Sweden. It is spread over an area of 1140 square kilometres and is 64 metres deep. The lake drains into the Baltic Sea and has its own islands and cultural attractions. This is also a lake that has some of the oldest settlements in the country. Lake Malar also connects Stockholm with Salt Bay in the Baltic Sea.
This lake is one of the go-to places for those who are looking for day trip ideas from Stockholm. It is more than just a geographical attraction as the lake also has a lot of historical and cultural significance too. From the era of the Vikings to even the royal family of Sweden, this lake has formed a crucial part of history. Prominent places around the lake include Marifred, Drottingholm and Birka which are worth exploring when in Lake Malar.
Highlights
• Visit Drottningholm Castle on a day trip from Stockholm when visiting Lake Malar.
• Take a cruise on Lake Malar and check out heritage towns like Slussen and Gamla Stan.
• Head to Stiguna and explore the old but postcard-worthy towns for the boutique shops and old settlements.
• Visit the Viking monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in places like Birch Island and Sigtuna.
• Book a guided tour of the Gripsholm castle and discover its interiors and history of this grand residence.
How To Reach
By Car: The activity location is 90 km from the city centre, it will take 70 min via the E 18 route.
Best Time To Visit
Lake Malar is open throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to this place at any time of the year. The best season to visit Lake Malar will be the summer season from March to May because this is the time when the climate is pleasant. Meanwhile, The best day in the week will be the weekdays due to less crowds regardless of any time of the year. Also, the best time of the day to visit Lake Malar will be in the morning due to fewer crowds and a favourable temperature.
Other Essential Information
1. Stockholm is predominantly a cold city, so it is better to carry warm clothes, regardless of climate.
2. Book your cruise tickets well in advance as they get sold out pretty quickly.
3. If you are planning to visit Mariefred, make sure you check out the historic SS Mariefred ship.
4. Be mindful of the things you carry to the UNESCO World Heritage sites and carry your trash home after visiting.
5. English language guided tours are available in all UNESCO World Heritage sites, so do make the best use of them.
6. Make sure you arrive at least 20 minutes in advance to the ferry point for easy access to the ferry.
Visit the Gripsholm castle
This building takes pride in being one of the most beautiful buildings dating back to the Renaissance era. It was built by King gustav Vasa in the 16th century by building on top of a castle that has existed since the 14th century. The castle is located in the heart of the city and was also the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. When in the castle, do try checking out the national portrait collection and the 18th century theatre. Today, there is also a museum which is open to the public that you can check out.
Take the ferry
One of the best ways to explore the lake would be to take the ferry. If you are heading to places like Djurgarden, the ferry is your go to mode of transportation. The ferry starts from Slussen at the southern end of Gamla Stan and it stops close to prominent attractions. Some of the attractions include the Royal palace, Moderna Museet, Vasa Museum, Skanse, and the ABBA museum. The ferry runs all year round and stops at Skeppsholmen too. To take the ferry, make sure you book the tickets well in advance for a guaranteed entry.
Head to Sigtuna
Stiguna is a postcard-worthy town that offers an authentic Swedish travel experience. It is a small town dating back to 980 CE during the last century of the Vikings era and it sits on the shore of Lake Malaren. Today, the town is in ruins, but you can check out the mediaeval-era churches, rune stones and other historic buildings. There are also a lot of boutique and craft shops that you can check out too, so don’t miss out on this town.
Explore Birch Island
Birka, alternatively known as Birch Island is located 30 kilometres west of Stockholm and is one an old Swedish town. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also an important trading point from the Malar Valley. The town has its origin in the 8th century and continues to attract tourists from across the world. Here, you can check out the ancient remains that have been excavated and studied from the Viking era since the 19th century.
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