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 ₹9,759 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹9,759
₹10,930 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (2,754 reviews)
"Nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

4 out of 5
Rålambshovsleden 50, Stockholm
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,332 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹11,332
₹12,692 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen
Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

3 out of 5
St Eriksgatan 20, Stockholm, Stockholm
The price is ₹6,365 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹6,365
₹7,128 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,515 reviews)
"It was a great place for a single traveller!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
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! (527 reviews)
"tram right outside"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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! (1,169 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! (442 reviews)
"Very modern property, easy check-in & check-out. would recommend!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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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