The best walks and hikes around Mälaren
4.6
(2325)
21,417
hikers
44
hikes
Hiking around Mälaren offers diverse landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, open meadows, and coastal archipelago environments. The region features numerous islands with dedicated trails, providing varied perspectives of the lake. Nature reserves protect pristine areas, while ancient forests and wetlands are accessible from nearby cities. This area combines natural beauty with historical and cultural points of interest, including palaces and Viking sites.
Best hiking trails around Mälaren
- The most popular hiking route is Kungsholmen Loop, a 5.8 miles (9.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 27 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers urban waterfront views around the island of Kungsholmen.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Eldgarnsöleden - Eldgarnsö Nature Reserve, an easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) path. This trail leads through open meadows and ancient oaks with continuous views of Lake Mälaren.
- Local hikers also love the Stora Essingen Runt Trail, a 2.4 miles (3.9 km) trail leading through tranquil waterfront areas, often completed in about 1 hour 2 minutes.
- Hiking around Mälaren is defined by diverse terrain, island trails, and nature reserves, offering a mix of natural environments. The network provides options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate treks.
- The routes in Mälaren are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 140 reviews. More than 1300 hikers have used komoot to explore Mälaren's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.7
(15)
167
hikers
9.40km
02:27
50m
50m
Hike the 5.8-mile (9.4 km) Path of Health loop around Kungsholmen, offering waterside views and Stockholm skyline vistas.
4.7
(9)
67
hikers
6.38km
01:38
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
8
hikers
4.28km
01:08
40m
40m
Explore Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan on this easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) city hike, winding through cobbled streets and past iconic landmarks.
5.0
(4)
20
hikers
3.86km
01:02
50m
50m
Easy 2.4-mile hike around Stora Essingen island, offering tranquil waterfront views of Lake Mälaren and an urban archipelago feel.
4.9
(8)
104
hikers
10.5km
02:50
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Along the coast of Stora Essingen you’ll find a charming wooden walkway that runs right along the water’s edge. Walking beneath the shoreline gives a unique perspective, with gentle waves beside you and great views across the water.
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One of the best parts op Stora Essingen is the green section through Broparken. The path brings you right into a quiet stretch of nature, and as you continue, the trees open up to a wide view over the water.
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Around Stora Essingen you’ll find charming wooden bridges and walking paths that lead you right along the water. It’s a beautiful small island to explore in any season.
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Västerlånggatan is one of the oldest streets in Gamla Stan, lined with colourful façades. The mix of medieval foundations and 17th–18th century buildings gives it a lively, historic charm.
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Along Västerlånggatan you’ll find a small, character-filled gallery that fits perfectly into the historic charm of Gamla Stan. Housed in one of the street’s classic façades, it blends old-town architecture with modern art.
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Eldgarnsö Nature Reserve offers a wonderfully peaceful loop around the island, with open meadows, ancient oaks, and constant views of Lake Mälaren — perfect for a slow, scenic walk in classic Swedish countryside. This information point lies at the entrance and provides helpful information such as toilet and rest place coordinates as well as a detailed map of the hiking trail. You will also find parking spaces here.
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View over the water
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Ships in the harbor
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Mälaren?
There are over 50 hiking routes around Mälaren, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide range from easy strolls to more moderate treks, with 36 routes classified as easy and 16 as moderate.
Are there family-friendly hiking options around Mälaren?
Yes, Mälaren offers many family-friendly hiking options, particularly easy trails suitable for all ages. For example, the Eldgarnsöleden - Eldgarnsö Nature Reserve is an easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) path through open meadows with continuous lake views, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking around Mälaren?
Hiking around Mälaren offers a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect to encounter lush forests, rolling hills, open meadows, and unique coastal archipelago environments. Many trails are located on islands, providing distinct perspectives of the lake and its surroundings.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Mälaren?
Yes, Mälaren features several circular hiking routes. These trails are ideal for experiencing varied scenery without retracing your steps. The Stora Essingen Runt Trail is a popular 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop offering tranquil waterfront views, providing an 'urban archipelago' feel.
What historical sites or attractions can I explore while hiking in the Mälaren region?
The Mälaren region is rich in history, and many hiking routes pass by significant attractions. You can visit impressive castles like Gripsholm Castle or explore the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace Stockholm. Some trails also lead to ancient sites, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Is it possible to access hiking trails around Mälaren using public transport?
Yes, many hiking trails around Mälaren are accessible via public transport, especially those closer to cities like Stockholm, Västerås, and Uppsala. For example, trails within Ekoparken in Stockholm can be reached directly from the city center, allowing for extensive walking tours.
Are there dog-friendly hiking trails around Lake Mälaren?
Many trails around Lake Mälaren are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock. Always check local regulations for specific trails before heading out with your dog.
What is the best time of year to hike around Mälaren?
The best time to hike around Mälaren is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Autumn offers particularly beautiful views with changing foliage.
Are there any urban hiking experiences available in the Mälaren area?
Yes, you can enjoy urban hiking experiences within the Mälaren area. For instance, the Stockholm city hike around Gamla Stan offers a blend of history and gentle walking through cobbled streets and past iconic landmarks. The Kungsholmen Loop also provides urban waterfront views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Mälaren?
The Mälaren area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, the continuous views of Lake Mälaren, and the unique combination of natural beauty with historical and cultural points of interest.
Are there places to eat or stay near the hiking trails?
While specific cafes, pubs, or accommodations vary by trail, many routes around Mälaren are accessible from nearby towns and cities like Stockholm, Västerås, and Uppsala, where you'll find a range of amenities. Some nature reserves or popular trailheads may also have facilities or be close to small villages with services.
Most popular routes around Mälaren
Most popular attractions around Mälaren
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