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Stockholm is a city full of history, culture, and beautiful nature. For many, it's the stunningly beautiful Old Town, the impressive Royal Palace, and the well-known museums that attract. But beyond the usual tourist paths, there are a number of hidden gems often overlooked by visitors.
Beyond the more famous islands like Vaxholm and Sandhamn, there are a number of smaller, often overlooked islands that are absolutely fantastic. One such place is Lilla Skärgården at Värmdö, where small islands like Svartsö and Blidö offer a tranquility and beauty few other places can match. Here, you can truly feel a sense of being completely detached from the world, while it's just a short boat ride from Stockholm to get there. Svartsö offers small, picturesque fishing harbors and a fantastic nature with cliffs, forests, and small sandy beaches where you can take a dip or just enjoy the sunset by the water. Most of these islands are relatively unknown to tourists, making them the perfect retreat for those seeking peace.
One of Stockholm's most peaceful places is Skogskyrkogården, located south of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a beautiful and serene place, where forest and gravestones blend into a whole. Here, you can walk in an atmosphere of silence and reflection, while admiring the stunning architecture and nature. Skogskyrkogården is also a place with an important history – it was founded in 1920 and designed by architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz and has since been one of Stockholm's most impressive cultural sites.
Located in Hägersten, a bit from the city's central parts, this area offers a fantastic mix of industrial history and scenic surroundings. Here you'll find a wonderful garden, perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk along the water. If you're interested in art, you can also visit Västerbro Gallery, which features exhibitions by local artists. In the summer, you can have a coffee at the cosy café or enjoy dinner at Vintervikens restaurant, which offers a beautiful view over the water.
Hasselby Castle, located in western Stockholm, offers an exciting blend of history and beautiful nature. The castle was built in the 17th century and has a long and fascinating history. Today, you can wander around the large castle garden, which is one of Stockholm's most well-preserved and atmospheric. Here, there are beautiful walkways, meadows, and a small lake. The castle is also open to visitors and often hosts various events and exhibitions. It is a perfect place for an excursion offering both culture and nature.
Långholmen is a small island in the middle of Stockholm that was once home to a prison but is today a popular recreational area for both Stockholmers and tourists. Here, you can walk along the waterfront, visit the small beach, or explore the old prison buildings, which are now used for various cultural events. Långholmen also has a charming little café where you can enjoy a coffee with a view over the water.
Café Cul de Sac is the perfect summer café by Gröndal's boat club, where you can enjoy food and drinks served from a purple Flower Power bus. Located by the water, with a fantastic view over Reimersholme, Gröndal, and Hornstull, the café offers a lovely place to relax during the warm summer months. The café is open from June to August and is easy to reach on foot, by bike, boat, or kayak.
Millesgården on Little Djurgården is an oasis of art and sculptures, where you can admire works by the famous sculptor Carl Milles. Here you'll find a delightful mix of both indoor galleries and a magnificent sculpture park with views over the water. It is a fantastic place for art enthusiasts but also for those who want to enjoy a peaceful walk in beautiful surroundings. Millesgården is often a less crowded alternative to the more well-known museums on Djurgården.
Many know Djurgården for its famous museums and attractions, but a lesser-known and more remote part of the island is Stora Skuggan, a fantastic natural area with forest trails, beautiful green spaces, and historic buildings. Here, you can walk among old oaks and on quiet paths, where few people are. There is also a cosy little café, and during the summer, you can enjoy a lunch on their outdoor terrace. Stora Skuggan is also home to the Natural History Museum and the botanical garden, but it's the surroundings themselves that make this a perfect place for those who want to relax in greenery without leaving the city.
Stockholm has so much more to offer than the classic tourist destinations. By taking a small detour from the most well-known paths, you get to discover places that are not only calm and beautiful but also filled with history, art, and culture. Next time you're in Stockholm, why not go on an excursion to one of these hidden gems?
