Ekerö Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally stunning Ekerö in Sweden. Discover the best places to visit, what to do, where to stay, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ekerö

Ekerö is a small municipality located in Stockholm County, Svealand, Sweden. It is situated on the island of Ekerö, surrounded by Lake Mälaren, which offers stunning natural beauty. The municipality is rich in cultural heritage, as it was home to the Vikings and has several museums offering a glimpse of its past. It is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience Nordic culture and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Ekerö

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ekerö Gamla Kyrka: A 12th-century church that is rich in history and charming architecture.
  • Viking City of Birka: An open-air museum that takes visitors back in time to the Viking era with its recreated Viking village and exhibits.
  • Adelsö Church: A church that dates back to the 12th century, and is popular for its beautiful frescoes and fantastic architecture.
  • Drottningholm Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace has gorgeous 17th-century architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Färingsö Hembygdsgård: A local museum that showcases the traditional way of life in Ekerö.

Natural Attractions of Ekerö: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mälarhöjden: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics, with a beautiful view of Lake Mälaren.
  • Skåvsjöholm: A nature reserve with hiking trails lined with beech trees, offering a stunning view of Lake Mälaren.
  • Ekerö Golf Club: A beautifully maintained golf course that caters to all levels of golfers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ekerö

  • Skramsterrängen: A 12 km hiking trail around Skramsta Lake, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings.
  • Ekeröleden: A cycling route that takes visitors along the lake and through the countryside, offering breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Ekerö: Activities and Tours

  • Viking Adventure Tour: An immersive tour that takes visitors to Viking-era sites and museums, as well as an interactive Viking village.
  • Paddleboard Yoga: A unique and relaxing activity that blends yoga with paddleboarding on the beautiful waters of Lake Mälaren.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ekerö

Day Activities
1 Visit Drottningholm Palace and Gardens, enjoy a sunset picnic at Lake Mälaren
2 Hike Skramsterrängen, visit Adelsö Church and explore the Viking City of Birka
3 Enjoy a Viking Adventure Tour, visit Ekerö Gamla Kyrka
4 Cycle along the Ekeröleden, visit Färingsö Hembygdsgård, have lunch at a local restaurant
5 Visit Skåvsjöholm nature reserve, paddleboard yoga experience
6 Explore the town of Ekerö, visit the local market and souvenir shops, have lunch at a local café
7 Play a round of golf at Ekerö Golf Club, lake activities, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant

Food and Drink Scene of Ekerö

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meatballs with lingonberry sauce
  • Gravlax - cured salmon with dill
  • Smörgåsbord - a traditional Nordic buffet

Local Beverages

  • Schnapps - a local strong liquor usually served with herring
  • Glögg - a warm mulled wine served during Christmas

Where to Stay in Ekerö: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Ekerö Värdshus: A cozy and traditional inn situated on the waterfront, offering beautiful views of Lake Mälaren.
  • Krusenberg Herrgård: A luxurious manor house turned hotel, located in a beautiful park by the lakeside.
  • Scandic Victoria Tower: A stylish and modern hotel located in the nearby city of Kista, offering easy access to Ekerö and Stockholm.

What to Buy in Ekerö: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handcrafted Viking jewelry
  • Local honey and jams
  • Traditional Swedish textiles and handicrafts

Local Culture and Customs of Ekerö

  • Swedish culture values punctuality and respect of personal space.
  • It is customary to take off shoes when entering someone’s home in Sweden.
  • Tipping is not expected but appreciated if the service was exceptional.

Best Time to Visit Ekerö

The best time to visit Ekerö is during the summer months of May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the town offers many enjoyable activities and beautiful sights throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ekerö

Do:

  • Do try the local traditional cuisine.
  • Do take the time to explore the rich history of the town.
  • Do pack appropriate clothing for the outdoor activities and changing weather.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be late. Punctuality is highly valued in Swedish culture.
  • Don’t talk loudly or disturb the peace in public spaces.
  • Don’t litter or disrespect the public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ekerö

Ekerö is generally considered very safe for visitors, but it is always advisable to keep an eye on personal belongings while traveling. Crime rates are relatively low in Sweden, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas and public transportation.

Health in Ekerö

Healthcare facilities in Sweden are of a high standard, with both public and private hospitals available. Visitors from European Union countries can receive emergency medical treatment with their European Health Insurance Card.

Getting to Ekerö: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ekerö is easily accessible by public transportation from Stockholm city center.

Airports Near Ekerö

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport: 55 km from Ekerö
  • Stockholm Bromma Airport: 20 km from Ekerö

Bus Stations Near Ekerö

  • Ekerö bus station: serves all of Ekerö and surrounding areas with regular services.
  • Stockholm Central Bus Station: located in downtown Stockholm, with services to Ekerö.

Other Options

  • Taxi: readily available from any part of the city or the airport.
  • Rental car: easy to rent from Stockholm city center or Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

How to Get Around in Ekerö

Ekerö is a small municipality and easy to get around by rental car, foot, bike, or public transportation. Buses and trains connect Ekerö to nearby towns and cities, including Stockholm.

Where to Go Next from Ekerö: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stockholm: The Swedish capital is less than an hour away from Ekerö, offering a plethora of activities, sightseeing opportunities, and cultural experiences.
  • Mälaren Islands: Explore the numerous islands in Lake Mälaren, including Vaxholm, Sandhamn, and Grinda.

Conclusion

Ekerö is a hidden gem in Sweden, offering visitors a chance to experience Nordic heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Whether visitors are looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, Ekerö is sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

Ekerö consists of several islands, some of them within reach by road. Ekerö consists of several islands, some of them within reach by road. Reconstructed buildings at Birka Reconstructed buildings at Birka Drottningholm Palace Drottningholm Palace Ekebyhov is a hill with a great view of lake Mälaren, with Stockholm visible in the distance. Ekebyhov is a hill with a great view of lake Mälaren, with Stockholm visible in the distance. While Sweden's first urban settlements were built on the Ekerö islands before AD 1000, the town of Ekerö is very young, with most buildings from late 20th century. The town centre was designed by post-modern architect Ralph Erskine. While Sweden's first urban settlements were built on the Ekerö islands before AD 1000, the town of Ekerö is very young, with most buildings from late 20th century. The town centre was designed by post-modern architect Ralph Erskine.