West of Stockholm is Lake Mälaren – the third largest lake in Sweden. Much of Sweden’s history awaits you on the shores of Lake Mälaren, with authentic small towns, historic remains, castles and manor houses.
Boats into Lake Mälaren leave from Stadshusbron, beside the City Hall, near Nordic Sea Hotel.
DrottningholmTel: +46 8 402 62 80Not far from central Stockholm is Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Royal Family and one of Sweden’s world heritage sites. The palace is a unique building from the 17th century, surrounded by magnificent palace gardens. The palace gardens, with their wide lawns and leafy glades, provide the perfect surroundings for a picnic on a warm summer day. Don’t miss the Chinese Pavilion and the Palace Theatre, which has not been altered since it was completed in 1766.
Getting there: Drottningholm Palace is west of Stockholm. In the summer you can take a boat from outside the City Hall to Drottningholm, but it’s possible to get there by underground and bus all year round. A good tip is to take the boat back to Stockholm after your visit to Drottningholm – the view of the city from Riddarfjärden bay is breathtaking.Underground to Brommaplan, change to bus 301-323.
Journey time, one-way: About 30 minutes on public transport. The boat trip takes around one hour.www.royalcourt.se
Mariefred is a well-known destination on the shores of Lake Mälaren, which you can reach by steamboat with food served on board. The trip to Mariefred is a day tour. The boat leaves Stockholm in the morning and returns in the evening. The boat leaves from Stadshusbron, which is just a short walk from Nordic Sea Hotel.www.mariefred.info