Stockholm’s autumn is a quiet kind of magic. The city’s parks and islands turn golden and red, the air gets crisp, and the low northern light makes everything feel calm and cinematic. Whether you’re strolling through central parks or taking a short trip into nearby nature reserves, there are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy the season. Here are some of the best places to see the autumn colors.
Djurgården
If you only visit one place for autumn colors, make it Djurgården. This large island is full of walking paths, forested areas, and views of the water. A popular route is the path around Djurgårdsbrunnsviken bay, where the trees reflect beautifully in the calm water. You can stop for coffee or lunch at Rosendals Trädgård (Rosendal Garden), a cozy garden café and farm shop. Djurgården is peaceful, spacious, and easy to explore on foot – perfect for a full autumn day outdoors.
Getting there: 10 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the tram 7 from Centralplan toward Waldemarsudde and get off at Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet (about 8 minutes). From there, you’re already on Djurgården and can start exploring the island’s paths immediately. Alternatively, take bus 67 from Kungsträdgården toward Blockhusudden.
Hagaparken
Just north of the city center, in the Solna district, Hagaparken is another local favorite. The park has several wide open lawns, large trees, and historical buildings like the Copper Tents (Koppartälten). It’s a great place for a walk, jog, or picnic, and there’s a café by the Copper Tents that is a perfect spot for a fika break. You’ll also find Haga Palace here, home to the Swedish Crown Princess and her family. It’s not open to the public, but the park itself is big and welcoming. In 2025 the spa hotel Hagastrand opened right in the park, where you can enjoy a hot sauna and then walk on straight down to the waterfront for a cold plonge among the autumn foliage.
Getting there: 25 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Mörby Centrum and get off at Universitetet (7 stops, about 10 minutes). From the station, walk north through Frescati for about 15 minutes, crossing the Brunnsviken bay bridge to reach the southern entrance of Hagaparken.
Långholmen
Långholmen is a small green island next to Södermalm. A walking path circles the island, offering views across the water toward Kungsholmen and Stockholm City Hall. The mix of water, forest, and city skyline makes it especially scenic in autumn. You can climb a few small hills for better views or stop at the Långholmen Wärdshus (Inn) for coffee or lunch. It’s an easy, quiet escape right in the middle of the city.
Getting there: 15 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward either Norsborg or Fruängen and get off at Hornstull (5 stops, about 7 minutes). Exit the station, turn right, and walk north toward Kungsholmen for about 8 minutes. Cross the bridge to Långholmen island and follow the circular path around the island.
Monteliusvägen
Tantolunden, also in Södermalm, is a large park that stretches down toward the water. The upper parts of the park have nice views, while the lower paths along Årstaviken bay are lined with trees that turn bright yellow and orange in autumn. Locals often come here for walks, jogging, or picnics. It’s lively in summer but calm and charming in autumn.
Getting there: 13 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward either Norsborg or Fruängen to Slussen (4 stops, about 5 minutes). From Slussen, walk west up the hill toward Mariaberget, following signs for Monteliusvägen. The scenic walkway begins near the top of the hill, about an 8-minute walk from the station.
Kungsträdgården
Kungsträdgården, or “King’s Garden,” is one of Stockholm’s most central parks, located right next to the shopping streets of Norrmalm. It’s small but lively, with rows of trees that turn deep yellow and orange in autumn. The park has plenty of benches and cafés nearby, making it an easy place to enjoy a break while watching the city go by. It’s especially nice on a sunny day when the leaves catch the light and reflect off the fountains.
Getting there: 10 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Exit the station on the Sergels Torg side and walk north along Hamngatan. Continue straight until you reach Kungsträdgården on your right. Alternatively, take the blue metro line (T-bana) one stop to Kungsträdgården station, which brings you directly to the park.
Tantolunden
Tantolunden, also in Södermalm, is a large park that stretches down toward the water. The upper parts of the park have nice views, while the lower paths along Årstaviken bay are lined with trees that turn bright yellow and orange in autumn. Locals often come here for walks, jogging, or picnics. It’s lively in summer but calm and charming in autumn.
Getting there: 11 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Norsborg or Fruängen and get off at Hornstull (4 stops, about 6 minutes). From Hornstull, walk south on Zinkens Väg for about 5 minutes. The park stretches south from here down toward Årstaviken bay.
Humlegården
Located in Östermalm, Humlegården is a central park surrounded by city life. It’s smaller than Djurgården or Hagaparken but very easy to reach. If you’re staying nearby, it’s a pleasant spot to sit under the trees, grab a takeaway coffee, and enjoy the golden leaves without leaving the city center.
Getting there: 12 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Mörby Centrum or Ropsten and get off at Östermalmstorg (1 stop, about 2 minutes). Exit the station and walk north up Birger Jarlsgatan for about 10 minutes. The park entrance is on your right at the intersection with Karlavägen.
