer roam freely and the greatest number of oak trees in northern Europe are located right here, in the city center. This self-guided bike tour includes the Royal island of Djurgården where many of Stockholm’s best museums are located, the royal residence of Rosendal and its delightful gardens and café, plus the picturesque canal running through the island. Not to be missed along the way is the Kaknäs Tower with its 30-floor high observation deck offering fantastic views of Stockholm city. Heading north, you come to Haga Park and Palace, home to the recently wedded crown princess which lies alongside the beautiful Brunnsviken inlet. If you want, you can continue north as far as Ulriksdal’s Palace with its well-respected restaurant plus relaxing gardens and delightful views. Overnight Stockholm (preferred accommodation as above).

Day 7: Departure or extension of stay

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

High-quality guest houses, B&Bs, and 3 to 4 star hotels, all with private facilities. In the daily itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred hotels that are generally used based on availability. If the preferred accommodations are fully booked, a hotel of equal quality will be contracted.

Bicycles

Hybrid bike

Trek DS 3 rental bikes with unisex frames and front suspension.

• Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour NEX
• Wheels: Formula DC20 alloy
• Speed: 27-speed
• Tires: Bontrager LT2, Hard-Case Lite, 700x38c
• Shifters: Shimano Acera M3000, 9 speed
• Front derailleur: Shimano Acera
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Alivio T4000
• Saddle: Bontrager H1
• Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Brakes: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc

Accessories 

The bikes are equipped with the following:

• Helmet (on request)
• Pannier
• Map holder
• Pump
• Spare tube
• Complete toolkit
• D-lock