Things To Do
in Ekerö
Ekerö is a cluster of islands and a municipality in Lake Mälaren just west of central Stockholm, known for its quiet rural landscapes and proximity to the Swedish capital. It is home to the UNESCO-listed Drottningholm Palace and well-preserved Viking-age sites on Adelsö. The area combines lakeside scenery, deciduous forests and agricultural land, offering easy access to boating, cycling and nature trails.
Ekerö is popular with commuters, families and visitors seeking a low-key cultural escape from Stockholm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in Ekerö's lush nature reserves, such as the beautiful Ekerö Nature Reserve. The scent of pine and the sound of chirping birds will rejuvenate your spirit. Capture stunning views of Lake Mälaren before heading to your next adventure.
After lunch at a local café, visit the iconic Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its stunning gardens and grand architecture. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about the royal history and the artistic treasures inside. Spend some time in the palace gardens, where you can relax and appreciate the serene environment.
As the sun begins to set, treat yourself to a traditional Swedish dinner at a nearby restaurant, indulging in local delicacies. Enjoy the warm ambiance and perhaps share some stories with friendly locals. Wind down your evening with a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, watching the sky transform in vibrant colors.
Visit the Ekerö Museum to dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Browse through various exhibits and learn about the traditions and folk stories of Ekerö's past. Don’t forget to check the museum's schedule for any workshops or special events.
After your cultural exploration, have a light lunch in the museum café or nearby eateries, savoring locally-sourced ingredients. Next, take a bike ride through the scenic paths of Ekerö, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque landscapes along the way. Stop at art installations scattered throughout the area to appreciate local artistry in a tranquil setting.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for a cozy dinner at a lakeside bistro. As you dine, enjoy the view of the calm waters lapping against the shore and the light fading behind the trees. Post-dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening by the fire pit if available, sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry (fika) | $4-7 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket (Stockholm region) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant) | $7-10 |
| 🚕Taxi start / per km | $6 start / $1-2 per km |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Stockholm while offering peaceful island landscapes and water views
- Rich cultural attractions such as Drottningholm Palace and Viking-era sites
- Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities—cycling, boating, hiking
- Low crime, clean environment and strong public services
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with central Stockholm
- Many attractions are seasonal and some services close in winter
- Public transport is decent but less frequent in evenings and on weekends
- Car or bike often needed to fully explore more remote spots
- "Hej" - Hi / Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "Ursäkta, var ligger ...?" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Jag är vegetarian" - I am a vegetarian
Places to Visit in Ekerö
Visit one of these nice places.
UNESCO-listed palace with ornate architecture, formal gardens and theatre—excellent for wide-angle shots, details and sunset reflections over the water.
Calm Mälaren waters, reedbeds and small piers create classic Scandinavian landscape photos, especially at dawn and dusk.
Viking burial mounds, runestones and open farmland provide historic context and panoramic countryside vistas.
Boats, wooden jetties and reflections—great for maritime detail shots and atmospheric blue-hour images.
Seasonal light through trees, mushrooms in autumn and snow-laden branches in winter offer intimate nature photography opportunities.
Food in Ekerö
Ekerö Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured salmon seasoned with dill and served with mustard-dill sauce; commonly found at local restaurants and cafés, and often featured at markets.
Must-Try!
A variety of pickled herring preparations (mustard, onion, dill) served on crispbread—classic at traditional eateries and seasonal smörgåsbords.
A Swedish seafood starter with prawns, mayonnaise and dill on toasted bread—popular in bistros near the lake.
A must-have for fika: sweet, fragrant and available at nearly every café, baker and market stall.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets and occasional farmer’s markets (spring–autumn) where you can buy cheeses, breads, smoked fish and preserves—check municipal listings for dates.
For a wider selection drive or take public transport to Stockholm markets like Östermalm Saluhall for high-quality Swedish delicacies and specialty producers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swedes value punctuality — arrive on time for tours, meetings and reservations.
Respect personal space and keep voices moderate in public places; avoid loud phone calls on public transport.
Form an orderly queue and wait your turn—cutting in line is frowned upon.
Follow recycling rules and sort waste carefully; many places have well-marked bins and expect visitors to participate.
In private homes you may be asked to remove shoes; follow the host’s cue and bring clean socks.
Safety
Tipping in Ekerö
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. Taxi drivers and small service staff may receive a small tip for help with luggage.
Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted and often preferred; contactless tap and mobile payment via Swish are ubiquitous. Carry a small amount of cash for very small purchases, but cash is seldom required.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), many seasonal cafés and boat services operate; ideal for cycling, swimming and boating. Expect busy weekends and book popular activities in advance.
Cooler, crisp air and bright fall colors make hiking and photography rewarding; some services reduce hours and daylight shortens—bring layers and waterproofs.
Cold with snow and ice possible (temperatures often around -5°C to 0°C); quieter with limited tourist services, but good for cross-country skiing and dramatic winter landscapes—watch for icy paths.
Nature awakens with budding leaves and bird migration; variable weather (muddy trails some weeks), quieter tourism and the start of farmers’ market season.
Ekerö at Night
Hiking in Ekerö
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Looped paths around lake shores and through woodlands near Drottningholm—easy to moderate walks with varied scenery and birdlife.
Trails linking Viking-age sites, burial mounds and open farmland with good views across Mälaren—rich in history and low-traffic footpaths.
A longer lakeside circuit with mixed forest, meadows and sheltered bays; suitable for a half-day hike or combined bike route.
Scattered trails and hides for nature observation, especially productive for spring migration and autumn birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Ekerö by plane.
Closest for domestic and some regional flights (approx. 15–25 km from Ekerö); convenient if flying within Sweden with relatively short drive or bus links.
Main international airport (approx. 40–60 km from Ekerö); good public transport and road connections to central Stockholm, then onward by local bus or car to Ekerö.
Low-cost carrier airports located farther away (1–1.5+ hours by road); economical option but expect a longer transfer to Ekerö.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to Stockholm for work; the area attracts families seeking space, good schools and access to nature.
Ekerö is favored by retirees and people with second homes who value the peaceful, scenic environment.
Long-established farming and small-town communities maintain local cultural traditions and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Given the island geography and calm lakes, sailing, rowing and small-boat sports are very popular in summer.
In cold winters locals enjoy skating on prepared rinks and cross-country skiing on forest trails when snow conditions allow.
Local clubs and youth teams play football (soccer) and floorball, common community sports across Sweden.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ekerö.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, grain bowls, vegetable dishes); request 'vegetarisk' when ordering and many places will adapt plates.
Vegan options are increasingly offered, especially in cafés; gluten-free ('glutenfritt') breads and cakes are common but always confirm with staff if you have celiac disease.
Staff are used to dietary requests; use simple Swedish phrases or show written notes about your allergy. Most places can accommodate fish/dairy-free needs with advance notice.