“On the Arlanda Express into Stockholm, there’s an environmental message,” recalls Will from Chicago. “Highlighting that the train is all-electric. You just know that Sweden takes the environment seriously.” And with its pristine landscape of rugged coastlines, Arctic wilderness, magnificent pine forests and the thousands of islands in its archipelago, there is an understandable passion to preserve nature.
Which makes visiting Stockholm about more than falling in love with the city’s art and architecture, its beauty and calm: it’s about unlocking the unexpected upgrade of exploring the countryside around the capital in a way the locals will love – by going green.
“Stockholm has such a strong sense of shared community,” explains Will, a seasoned traveler who enjoys exploring on a deeper level. “They love their city and they want you to love it too. So, they’re happy to chat and give you great tips about where to go and what to do. That’s why one guy told me to get out of Stockholm!” Because Sweden’s capital is surrounded by beautiful countryside that is really easy to explore by green transport. “Honestly, best advice ever!”
Stockholm’s superb public transport network includes a metro, tram and local train system that is 100% electric, and buses are increasingly fossil-fuel free. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore. From the city center, it’s about 45 minutes by bus to the spectacular Drottningholm Palace where the king and queen live. “Exploring the immaculate formal gardens was a real delight and then getting out into the park with its trails through woods, wetlands and meadows was stunning,” Will enthuses. “There are even themed trails like the sculpture walk. It’s a great day out in the great outdoors.”
And while Stockholm’s streets are easy to explore by bike, so is the surrounding countryside. “I hired a bike near the railway station and got a map of all the cycle paths,” said Will. “Over a coffee and pastry, actually an amazing pastry, I decided to explore Gärdet.”
This vast open space near the city helps balance the indoors with the outdoors, offering extensive fields and woodlands for residents (and visitors) to enjoy. “Cycling around, I found a fantastic open-air gym built of wood! There were running paths through the forest and I found a hidden frisbee golf course that was free to play. They even have a ‘stick shop’ for dogs!” Gärdet spreads into Djurgården, the historic island where many of the museums and national monuments are. And from here you can also watch the sun set over the Baltic. “It’s magical,” says Will. “The boats coming and going are mesmerizing and remind you that Stockholm is an island city very much at one with the sea.”
“I’m always looking to immerse myself in the local culture,” admits Will. “I want to live like a local even for a few days. And this led me to the archipelago.” Stockholm is a city built across twelve main islands, but there are around 30,000 islands nearby. “I stayed on Svartsö, a small but really beautiful island reachable by ferry. It’s even got a hostel that has taken the STF Sustainability pledge.” Here you can hire bikes to explore or simply get around – there are no cars allowed – and take long walks along the well-signposted hiking trails through the forests. “It’s so tranquil,” says Will. “You can feel yourself unwinding and you can understand why so many Swedes have little vacation cottages on these islands. It’s a wonderful way of life.”
And it brings plenty of opportunities to chat with the locals. “I was cycling past a lake and I met some wild swimmers. They encouraged me to have a go and kindly pointed out the easiest place to get in and out of the water – something I’d never have found without that local knowledge!” And with the lake supplying drinking water to a number of nearby homes, they also urged Will to respect the water. “This is something I really loved – they want you to visit responsibly because they care deeply about where they live.”
Returning to Stockholm still with much to explore, the city’s relatively compact size makes it easy to walk between the tourist attractions or grab an e-scooter or bike, which can be found everywhere. “I met people exploring the archipelago by kayak,” says Will. “And it inspired me to take to the water myself.” Stockholm is a city of waterways and canals that offer visitors a unique perspective on its stunning architecture and historic buildings. And while you paddle, you can unlock the unexpected upgrade of giving something back to this eco-friendly city. “I went litter picking with Green Kayak,” explains Will. “You borrow a kayak for free and can explore the waterways as much as you like so long as you collect any trash you find along your way. It’s a really clever idea and completely in tune with Stockholm’s tourist vibe – come and enjoy, but please tread lightly.” And that’s easy in a city as environmentally conscious as Stockholm.
