Lake Mälaren

Travel Guide
Kungsholmen showing landscape views, a city and a river or creek
Sandy beaches, cities and castles lie on the edge of this scenic, freshwater lake, a popular daytrip destination from Stockholm.

West of Stockholm is Lake Malaren, a beautiful freshwater lake with its own islands and cultural attractions on the shores. Visit one of Sweden’s oldest settlements, take part in a variety of watersports or simply sit on a bench on the rugged coastline to watch the world go by.

Lake Malaren is Sweden’s third-largest lake and connects Stockholm with Salt Bay in the Baltic Sea. In ancient times, Lake Malaren was a bay and boats were able to use it to travel deep into Sweden’s interior. However, the bay turned into a lake in about A.D. 1200 when a rock barrier became far too shallow for ships to safely sail through.

The most notable city near Lake Malaren is Vasteras. Take a stroll along the river, see the treasure troves of art at the Vasteras Cathedral or take the whole family to Kokpunkten, a thrilling waterpark. Learn about ironworking at the UNESCO-listed Engelsberg Ironworks, which offers regular educational tours. Cyclists will find plenty of trails along the Stromsholm Canal that takes you through a historic industrial center.

Many visitors are drawn to Mariefred, a small city known for housing Gripsholm Castle, which features a fascinating portrait collection. Take a boat to the island of Drottningholm to visit the royal family’s summer residence with its perfectly manicured gardens. Another prominent island on the lake is Birka. It’s one of Sweden’s oldest settlements artifacts found here include relics from the Viking era.

Lake Malaren is an easy daytrip from Stockholm. To get to Mariefred, take a train from Stockholm’s central station to Laggesta and then finish the journey on a short bus ride. For those exploring the royal family’s residences, a boat goes direct from Stockholm to Drottningholm Palace. There are also companies who offer guided sightseeing tours around Lake Malaren’s islands.

From the Viking era to Sweden’s industrial age to the country’s royal history, Lake Malaren offers the chance to explore many chapters of Swedish history.

Where to stay in Lake Mälaren

Default Image

Central Stockholm

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Central Stockholm. Check out top attractions like Royal Swedish Opera and King's Garden, and jump on the metro at Kungsträdgården T-Bana or T-Centralen Spårv Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Central Stockholm
Default Image

Norrmalm

4.5/5(449 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Drottninggatan to Hotorget Square – discover Norrmalm, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Norrmalm
Default Image

Gamla Stan

5/5(76 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Gamla Stan, you might enjoy attractions like Stortorget and Nobel Prize Museum. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Gamla stan T-Bana to see more of the city.

Gamla Stan
Default Image

Vasastan

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

Vasastan is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Odenplan Square or Gustav Vasa Church.

Vasastan
Default Image

Maria

While you're in Maria, take in top sights like Maria Square or Tantolunden Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Mariatorget T-Bana or Zinkensdamm T-Bana.

Maria
Default Image

Liljeholmen - Hägersten

4/5(1 area review)

While you're in Liljeholmen - Hägersten, take in top sights like Liljeholmstorget Galleria or Lake Trekanten, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Örnsberg T-Bana or Telefonplan T-Bana.

Liljeholmen - Hägersten
Aiden by Best Western Stockholm City
Aiden by Best Western Stockholm City
3.5 out of 5
Alstromergatan 39, Stockholm
The price is S$108 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$108
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,378 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 27 Jan,2024

Aiden by Best Western Stockholm City
Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Clarion Hotel Amaranten
4 out of 5
Kungsholmsgatan 31, Stockholm
The price is S$122 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$122
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,443 reviews)
"Less than 10mins walk to city hall and T-central station, perfect location and not too busy in the surrounding area"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Comfort Hotel Arlanda Airport Terminal
Comfort Hotel Arlanda Airport Terminal
3.5 out of 5
Tornvägen 19A, Arlanda, Stockholm
The price is S$141 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$141
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Arlanda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,049 reviews)
Convenient to airport. Modern and clean interior.
"Enclosed walkway between airport and hotel for nearly entire walk (about 10 mins total). Great complimentary breakfast. Quiet room."

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2024

Comfort Hotel Arlanda Airport Terminal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stockholm Hotel Apartments Arlanda XPO
Stockholm Hotel Apartments Arlanda XPO
3 out of 5
15 Cederströms Slinga, Arlandastad, Stockholms län
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arlandastad. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Arlandastad Golf Club and ...
7.6/10 Good! (271 reviews)
Good quality hotel
"The communication with hotel was good, all the information I have received prior the arrival The room was warm and clean"

Reviewed on 2 Feb,2024

Stockholm Hotel Apartments Arlanda XPO
ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad
ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad
3 out of 5
Hammarby Fabriksväg 93, Stockholm
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avicii Arena and Tele2 Arena are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (780 reviews)
"Perfect for a quiet getaway with family or friends"

Reviewed on 15 Feb,2024

ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad
UNITY Hammarby Sjöstad Stockholm
UNITY Hammarby Sjöstad Stockholm
3.5 out of 5
13 Heliosgatan, Stockholm, Stockholms län
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Stockholm. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (210 reviews)
"It was an amazing place, friendly staff and friendly people. Had an amazing time."

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2023

UNITY Hammarby Sjöstad Stockholm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit