Stockholm is built on 14 islands and the main mode of transport between these islands is the bicycle. Cycling in Stockholm is very doable and very common. This makes it a true paradise for us – the cyclists. I went cycling in Stockholm for a day, to see the city from a different perspective. This was really fun and I would love to take you out cycling in Stockholm!
Cycling on your own or with a guide
The tips and route below are for when you go cycling on your own on a summer day. Do you prefer cycling along all the highlights and sights of Stockholm with a guide? Then I can wholeheartedly recommend a bike tour with Baja Bikes. I have already done several tours with them and it is always top-notch. Especially if you want to see a lot in a short time, Baja Bikes is really great.
Breakfast in Gamla Stan
We rent our bikes at Stockholm Adventures. You’ll find Stockholm Adventures just outside the old town and since chances are your hotel is in this area too, that’s very convenient. After we have collected our bikes, we first leave for Gamla Stan for breakfast. There are plenty of nice shops in the old town, so in no time we take a seat for a bagel and a cup of coffee.
Cycle to Hornstulls Marknad
After breakfast we set off to cycle towards the Hornstull Marknad, or the Hornstull Market. Cycling in Stockholm is easy to do, as there are bike paths everywhere. At the bridges (57 pieces!) you do have to pay attention to which way you have to go and where you can ride as a cyclist. We find ourselves on the curb more than once by accident. Nevertheless, we reach Hornstull Strand, the street along the water where the market takes place, without too much damage. We are thrilled at the first glance at the market: what a fun atmosphere! Against the background of the river we see about 10 food trucks, a handful of stalls with knick knacks and a clothing market. Nice! We leisurely stroll through the market and discover a beach bar. Here it feels more like we are in Spain than in Sweden. We buy a Chai Latte and take a seat in the sun between the locals. That’s fun though!
Skördefest
After the market we cycle to the island of Djurgarden. We read in advance that the annual Skördefest, or Harvest Festival, would take place here and we don’t want to miss it. The road takes us along the water to a completely green island. We cycle into the park through a stately entrance gate and soon we come across the most beautiful places. The Skördefest is held at the Rosendals Trädgards. This part of Stockholm is also highly recommended outside the festival: the greenhouses at Rosendals Trädgards have been growing fruit and vegetables in a biodynamic way for 30 years. You only buy seasonal products here and you can take a seat in the accompanying greenhouse for a cup of coffee with something delicious.
On arrival we see a number of stalls with tasty products. Fresh butter, unknown vegetables and huge focaccias, it’s all there. They are barbecuing in the meadow and in the adjacent field you can pick a bouquet of wild flowers for a small fee. As happy as a child we walk through the gardens and in the shop near the greenhouse we marvel at all the nice things and tasty things. The greenhouses themselves are very busy so we decide to get a nice focaccia and eat it in the grass. If you’re in Stockholm in mid-September, don’t miss this festival!
Djurgarden
Because there is much more to see on the island of Djurgarden, we cycle a lot further after our visit to the festival. The park is very large, so it is never crowded or full. Spread across Djurgarden you will find several cafes and restaurants. Everywhere they have a relaxed terrace where you can enjoy your free afternoon. There are several paths through the park that you can also cross by bike. Ideal! We eventually followed the path along the water and that way very easily returned to Gamla Stan.
Would you rather cycle through Stockholm with a guide? Then take a look at the bike tour of Baja Bikes highly recommend. An experienced guide will show you the highlights of the city and tell you all kinds of interesting stories and anecdotes along the way. Definitely worth it!
Cycling in Stockholm is highly recommended on a beautiful, sunny day. The city has so much to offer and you can see a lot more by bike than if you go on foot or by metro. Rent bicycles and explore this amazing city yourself!
