Lake Mälaren

Travel Guide

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Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren

Sandy beaches, cities and castles lie on the edge of this scenic, freshwater lake, a popular daytrip destination from Stockholm.

West of Stockholm is Lake Malaren, a beautiful freshwater lake with its own islands and cultural attractions on the shores. Visit one of Sweden’s oldest settlements, take part in a variety of watersports or simply sit on a bench on the rugged coastline to watch the world go by.

Lake Malaren is Sweden’s third-largest lake and connects Stockholm with Salt Bay in the Baltic Sea. In ancient times, Lake Malaren was a bay and boats were able to use it to travel deep into Sweden’s interior. However, the bay turned into a lake in about A.D. 1200 when a rock barrier became far too shallow for ships to safely sail through.

The most notable city near Lake Malaren is Vasteras. Take a stroll along the river, see the treasure troves of art at the Vasteras Cathedral or take the whole family to Kokpunkten, a thrilling waterpark. Learn about ironworking at the UNESCO-listed Engelsberg Ironworks, which offers regular educational tours. Cyclists will find plenty of trails along the Stromsholm Canal that takes you through a historic industrial center.

Many visitors are drawn to Mariefred, a small city known for housing Gripsholm Castle, which features a fascinating portrait collection. Take a boat to the island of Drottningholm to visit the royal family’s summer residence with its perfectly manicured gardens. Another prominent island on the lake is Birka. It’s one of Sweden’s oldest settlements artifacts found here include relics from the Viking era.

Lake Malaren is an easy daytrip from Stockholm. To get to Mariefred, take a train from Stockholm’s central station to Laggesta and then finish the journey on a short bus ride. For those exploring the royal family’s residences, a boat goes direct from Stockholm to Drottningholm Palace. There are also companies who offer guided sightseeing tours around Lake Malaren’s islands.

From the Viking era to Sweden’s industrial age to the country’s royal history, Lake Malaren offers the chance to explore many chapters of Swedish history.

Where to stay in Lake Mälaren

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Stadshagen

Shopping and restaurants are just a few things travelers enjoy in Stadshagen, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Stadshagen T-Bana.

Stadshagen
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Fredhäll

Visitors to Fredhäll like its restaurants and shopping, and Stockholm Outback is a sight worth a stop.

Fredhäll
Clarion Hotel Amaranten

Clarion Hotel Amaranten

4 out of 5
Kungsholmsgatan 31, Stockholm
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,670 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,670
P8,591 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,712 reviews)
"Great breakfast"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20

3 out of 5
St Eriksgatan 20, Stockholm, Stockholm
The price is P4,487 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P4,487
P5,026 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,480 reviews)
"All around excellent."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen

4 out of 5
Rålambshovsleden 50, Stockholm
The price is P7,860 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P7,860
P8,804 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"A very nice place to stay. Has everything you need."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad

ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad

3 out of 5
Hammarby Fabriksväg 93, Stockholm
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,200 reviews)
"Very nice area, nature and residential combined. Easy to get around by public transport. Apartment itself clean and functional! It’s a place to recommend in Stockholm!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

ApartDirect Hammarby Sjöstad
Biz Apartment Bromma

Biz Apartment Bromma

3.5 out of 5
Köpsvängen 18, Bromma, Stockholm
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bromma. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (558 reviews)
"Easy access to commuter rail and shopping centre/ grocery shop very close by. Staff were lovely and helpful and the room was big and clean with heated floors in the bathroom and a nice modern TV. Window overlooked planes at Bromma airport without being loud. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Biz Apartment Bromma
Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel

Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel

3.5 out of 5
13 Heliosgatan, Stockholm, Stockholms län
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Stockholm. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (471 reviews)
"Love this place!!!!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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