Sweden

Best Day Trip From Stockholm

Stockholm is the city that 99% of travelers visit when coming to Sweden, and for good reason: it has the most to see and do. However, Stockholm can get old quickly; I felt that three days was more than enough to see everything it has to offer. With a few extra days remaining, I wanted to explore more of Sweden. I ended up visiting two places outside of Stockholm: Uppsala, which I found to be incredibly boring, and Sigtuna.

Sigtuna is a charming, historic town located about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Stockholm. Established in the late 10th century, it is Sweden’s oldest town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint wooden houses. Visitors can explore historical ruins, including old churches and medieval town walls, and enjoy scenic views along the picturesque lakeside. Sigtuna also offers a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and local eateries, making it a delightful destination for a leisurely stroll and immersion in Swedish history.

How to get to Sigtuna

You can drive, take the train or bus.

By Train

  • From Stockholm Central Station: You can take a train to Märsta, which is the closest major train station to Sigtuna.
    • Train Operator: SJ or SL (Stockholm Local Transport).
    • Journey Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
  • From Märsta to Sigtuna: Once in Märsta, you can catch a local bus (e.g., Bus 570) or taxi to Sigtuna.
    • Bus Journey: Takes about 15 minutes.

By Bus

  • Direct Bus: There are buses that run directly from Stockholm to Sigtuna.
    • Operators: Various companies including SL (Stockholm Local Transport) and other regional services.
    • Journey Time: Around 1 hour.
    • Departure Points: Buses often leave from Stockholm’s central bus station or other designated stops.

Sigtuna’s Main Street is the highlight of this small town. Grab a pastry and wander down the street.

These are incredible, especially with a cup of tea or coffee.
Very Swedish looking town

Stroll along Stora Gatan to discover charming boutiques, artisanal shops, and cozy cafes. This street captures the town’s quaint and historic atmosphere.

Sigtuna, Sweden
Sigtuna played a significant role in Sweden’s early history. It was once a major trading center and a political hub.

The town has numerous medieval ruins, including old churches and remnants of former buildings. Notable sites include the ruins of St. Mary’s Church and St. Olaf’s Church.

St. Olaf’s church

The good thing about Sigtuna is that you can easily see the entire town in just a few hours, so you can squeeze this in if you don’t have an entire day to dedicate.

Sigtuna is exactly how I imagined Scandinavia to look

Sigtuna is a wonderful getaway and excellent opportunity to get a glimpse into Sweden’s past; you won’t be disappointed visiting. From local crafts to Swedish delicacies, Sigtuna provides a taste of genuine Swedish culture. The town’s small size means you’ll avoid the crowds and truly connect with the local way of life.

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