Things To Do
in Märsta

Märsta is a small town just north of Stockholm, well connected by rail and road, making it a convenient base for exploring both the city and the countryside. It combines a calm, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to urban sights and nature. The town centers around Märsta Centrum, the railway station, and historic sites such as Märsta kyrka.

In winter, cozy cafés and short trips to Stockholm’s cultural offerings are part of the charm of visiting Märsta.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Märsta's History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Märsta Church, a beautiful 12th-century building. The serene atmosphere allows for a peaceful morning reflection, while the fascinating architecture provides insight into the town's history. Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll around the scenic churchyard, adorned with ancient graves and lush greenery.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the nearby historical sites, including the old railway station that tells the story of Märsta's development. Consider taking a guided walking tour to soak in the rich local narratives and hidden gems of this charming town. As you explore, indulge in local delicacies at a café that captures the essence of Swedish pastries.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a family-owned restaurant offering traditional Swedish cuisine. The cozy atmosphere invites you to unwind after a busy day of exploration. End the evening by taking a leisurely stroll through the town center, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and vibrant local life.

day 2
Day Trip to Uppsala
morning
:

Travel to the nearby city of Uppsala, famous for its historic university and botanical garden. Begin your visit at Uppsala University, where you can admire the grand architecture and learn about its significance in Swedish history. Afterward, wander through the beautiful parks leading up to the botanical gardens for a refreshing start to your adventure.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring Uppsala Cathedral, a magnificent structure filled with intricate details and stunning stained glass. Take your time to absorb the history and perhaps have a quiet moment of reflection. Afterward, check out the local market for some unique handicrafts and fresh produce from the region.

evening
:

As darkness falls, treat yourself to a dinner in one of Uppsala's vibrant dining spots, experiencing some of the best contemporary Swedish cuisine. The lively atmosphere of the city in the evening creates a perfect backdrop for savouring the delicious flavors. To end your day, enjoy a stroll along the river Fyrisån, watching the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$3-5
🚂1-day public transport pass$7-12
🧀Milk or dairy product$2-3
🏨Budget hotel night$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Stockholm with easy train access
  • Calm, family-friendly town
  • Pleasant nature and lakes nearby
  • Good value for money compared to central Stockholm
  • Limited nightlife options within Märsta
  • Smaller selection of international dining locally
  • Need train to reach major sights in Stockholm
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Kan du hjälpa mig?" - Can you help me?
  • "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Märsta

Visit one of these nice places.

Märsta kyrka exterior

A historic brick church with a simple, elegant facade, especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.

Märsta train station viaduct

Industrial-heritage railway arches and tracks offer strong leading lines for urban photography.

Riverside and parks near Märsta

Relaxed waterfront trails with reeds, birds, and seasonal light reflections.

Culinary Guide

Food in Märsta

Swedish cuisine in Märsta centers on fresh, seasonal ingredients, traditional dishes, and the fika culture. Expect a mix of cozy cafés, casual eateries, and markets offering dairy, fish, berries, and breads.

Märsta Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar with lingonberries

Classic Swedish meatballs served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry sauce, commonly found in local bistros.

Must-Try!

Gravad lax with dill sauce

Cured salmon thinly sliced, typically served with mustard-dill sauce on crisp bread or potatoes.

Raggmunk

Potato pancakes often served with fried pork and lingonberries, a hearty option at local diners.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Märsta Centrum Farmers' Market (seasonal)

Seasonal market near Märsta Centrum offering local produce, berries, bread, and artisanal treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Märsta experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers; proximity to Stockholm moderates temperature fluctuations. Spring and autumn are mild with variable weather; be prepared for rain year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and public transport; punctuality is valued.

Fika culture

Take part in fika breaks; it's courteous to join a short coffee and pastry break with others.

Queueing and personal space

Wait in line and respect personal space in public places and on transit.

Safety Guide

Safety

As with most towns, stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas and use well-lit streets at night. Sweden has strong safety standards; emergency numbers are 112 for police, fire, and ambulance. Seek local advice if venturing into unfamiliar nature areas after dark.

Tipping in Märsta

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up at cafés and restaurants is common when service is good.

Payment Methods

Sweden widely uses debit/credit cards; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; many places may not accept cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming trees; great for city walks and nature photography, with occasional showers.

Summer

Long daylight hours, outdoor markets, and outdoor dining; warm but can be humid.

Autumn

Cooler temps and colorful foliage; pleasant for hikes and town strolls.

Winter

Short days, possible snow; cozy cafés and opportunities to photograph winter landscapes and city lights.

Nightlife Guide

Märsta at Night

Märsta offers a quiet nightlife scene centered around friendly cafés and casual bars in the town center. For more varied options, a short train ride to Stockholm provides a wide range of late-night venues, clubs, and live music.

Hiking in Märsta

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rosersberg Palace Park Trails

Historic grounds with trails and water features near Rosersberg, a short drive from Märsta.

Stora Lida nature reserve

Forest and wetland trails with wildlife viewing opportunities close to Märsta.

Airports

How to reach Märsta by plane.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Major international and domestic airport serving Märsta; reachable by car or bus in about 10-15 minutes.

Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)

Smaller city airport west of Stockholm; accessible by road and public transport.

Getting Around

Walkability

Märsta center is walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets; most services are within a short walk; longer trips require train or bus for faster travel to Stockholm.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with children, contributing to a safe, community-focused town feel.

Commuters

A portion of residents commute to Stockholm for work by Pendeltåg (commuter train).

Immigrant communities

Diverse residents contribute to cultural variety and food options.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular sport with local clubs and fields.

Ice hockey

Winter sport with community rinks and teams.

Cross-country skiing

Seasonal trails and equipment rental in colder months.

Transportation

Traffic

Stockholm-area traffic is well-supported by rail and bus networks; car traffic can be heavier during peak commuting times; parking is available around Märsta Centrum and stations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Märsta.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Märsta, vegetarians can find veggie dishes at most cafés and restaurants; look for veggie burgers, salads, and dairy-free options; inform staff about egg and dairy preferences.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is accessible via local clinics (vårdcentral) in Märsta; for more serious conditions, Stockholm-area hospitals are reachable by train in under an hour.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide