Beautiful Stockholm Parks and Outdoor Sights

Stockholm is known for its wide variety of great cultural and historical attractions. However, an often overlooked aspect of the city is the many Stockholm parks and outdoor sights sprinkled throughout. These make great tourist destinations because they are often less crowded than some of the more famous attractions, like Drottingham Palace or City Hall. They also offer insight into the city's history that you won't find anywhere else (even in a museum). These five beautiful Stockholm parks and outdoor sights are great places to visit if you're looking to mix a little greenery into your tour of the city. Who knows, you may find them to be amongst the most beautiful and memorable aspects of your trip.

1. Hagaparken—One of Stockholm's best kept secrets (at least from tourists) is Hagaparken, an English-style park that offers large swathes of greenery and native vegetation. Come here to relax and have a family picnic, or to go for a run. You can also rent a canoe or kayak and take it out on Hagaparken's beautiful lake. If you'd like to sneak in a little history lesson while you're here, you can explore the ruins of King Gustav III's unfinished palace. Kids will also love Hagaparken's butterfly house—a tropical environment adapted from the park's greenhouses with windy paths and tons of floating butterflies. The tropical climate makes this a great place to spend some time during the winter.

2. Djurgården—Another great Stockholm park we recommend visiting is Djurgården. This lush island in central Stockholm is filled with trees, lawns, and many historical buildings and monuments. The grounds are very well cared for, and the vibrant greenery makes a day trip here very enjoyable. If the sun is shining, feel free to spread out a blanket and enjoy a good book and some picnic food on one of the many open fields.

3. Skansen Open-Air Museum—Located on Djurgården and established in the 1890s, the Skansen Open-Air Museum was the world's first completely outdoor museum. It documents and displays the history of life in Sweden, with examples of houses from many different regions and time periods. Actors also portray what life was like for the Swedish throughout the country's history, and the museum is home to a number of animals that are native to the Scandinavian region. Of all the opportunities in Stockholm parks, the Skansen Open-Air Museum offers the clearest glimpse into the history of daily life in Sweden.

4. City Hall Garden—In addition to the more famous Stockholm parks, there are also many smaller, hidden patches of green off the beaten path. For example, you'll find a small garden behind the City Council building, which offers great views of the water and the city of Stockholm. This is a perfect place to rest and relax after a few hours of sightseeing and walking tours, especially if you just took a look at the City Council building.

5. Lake Mälaren—During your stay in Stockholm, you'll constantly see Lake Malaren in the distance because Stockholm is located on its shores. Why not make the most of it and spend some time boating or kayaking on the water? Boat tours frequently embark from Stockholm, making a Malaren boat trip easy and worry-free. These tours are a great way to get out of the city for half a day and take in some of the natural beauty of the Swedish countryside.

Stockholm parks, gardens, and outdoor sights are sometimes overlooked by tourists, but they provide well-informed visitors with an enjoyable break during their stay. If you're a park enthusiast, or just looking for a bit of nature while staying within the city limits, these five Stockholm parks and outdoor sights are sure to please.

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