Lidingö: Nature, Culture and Paths by the Water

On Lidingö, coastal paths, nature reserves and cultural sites can all be part of your travel plans. Options range from a nine-kilometre route through a nature reserve to a nature trail about 600 metres long; there are also museums, historic sites and activities by the water. When planning your stay, you can decide whether hiking, culture or a combination of the two should take centre stage.

Hiking between the coast and nature

The Elfviksleden runs for nine kilometres from Lidingö Centrum to Elfviks udde, passing through the Långängen–Elfvik Nature Reserve. Elfviks gård is also located within this nature reserve. The farm offers a working farm and a park by the sea; visitors can see goats, chickens, rabbits, sheep and horses there.

The Kappsta Nature Reserve offers a different landscape: it is a deciduous woodland clearing with botanical features and a rocky coastline along Lilla Värtan. Kilometres of hiking trails run along the coast of Lidingö, and swimming is possible at several spots. Kottlasjön is also part of the Långängen–Elfvik Nature Reserve.

For a shorter nature trail, there is Naturstigen: it is about 600 metres long, opened in 2007 and winds through a lush grove rich in plant species. By comparison, Elfviksleden is nine kilometres long. These distances help put the different route lengths in perspective when planning.

Cultural sites and history

Lidingö kyrka is the oldest surviving building on Lidingö. The present church was built in 1623 on the site believed to have been occupied by a small medieval wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, Sankta Anna. Lidingö Museum has a permanent exhibition on the island’s development from 8000 BC to the present day.

Millesgården brings together a museum and sculpture park. Carl and Olga Milles created the site as both a home and an artist’s studio. Another way to combine culture and local history on a walk is the cultural walk from Mölna to Gångsätra. It takes just under two hours at a normal pace and offers the chance to experience Skärsätra gård. Fruit wine was produced at this farm in the early 20th century.

Elfviks gård is also the setting for a recurring cultural event: the Lidingö Hembygdsförening holds an annual Bellmansfest there. Alongside museums and historic buildings, the island’s programme also features living traditions.

Activities by the water and throughout the year

The Lidingöloppet has been held on Lidingö every year on the last weekend of September since 1965. Its 30-kilometre course combines flat meadows and gravel paths with uphill trails and steep climbs. The classic 30-kilometre course is open for training around the clock; the final ten-kilometre section is lit daily until 10 pm. Check the course details before taking part.

A waterside walking trail runs along the southern shore of Kyrkviken. Gåshaga has a waterfront promenade with swimming spots. Below Ekholmsnäsbacken, Lidingö’s ski slope, there is a jetty with two meeting points and views of Kyrkviken that are suitable for birdwatching. Sweden’s longest natural toboggan run is also next to the ski slope.

Getting around Lidingö

Lidingöbanan and a commuter boat service are useful for travelling to and around the island. Lidingöbanan is a train line in the south of the island and runs between Ropsten and Gåshaga. The commuter boat service provides connections to and from Lidingö. These transport options complement the range of activities, from longer hiking routes and cultural sites to paths and meeting points by the water.

For the broader travel overview: Lidingö.