Vitabergsparken
Vitabergsparken in Södermalm is a park built on a hill, with winding paths, trees, and open grassy areas. It’s a mix of lively and quiet corners, depending on where you go. From the top, you get a nice view of the surrounding neighborhood, and the white Sofia Church stands out beautifully against the autumn colors.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the green metro line (T-bana) toward Farsta, Hagsätra or Skarpnäck and get off at Skanstull (4 stops, about 6 minutes). From Skanstull, walk northwest up the hill along Ringvägen for about 14 minutes. Turn left on Vitabergsvägen to reach the park entrance, with the white Sofia Church visible at the top of the hill.
Observatorielunden
Just north of the main shopping street Drottninggatan, you’ll find Observatorielunden in Vasastan. It’s a small hilltop park with a bit of a secret feel – quiet paths, benches, and city views. It’s also one of the easiest places to reach if you’re already exploring central Stockholm.
Getting there: 10 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the green metro line (T-bana) toward either Alvik, Hässelby Strand to Rådmansgatan (2 stops, about 3 minutes). From there walk 7 minutes north on Sveavägen until you reach a park. Observatorielunden is just up the hill behind the park. You will see the distinct building of the orange colored City Library just below.
Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen
These two small islands sit between Djurgården and Gamla Stan. They’re connected by short bridges and surrounded by water views in every direction. The mix of trees, historic buildings, and boats makes the walk especially beautiful in autumn. It’s calm here, even though you’re only a short walk from the city center.
Getting there: 9 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the blue metro line (T-bana) toward Kungsträdgården and ride one stop (2 minutes). Exit at Kungsträdgården and walk east through the park toward the waterfront (about 7 minutes). Cross the Skeppsholmsbron bridge to reach Skeppsholmen island. Kastellholmen is connected to Skeppsholmen by a short walking bridge on the eastern side.
Tyresta Nationalpark
For a deeper nature experience, head about 20 km (12 miles) south of Stockholm to Tyresta National Park. The park has dense forests, small lakes, and several hiking trails. Here you’ll find Stockholm’s largest primeval forest. In autumn, it’s quiet and full of color, and you’ll see very few tourists. It’s easy to reach by bus from central Stockholm in about an hour.
Getting there: About 1 hour from Stockholm Central Station. Take the commuter train (pendeltåg) from the station Stockholm city (connected to the Central Station) towards Handen (4 stops, about 23 minutes). Change to bus 834 towards Tyresta By and get off at the final stop (11 stops, about 21 minutes). The bus will take you right to the main entrance of the park, and it’s also a 10 minute walk to Tyresta Village from there.
Skogskyrkogården
Skogskyrkogården, a UNESCO World Heritage cemetery south of the city, is peaceful and striking in autumn. The combination of tall pines, rolling hills, and open spaces creates a calm, reflective atmosphere. Many visitors come here not just for its architecture but also for its quiet natural beauty.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the green metro line (T-bana) toward Farsta Strand and get off at Skogskyrkogården station (8 stops, about 15 minutes). The station was specifically designed to serve the cemetery, and you’ll find yourself just a short walk from the main entrance immediately upon exiting. Follow the paths into this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Norra begravningsplatsen
In contrast to Skogskyrkogården’s minimalist design, Norra begravningsplatsen (The Northern Cemetery) in Solna has more traditional monuments and old trees. It’s an unexpectedly beautiful place for a walk, especially when the leaves start to fall. Many famous Swedes are buried here, including the inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel, author August Stringberg and actress Ingrid Bergman.
Getting there: 20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the green metro line (T-bana) toward Åkeshov or Hässelby Strand and get off at S:t Eriksplan (4 stops, about 6 minutes). Exit the station and walk along Torsgatan to the bus stop Karlbergsvägen. Take the inner city bus 3 towards Karolionska Sjukhuset and get off at the stop Karolinska Institutet Biomedicum (3 stops, about 4 minutes). Get off the bus and continue in the direction of the bus, along Solnavägen, for about 6 minutes. The cemetery’s southern entrance is at the intersection with Solnavägen.
Hellasgården and Nacka Naturreservat
If you’re looking for a proper hike but don’t want to go too far from the city, Hellasgården in Nacka Nature Reserve is a great choice. It’s about 15 minutes from the city by bus. You’ll find forest trails, lakes, and cafés where you can warm up afterward. The area is popular for hiking and running, and in autumn the trails are surrounded by golden birches and red maples.
Getting there: 25 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. Take the red metro line (T-bana) toward Mörby Centrum or Ropsten and get off at Slussen (2 stops, about 3 minutes). From Slussen, take bus 401 toward Älta and get off at Hellasgården (about 15 minutes, 9 stops). Cross the road in the under passage and you will be right at the nature reserve trails and café.
