What to do in autumn in Stockholm?

Stockholm in autumn is a magical city. The archipelago is home to several parks, gardens and natural spaces, of great beauty when they are adorned with shimmering colors. This is also the time to take care of yourself with rituals, like the tradition of the sauna in Stockholm. The off-season is a calmer period, when you can discover Stockholm differently, take the time to admire Swedish architecture, or even stroll through its museums... Let's go for an autumn visit to Stockholm!

Opening photo: Södermalm in autumn

Photos of the article © StockholmCity Guide, unless otherwise stated

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1) Visit Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, during the late tourist season

Stockhom has been the capital of Sweden since the Middle Ages. The old stones of Gamla Stan will tell you the long history of this medieval city. It is also a modern city, where Swedish architecture is at the forefront of innovation. Finally, it is a green city, where nature is very present. Once the tourist season is over, the city calms down and there are far fewer people on the streets. This is the perfect time for an unusual visit to the city.

The good idea: Visit Stockholm by electric scooter

2) Culture in museums

You have visited the city, but you want to get to know the Swedish way of life better. What could be better than soaking up Swedish culture in museums? In Stockholm, there are all kinds and on all subjects. You will learn about Swedish history from the Middle Ages to the present day, Viking traditions, traditional arts and crafts…

Find out more: Stockholm's must-see museums

The good idea: Stockholm City Museum, a journey to the heart of the city's history

3) Admire Halloween decorations at tourist sites

All Saints Day is a very important holiday in Sweden. This Christian holiday is called: “Alla helgons dag”. It follows the feast of all souls, “Alla själars dag”, which concerns all religions. Traditionally, large white and red candles are placed on graves in cemeteries. But Halloween is also one of the most festive events of the year. Here is a selection of tourist sites decorated and animated for the occasion:

The Gröna Lund for family fun and scare.
A spooky nocturnal stroll through Gamla Stan, accompanied by a guide.
The Etnografiska museet celebrates the Mexican “Dia de Muertos”.
A visit of the Le Vrak Museum of Wrecks with a flashlight, after the official closing…

The good idea: Dive into the abyss at the new VRAK Museum, Stockholm's shipwreck museum

Photo credit © Nikola Johnny Mirkovic / Unsplash

4) Discover Swedish art, around the corner!

The rain is on the way. Do not panic ! How about taking the opportunity to discover art in Stockholm's metro stations? This is a very absurd idea and yet art is omnipresent in Stockholm, even in the most unexpected places...

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5) Walk through the Swedish forests in the colors of autumn

Each district of Stockholm has its garden. These are natural bubbles, in the heart of the city, and they are all very beautiful. However, some are essential for an autumn outing:

The Royal Urban National Park is a large natural area on the island of Djurgarden. It is very wooded and simply sublime in the fall. Very close to the urban city of Stockholm, its atmosphere is nevertheless very exotic. It is criss-crossed by large alleys, ideal for walking hand in hand, as a couple! But it is also very pleasant for a family hike or a bike ride.
The Nobel parken is a wooded park, at the edge of the water. It has an intimate side, with its little coves. You will appreciate the beautiful panorama of the marina and the incessant ballet of the boats.
In Solna, the HagaParken is very bucolic, with charming ruins of an ancient castle. It is located on the shore of Lake Brunnsviken. You can go around the lake, under the tall trees of the park.

The good idea: Tantolunden Park: immersion in the heart of Stockholm's allotments

6) Relax in a Swedish sauna

After the frenzy of summer, it's time to pamper yourself a little. To take care of yourself, the Swedish way, we invite you to try the tradition of the sauna. It is a ritual, deeply rooted in Swedish daily life and you will find many establishments in Stockholm.

Read more: The sauna tradition in Stockholm

7) Embark on a cruise on the Baltic Sea

A boat trip on the Baltic Sea is always a magical moment, but in autumn it's even better... There are fewer tourists and you don't have to book well in advance. So you can be more spontaneous and choose a nice day to hang out on the deck… You will have breathtaking views of the city's parks and forests, with the beautiful colors of autumn.

Find out more: Cruise on the Stockholm archipelago in winter: an unforgettable experience!

8) Taste Swedish gastronomy

To travel is to discover a new culture… For that, there is nothing like tasting its gastronomy. It is an immersion in the daily life of the Swedes, a discovery of their customs and a moment of sharing with the inhabitants! In addition, with autumn and the cold days coming back, we appreciate the hot and colorful dishes.

The good idea: Gourmet getaway at the Halles de Östermalms Saluhall

9) Go shopping in SoFo or elsewhere…

Stockholm is a cosmopolitan city, where trends intertwine. It 's a temple of fashion! Whether you are into clothes or rather design and decoration, there is something to satisfy all your desires. Each district has its “shopping atmosphere” and its centers of interest. It's up to you to choose according to your mood of the moment...

Find out more: Where to go shopping in Stockholm: addresses of streets and districts!

The good idea: Take a break, in an unusual place: The Rooftops of Stockholm

10) Stay warm and read a good book

Unfortunately, the Indian summer is not always rigorous. After the rain, it may be cold. If a day is a bit sad, we give you one last idea to appreciate Swedish culture, from your couch! Literature is not to be outdone in Sweden, especially in the Polar category. You will be surprised by the number of authors of detective novels, thrillers and many more...

The good idea: Take your book and go to one of the best cafés in Stockholm for a Swedish “Fika”

We hope that these Top 10 things to do in Stockholm in autumn will inspire you to occupy the beautiful days of the autumn in the Swedish capital. We just have to wish you a good autumn holiday in Stockholm!

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