5 of the best hiking trails to try in and around Stockholm

It’s an ideal time to get outdoors, the crisp tree leaves are in their prime and there is a feeling of real comfort and tranquillity in the autumn air. And having nature on your doorstep is one of the (multiple) perks of living in Scandinavia. There are countless local trails to choose from with untouched nature and breathtaking scenery. Trails that take us higher up in the mountains, and deeper into the forest for that fresh fall wild.

Grab your thermos, your woolly hat, and your camera primed for the ocean views at Björnö. Located around an hour from the city centre, Björnöslingan takes you through a 5-7 km trail in the archipelago. With large cliffs and secret pathways, the nature reserve consists mostly of the classic Swedish “Hällmarkstallskog” and is home to many different bird species. During autumn hear the dulcet tones of various different birds, including the Green Warbler, Tree Lark, and if you are really lucky, you might even snatch a glimpse of the sea eagle.

And a few moose have also been spotted now in October – since they are moving more frequently closer to roads and communities as a result of the hunting. What makes Björnö that little bit more special this time of year is the proximity to saltwater ocean and the viewing tower at Småängen, located around 4 km from the start of the route, where you can stop for a little coffee and fika while taking in the sites. Though do keep in mind, the tower is located on top of a cliff, which can be a little slippery come winter.

Text your friend and explore the adventures of this untouched forest together. Tyresta national park is a perfect weekend getaway in one of the largest ancient forests in Sweden. The vast scale of it gives you the opportunity to tailor your own path and explore new things each time you visit, from an easy 5 km trail to much more challenging 20 km trails. Easily accessible by car or public transport, this particular hike first begins at Tyresta by, which is where most of the various trails kick off. Search for the sign to Bylsjöslingan and start your adventure.

The flat, wide path terrain is more than manageable even for the infrequent hiker. Before not too long you will come to an intersection, where you can decide to either stay on the route resulting in a do-able 6 km adventure or take a more advanced route following Åvaleden all the way to Stensjön surrounded by hills, and narrower, damper paths. If you decide to reach Stensjön, take a pitstop overlooking the lake, before heading back to conclude an almost 16 km hike.

If you’re a foraging fan then Hansta nature reserve is a great place to put on your to-visit list. As not only is it home to centuries-old oak trees but it’s also a prominent place for mushroom picking, especially this time of year. Here, you can find hundreds of different species, just make sure you know what to look for. The easiest way to get to Järvaleden is by public transport, but there is also a good amount of parking space. This 6.1 km point-to-point route will take you through a mixture of narrow, winding paths with fallen trees, along with wider, open landscapes. And for the history buffs, the reserve also boasts several historical Viking remnants to spot marked by an “R” on the map. Come spring, the forest ground is covered in a layer of snowdrops and bluebells, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a hare.

In the very last stage of the trail you’ll find yourself at Astrid Lindgren’s mountain, where a stone engraved with the signature of the beloved children’s can be found. It’s a mark of her devotion to protecting the forest around Hansta and the fields and is a nice touching sentiment to end your walk on.

If you live in the southern part of Stockholm, then Paradiset isn’t all too far, and autumn is a great time to visit given the number of mushrooms you’ll discover there. The reserve is divided into various different trails, so there’s lots of paths to choose from, with the main attraction being the 10-metre-high observation tower, Tornberget, the highest point in the city.

You’ll pass through forest and rocky terrain on this loop, and not even a kilometre from the start of this particular 5 km trail you’ll come to the picturesque lake Trehörningen, which offers a great spot for a bit of respite and a quick coffee break before you are on your way. For those who want to extend their stay in the wild, there is a small public cabin, Ugglekojan, near lake Trehörningen where you can stay for the night with a warm fireplace burning. The cabin is not available to book, and is only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so good luck. The Paradiset nature reserve is also a quick intersection for another famous trail: Sörmlandsleden no. 5 and no. 6, one of the longest trails in Sweden – so if you’re after a more challenging route post-Sameslingan those are some great options.

If you want something closer to the inner city with less heavy hiking, try Hagaparken as an alternative. Described as an ‘English landscape park,’ this wide open grassy expanse is situated just North of Stockholm in the suburb of Solna and works just as well for a shorter Sunday stroll as it does for a longer, mindful walk. Arrive at Haga Norra station where you can begin your walk towards the blue Copper canopy-style ‘Big Top,’ then make your way down near the tall trees towards Ekotemplet. Here, you can decide to go either left and follow the shorter trail overlooking the lake and looping back on itself or continue down towards Grottberget and the Chinese Temple. An easy, breezy walk in the city.