Lidingö: Nature Trails, Coast and Culture

Explore Lidingö along its trails: they lead through forests and open landscapes, along the coast and to places with a long history. In the Långängen–Elfvik Nature Reserve, the area stretches from Mölna in the south to Södergarn and Elfviks udde in the north. Forests, lakes, coastal areas, grassland and farmland shape the landscape. Sticklinge also brings together forest, coast and grassland; trails there lead through forests rich in berries and mushrooms.

Nature, Water and Trails

The Långängen–Elfvik area has popular swimming spots, barbecue areas, wind shelters and exercise trails. Kappsta offers a different experience: an easy walking trail leads to a picnic area and sunny rocks overlooking the sea. Beavers, amphibians, various bird species, insects and bats live at Kottlasjön, a kettle lake covering about 24 hectares with a maximum depth of just over seven metres.

Lidingö has more than 150 kilometres of exercise trails and paths for walking, cycling or horseback riding. The nine-kilometre Elfviksleden runs from Lidingö Centrum to Elfviks udde. Along the way, the surroundings shift between urban areas, parks, farmland, forest and archipelago landscape. The six-kilometre paved Hälsans stig loop is close to the centre. It has no steep climbs or stairs and is suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. For mountain biking, there is a 5.5-kilometre trail in the Stockby/Långängen area and a varied 8.5-kilometre trail on Elfvikslandet.

Cultural Walks and History

The cultural walks combine exercise with insights into the local area; at a normal pace, they take just under two hours. Their themes range from traces of early settlement to art and recent history. The Dalängen–Grönsta loop passes a runestone, a burial ground, Sweden’s first allotment-cottage area, a monument to the Lidingöloppet and an aircraft hangar. The Bo–Askrike runic slab was discovered in 1984 and probably dates from the 11th century. It is Lidingö’s second known runic inscription. The Bo–Askrike burial ground includes about fifty graves and a runic inscription on a rock slab.

The Mölna–Gångsätra trail passes through Mölna, the earliest place on Lidingö to be mentioned in writing, known for its extensive mill operations. Other stops include Skärsätra gård, where fruit wine was produced in the early 20th century, and a monument on the foundations of the summer house belonging to Raoul Wallenberg’s grandparents. The Larsberg–Baggeby cultural walk passes through Ekbacken, offers views of the entrance to Stockholm and passes the monument to the victims of the Estonia disaster, as well as sculptures along the route.

Individual visits also offer a glimpse into history: Lidingö Church was built in 1623 and is the oldest surviving building on the island. Lidingö Museum regularly hosts lectures, themed exhibitions and guided tours about Lidingö’s development. Its permanent exhibition spans from 8000 BC to the present day. Millesgården combines a large sculpture park with the home of artists Carl and Olga Milles and a museum with changing exhibitions. On the terraces, you can stroll among Carl Milles’s sculptures and fountains and enjoy views of Stockholm Bay.

Swimming Spots, Farms and Activities on the Water

Fågelöuddebadet has a long sandy beach, a diving tower, swings, a climbing frame, a barbecue area, a cafeteria and toilets. At Hustegaholm, private individuals, schools and associations can rent canoes and kayaks; availability may change. Lidingö Surfcenter gives residents and the general public the opportunity to try windsurfing. Check what is currently available before your visit.

On Elfvik, you can visit a working farm. Sheep, horses and small animals graze on the fields along Elfviksvägen in summer. Walking trails run around the farm and along the water. The bistro at Elfviks gård serves homemade soups, salads, open sandwiches and freshly baked fika pastries. The farm shop sells cream cheese, salad cheese and cheesecake; the farm’s own lamb sausage is available occasionally. Långängens gård was established towards the end of the 18th century. The fields around the farm are part of the Långängen–Elfvik Nature Reserve; you can have lunch there in a historic setting. Opening hours and offerings at the farms may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.

Getting There and Planning

From central Stockholm, you can reach Lidingö by taking the red metro line to Ropsten and then the Lidingöbanan. Alternatively, a commuter ferry departs from Nybrokajen. Bus 204 runs from Ropsten to the Fågelöuddebadet swimming area, stopping at Fågelöuddevägen; from there, it is another 10 to 15 minutes on foot. At certain times, bus 211 goes directly to the swimming area’s car park. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The Lidingöloppet can also be a reason to plan the timing of your visit: it has been held on Lidingö every year on the last weekend of September since 1965. The main race is 30,250 metres long and runs from Koltorps gärde to Grönsta gärde. When planning your hotel stay, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: longer trails, cultural walks, swimming spots or activities on the water each offer a different way to experience the island.

Discover more destinations: Lidingö, Sundbyberg, Ekerö, Järfälla, Norrtälje, Österåker, Vallentuna, Danderyd

See the main travel overview: Stockholm.