Lake Mälaren Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren

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

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Stadshagen

Shopping and restaurants are just a few things travellers enjoy in Stadshagen, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Stadshagen T-Bana.

Stadshagen
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Fredhäll

Travellers enjoy Fredhäll for its restaurants and shopping. Consider checking out Stockholm Outback while you're in the area.

Fredhäll
Clarion Hotel Amaranten

Clarion Hotel Amaranten

4 out of 5
Kungsholmsgatan 31, Stockholm
The price is ₹8,907 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹8,907
₹9,975 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,776 reviews)
"Clarion is accessible to all forms of a traveler needs. Train and bus stations are available and close by (9 min walk). Attractions are but a 20 minute walk. Shopping of all kinds is but 10-16 minutes walk."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

3 out of 5
St Eriksgatan 20, Stockholm, Stockholm
The price is ₹5,597 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹5,597
₹6,268 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,522 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay has every you need, staff were friendly, location was perfect and there was plenty to see locally aswell as being a walkable distance from main attractions. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

4 out of 5
Rålambshovsleden 50, Stockholm
The price is ₹10,572 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹10,572
₹11,841 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel, I do travel a lot and I always look for comfort, cleanliness, this hotel is very clean, Big rooms, very kind staff, restaurant on site and very convenient to go to old town, metro takes less that 10 min. And station is only 5 min walk from hotel. I recommend this hotel for family ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen
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.
Biz Apartment Bromma

Biz Apartment Bromma

3.5 out of 5
Köpsvängen 18, Bromma, Stockholm
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bromma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (522 reviews)
"The rooms are nice and clean. It is hard to find the parking but it has one. The breakfast is a package that you took from the reception each morning."

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Biz Apartment Bromma
ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad

ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad

3 out of 5
Hammarby Fabriksväg 93, Stockholm
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,165 reviews)
Modest adequate accomodation
"Close to light trail rapid transit stations, Globe arena, walking distance to grocery stores.The downsides? towels only changed once a week, garbage removal once a week,"

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad
Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel

Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel

3.5 out of 5
13 Heliosgatan, Stockholm, Stockholms län
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Stockholm. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (436 reviews)
"Nice hotel in a good location, friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel
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.

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