Visit Brunnsviken: Or How To Escape The City And Enjoy Nature Just Outside Stockholm

Whatever the season, a trip to Brunnsviken is always a good idea. Whether you’re tired of the city, want to get closer to nature or simply want to discover and explore a picturesque lake on the outskirts of Stockholm, this is the place for you!

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Brunnsviken in a few words

Located less than 30 minutes by public transport from the city center of Stockholm, a nature trip to Brunnsviken is a bit like finding yourself in the middle of a quiet oasis where you can enjoy a relaxing moment, have a picnic along its beautiful banks or visit one of its many gardens.

So if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, or want to swim in summer without having to travel kilometres from the city, this is the place to be!

Without further ado, here are my favorite sights around Brunnsviken!

Highlights of Brunnsviken

1. The Lake

Well, since it’s a lake you can’t miss its beautiful body of water, of course. And thanks to its walking trail along its shores, it’s even easier to take a loop around Brunnsviken and take breaks by sitting on one of the many benches present whenever you like.

Bear in mind that although the 12km loop isn’t strenuous, it will still take you around 3 hours to complete (more if you stop along the way). Ideal for nature lovers who don’t mind spending a day around the lake and its attractions!

I personally visited at the beginning of spring, although I know it looks like winter in the photos, just to let you know that it can get a bit chilly and you should dress accordingly. But on the brigth side, if you decide to visit in the same season, you too will probably have the place to yourself, especially on weekdays.

2. Victoriahuset

Entrance fee: 25 SEK ($2)

So what lies beneath this mysterious, illuminated glass dome? A nice botanical garden! Nice, according to the locals, because unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to visit, as the place only opens from May to September.

But if you want to see giant water lilies inside a small greenhouse and other beautiful plants, don’t miss a visit.

Don’t forget to spend some time inside the free Edvard Andersons greenhouse next door to see exotic plants from all over the world!

3. Old Orangery

Located inside Bergianska trädgården, it’s the perfect place for a fika or the tradition I’ve previously mentioned here, where people gather over a cup of coffee to share their lives and experiences.

And because walking and exploring make everyone hungry, treat yourself to a brunch or delicious pastries before setting off on other adventures.

Please note: the place is a bit pricey, but I guess you’re also paying for the charm of the old greenhouse turned restaurant and its cozy atmosphere.

4. Professorsvillan

Built in the 19th century for Professor Bergianus Veit Wittrock, a famous Swedish botanist, you can’t visit the house as it’s still inhabited, but you can take pictures from the fence.

I don’t know if I’d dare visit it anyway as I don’t know why, but the house seemed spooky to me or maybe it’s just me or maybe it was the gloomy weather that late afternoon, who knows?

However, if you keep walking a few meters away from the villa, you’ll see a museum pavilion that contains natural curiosities such as weird roots and other things. Spooky, I tell you!

5. Japanese Pond

Want to teleport yourself to the tranquility of a Japanese garden in the middle of Sweden? Welcome to my favorite place around Brunnsviken: its Japanese Pond.

Using many of the things that make a Japanese garden so mesmerizing: well-trimed landscape plants, stone lanterns, an arched bridge and a peaceful atmosphere, let yourself be transported to another part of the world in this magnificent setting.

Plus, the splendid witch hazel tree adorned with its bright yellow flowers added a little touch of color to the gloomy winter vibes of the day and made me wonder how much more beautiful the pond is in the heart of spring.

Nearby attractions:

⛲ Hagaparken (lovely park on the other side of Brunnsviken)
🏖️ Germaniavikens badplats (nice swimming spot outside Stockholm)
🏰 Ulriksdal Palace

Activities on Brunnsviken lake:

🏊 Swimming
🌊 Paddleboarding/Canoeing-kayaking
🚴‍♂️ Cycling

How to get to Brunnsviken

Address: Frescati Hagväg 18, 114 19 Stockholm

Entrance to the area is free!

By bike

If you want to cycle around Brunnsviken and visit other places along the way, or travel to more remote areas, renting a bike is the more practical solution. And thanks to the large number of paths and lanes reserved for bicycles in Stockholm, cycling couldn’t be easier. You can also take your bike to the city’s various islands!

And to get to Brunnsviken, it only takes about 20 minutes by bike!

By subway

Traveling to Stockholm and not taking advantage of its beautiful underground galleries and efficient subway system would be a shame, wouldn’t it?

From T-Centralen station in the city center, take the subway (red line, n°14) for 4 stops, get off at Universitetet and walk 10mn. The whole trip will only take you 25 minutes.

When you know that two-thirds of Sweden is covered in forests and the country boasts 100,000 lakes, it’s not hard to find a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And that’s why Brunnsviken should definitely be one of those places you should consider if you’re visiting Stockholm, because its serenity and the beauty of its surroundings will enchant you, believe me!

Planning a trip to Stockholm on a budget? Here are my favorite sights!

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