Playing sports in Stockholm

Stockholm is a green city where you can enjoy sports year-round. During the summer, parks and gardens are available for walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling. And if you're looking for a more adventurous experience, try mountain biking in the Nordic forests surrounding the city. Stockholm is an archipelago of islands, so it's also a great opportunity to try kayaking on the Baltic Sea or on the canals that crisscross the city. Let's go for an active tour of Stockholm!

Walking, jogging or cycling in Stockholm's parks and gardens

Stockholm boasts numerous parks and gardens. They are spread throughout the city, and you'll find one in every neighborhood. They are generally well-equipped, with sports fields, playgrounds for children to let off steam, and recreational areas.

• In the Norrmalm district, Kungsträdgården Park offers long paths for joggers.
• In Östermalm, the Humlegärden is more family-oriented, with beautiful lawns, a playground and a skateboard ramp.
• Nobel Park runs along the inlet that flows through the city. It's a very pleasant park in summer, for its views, and why not finish your workout with a dip in the sea?
• The Royal Djurgärden Urban National Park is more natural and wild. Hiking, cycling, or mountain biking are the best activities there.
• On the island of Södermalm, Tantolunden Park combines a wooded park and sports fields to satisfy all your desires.
• On the island of Kungsholmen, Ralambshov Park is a very friendly space for leisure, games and sports.
• North of the city, head to Vasa Park instead.

Crossing Scandinavian forests by mountain bike

Nature is never far away in Stockholm, and you can access beautiful forests on the outskirts of the city. They are quite dense and wild, providing a truly unique setting for your mountain bike rides. Some trails are more groomed and accessible to beginners, so almost all disciplines are possible.

• For beginners, start with the gentle trails of Djurgärden or Haga Park. For those used to riding in the forest, with some obstacles, two areas in Stockholm County are particularly recommended:
• To the west, towards Lake Mälaren, the most popular spot is opposite Drottningholm Island, between the town of Akeshov, near Lake Judarn, and Grimsta.
• South of the city, in the municipality of Nacka, around Lake Källtorpssjön. Numerous trails lead you to the Altä region, near Lake Flaten.

Kayaking on the Baltic Sea or the canals of Stockholm

The city has spread across an archipelago in a river mouth.

To the west of Stockholm, you can enjoy the fresh waters of Lake Mälaren. To the east, the Baltic Sea stretches its arms inland. An unusual way to discover Stockholm is to hop aboard a kayak and admire the city from the water.

On the lake side, the environment is very natural and wilder. Nature lovers will enjoy paddling on the calm, gentle waters. It's the perfect place to escape the city, even though it's still close by. You can take breaks in charming coves or on beautiful beaches surrounded by forests.

On the seaward side, maritime traffic can be quite heavy and confusing around the island of Skeppsholmen, although this spectacle is worth watching. There can also be waves that might destabilize you. Similarly, many ferries use the waterway south of Kungsholmen. It's therefore best to get your bearings on the canal that runs through the city further north between Kungsholmen and Vasatan, or on the path that winds through Djurgärden Park. It's a very surprising walk and an unusual way to see the city.

Sledding and skiing on the outskirts of the city

During the winter, Stockholm reveals a new side of itself. It's truly an amazing city, where all kinds of sports are possible. Just outside the city, Hammarby is a small hilltop resort with a few ski slopes and lifts. In winter, night falls very early on the city. Skiing down the slopes while admiring the city lights below is a truly magical experience. What a sight!

For cross-country skiing, head to Hellasgarden. The trails wind through beautiful Nordic forests, and you can even test your skills on the frozen Källtorpssjön lake. When snow dusts Stockholm's parks and gardens, you can try sledding. Some parks are safe, with barriers around the trees at the bottom of the " runs," notably Vitabergsparken in SoFo and Humlegärden, where the playground and skateboard park are also very popular during the winter. All that's left to do is get out there and enjoy some great laughs with the family.

Ice skating outdoors in Stockholm's gardens

If you prefer to stay in the city center, as soon as the first cold weather arrives, some parks transform into outdoor ice rinks, allowing you to discover this quintessentially urban sport. You can glide across the ice in Kungsträdgården Park or Vasa Park. If the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor ice rink at Childhoodhallen is available.

We hope we have inspired you to try new sports or practice your favorite activities to discover Stockholm in a different way, and we wish you many enjoyable sporting visits.

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