Lake Mälaren

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Shutterstock
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

Karlbergskanalen is surrounded by trees and green spaces. Much of the character of the northern shore is dependent of the park of the nearby Karlberg Palace and the recreational space surrounding it.

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
Default Image

Fredhäll

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

Fredhäll
Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
3 out of 5
St Eriksgatan 20, Stockholm, Stockholm
The price is P3,480 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
P3,480
P3,898 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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! (1,532 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Simple, clean, lovely and helpful staff and a place to buy food/drinks/essentials on site. Feels safe and is close to transport and nice local spots. The only thing I’d change would be a kettle for tea/coffee in the room!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Scandic GO, Sankt Eriksgatan 20
Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Clarion Hotel Amaranten
4 out of 5
Kungsholmsgatan 31, Stockholm
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,587 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P6,587
P7,377 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (2,745 reviews)
"Beautiful, excellent service, the train is 1min away. The buffet included breakfast was fenomenal. I definitely will come back."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Haymarket by Scandic
Haymarket by Scandic
4 out of 5
Hötorget 13-15, Stockholm
The price is P6,897 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P6,897
P7,724 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,925 reviews)
"Location is great and the staff was very nice. Food could be better"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Haymarket by Scandic
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.
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (431 reviews)
"Nice hotel in a good location, friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Unity Hammarby Sjöstad - A Studio Hotel
Biz Apartment Gärdet
Biz Apartment Gärdet
4 out of 5
Sandhamnsgatan 67, Stockholm
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,157 reviews)
"Comfortable and spacious, with a good bed and nice balcony. Close to public transport for easy access to the city and sightseeing destinations. Welcoming staff and smooth check-in was great. Only issue is the curtains are not proper block-out, so an eye mask is necessary in spring-summer if you ..."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Biz Apartment Gärdet
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (520 reviews)
"The rooms are nice and clean. It is hard to find the parking but it has one. The breakfast is a package that you took from the reception each morning."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Biz Apartment Bromma
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.

Popular places to visit