The best hiking routes in Stockholm County

Stockholm County lacks dramatic mountain ranges or deep gorges, offering instead a gently rolling landscape of fractured bedrock, Baltic inlets, and dense coniferous forests. Walkers must choose between the raw, fire-scarred pine barrens of Tyresta nationalpark and the softer, estate-dominated landscapes further from the city. Underfoot, paths alternate between exposed, moss-covered granite domes and damp clay soils in the depressions, where wooden boardwalks are frequently laid to cross the wettest peat sections.

For those seeking coastal woodlands and cultural history, Bogesundslandet and the areas around Tullgarns naturvårdsområde present a mix of old-growth oak pastures, gravel farm tracks, and shoreline paths. In contrast, Riddersholms naturvårdsområde sits at the outer edge of the archipelago, where the maritime influence is visible in the dense hazel groves and herb-rich meadows. These coastal reserves feel distinct from the steep, forested ridges of Görvälns naturreservat, which rises directly from the waters of Lake Mälaren in the west.

In May, the deciduous sections of Riddersholms naturvårdsområde are carpeted with wood anemones before the tree canopy closes. While Tyresta nationalpark attracts more visitors due to its proximity to the capital and its well-marked trailheads, the peninsula of Bogesundslandet offers a quieter network of forest paths that feel much more remote. Choosing a route here is a matter of deciding between the rugged, pine-scented interior or the gentler, pasture-lined coastlines.