Sports in Stockholm

Stockholm is a green city, where you can play sports all year round. During the summer, parks and gardens are at your disposal for walking, hiking, jogging or cycling… And if you are looking for stronger sensations, try mountain biking in the Nordic forests around the city. Stockholm is an archipelago of islands, so this is an opportunity to learn kayaking on the Baltic Sea or on the canals that criss-cross the city. Let's go for a sporty visit to Stockholm!

Opening photo: Tobias Bjerknes / Unsplash

Walk, jog or cycle through Stockholm's parks and gardens

Stockholm has many parks and gardens. They are spread all over the city and you will find them in every neighborhood. They are generally well equipped, with sports fields, playgrounds to let off steam for children and leisure areas.

• In the Norrmalm district, Kungsträdgården Park offers long paths for joggers.
• In Östermalm, the Humlegärden is more family-friendly, with lovely lawns, a playground and a skateboard ramp.
• The Nobel parken runs along the arm of the sea that crosses the city. It is a very pleasant park in summer, for its view and why not end your sports session with a swim in the sea...
• The Royal National Urban Park of Djurgärden is more natural and wild. You will preferably practice hiking, cycling or mountain biking.
• On the island of Södermalm, Tantolunden Park combines a wooded park and sports grounds to satisfy all your desires.
• On the island of Kungsholmen, the Ralambshov Park is a very friendly space for leisure, games and sports.
• North of the city, go to Vasa Park instead.

Cross the Scandinavian forests by mountain bike

Nature is never far away in Stockholm and you can access beautiful forests, on the outskirts of the urban space. They are quite dense and wild, which offers a very exotic setting for your mountain bike rides. However, some are more disciplined and accessible to beginners. Almost all disciplines are possible there.

• For novices, start with the quiet slopes of Djurgärden or Haga Park. For those who are used to practicing in the forest, with some obstacles, two areas are preferred, in the County of Stockholm:
• To the west, towards Lake Mälaren, the most popular spot is opposite the island of Drottningholm, between the municipality of Akeshov, near Lake Judarn , and Grimsta.
• South of the city, in the municipality of Nacka, around Lake Källtorpssjön. Many trails take you to the Altä region, around Lake Flaten.

Kayaking on the Baltic Sea or the canals of Stockholm

The city spread over an archipelago in a mouth. 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 board 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 the smooth, calm waters. It is the ideal place to forget the city, even if it remains very close. You can take breaks in charming coves and or on beautiful beaches surrounded by forests.

On the sea side, boat traffic can be quite intense and confusing around the island of Skeppsholmen , although this ballet is worth a look. There may also be waves that can destabilize you. Similarly, many ferries use the axis that is south of Kungsholmen. It is therefore better to take your bearings on the canal that crosses the city further north between Kunsholmen and Vasatan or on the path that winds through the Djurgärden Park. It is a very surprising walk and an unusual visit to the city.

Tobogganing and skiing on the outskirts of the city

During the winter, Stockholm reveals a new side to you. It really is an amazing city, where all sports are allowed. Just outside the town, Hammarby is a small, landscaped peak with a few ski slopes and lifts. In winter, night falls very early on the city. Hit the ski slopes while admiring the lights of the city below, it's a magical moment to experience. What show !

For cross-country skiing, Hellasgarden is the place to go. The tracks take you through the beautiful Nordic forests and you can test the ice on the frozen lake of Källtorpssjön. When snow dusts Stockholm's parks and gardens, you can even try tobogganing. Some parks are secure, with protections around the trees at the bottom of the " tracks ", notably the Vitabergsparken, in SoFo, and the Humlegärden, where the playground and skateboarding are very popular also during the winter. All you have to do is get started for great laughs with the family.

Skating outdoors in Stockholm Gardens

If you prefer to stay in the city centre, as soon as the first cold weather hits, some parks are dressed as outdoor ice rinks and allow you to discover this typical city sport. You can twirl on the ice in Kungsträdgården Park or Vasa Park. If the weather is not suitable, the covered ice rink of Childhoodhallen is at your disposal.

We hope we have made you want to learn new sports or practice your favorite activities to discover Stockholm in a different way and we wish you great sporting visits.

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