Stockholm and Sörmland
7 nights from €2599
5Explore Sweden's capital city and the Stone Age region of Sörmland.
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This is a round-trip Bike Tour from Stockholm through Södermanland, or locally Sörmland meaning Land of the Southern Men. Södermanland is one of Sweden's 25 provinces, and its terrain is mostly flat with lots of surrounding waters. Södermanland sits between the Baltic Sea to the southeast and Lake Mälaren to the north, so this tour ventures to the graveyards of ships, runic stones, cliff drawings, country churches, and more unforgettable sites! Add to that Janson’s temptation, Smörgåsbord style meals, and the famous lingonberries! Long days, short nights, forests, lots of lakes, green meadows, and scenic flora and fauna all add to the fairytale-like atmosphere of this region.
Daily Program
Please note an English speaking tour cannot be guaranteed on all departure dates. Please inquire before booking.
Day 1: Arrival
Your hotel room in Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan, will be available at 2:00pm. Guests who have arrived by 4:00pm will be treated to a sightseeing walking tour of the old town, situated on Stadsholmen island, which is completely surrounded by water, exuding a special flair. We will visit the Vasa Museum, in which the almost completely preserved battleship Vasa which sunk in 1628 is on display, among other things. You will have the evening at your own disposal. There are a number of attractive restaurants to be found in close proximity to the hotel. In the evening, Stockholm comes to life and invites one to linger.
Overnight in Stockholm
Day 2: Stockholm – Södertälje
35 miles/56 km
Our bike tour starts in the morning outside the hotel. Stockholm is spread over 14 islands; about 30% of the city is covered with water. The fascinating mixture of water and land will accompany us through our tour.
The cycle routing in Stockholm and in the country is impressive. We enjoy our ride through this pleasant metropolis and will arrive at the gorgeous Drottningholm baroque castle, the principal residence of the Swedish royal family. It is a striking symbol of the might of the former Swedish dynasties.
After visiting the North wing our route then takes us across bridges to little islands in Lake Mälar, the country’s third-largest lake. Along a varied route, every now and then passing by baroque castles, we reach Södertälje.
Overnight in Södertälje
Day 3: Södertälje – Trosa
36 miles/57 km
Soon after leaving Södertälje we reach the Södermansland (the land of the Southern men). Its scenic landscape has become a place of longing to many Sweden lovers, especially since the filming of Inga Lindström’s books. Wonderfully situated between Lake Mälar and the Baltic Sea, the area, historically favored by the nobility, shows about 400 manor houses and small castles. Past lakes, dense forests and small islands, our route leads to the lovely 12th-century country church of Old Trosa. The Swedes call Trosa, the smallest city of the country, "the end of the world." It is located at the stream Trosaan.
Overnight in Trosa
Day 4: Trosa – Katrineholm
25 miles/40 km
Over the next few days, we will traverse the heartland of Södermanlands. The last ice age left its marks: the landscape is smoothed, high-piled, flattened, shaped. Our route is a wild beauty, peppered with the typical red and ocher-colored frame houses. You will enjoy the landscape.
In Gnesta we swap our bikes for the train and will reach Katrineholm (named after the duchess Catharina Gyllenhorn) in about 30 minutes. We use the oldest and most important railway track of Sweden. A short ride on our bikes takes us to our destination for two nights, the Dufweholms Herrgard, one of Sweden's Historic Hotels. Located directly at the lakeside, the estate invites us for a swim, a visit to the sauna, and pleasant relaxation in the stylish lounge. A remarkable cuisine and a well-sorted wine cellar add to our well-being.
Overnight in Katrineholm
Day 5: Excursion Floda Kyrka
25 miles/40 km
Along small trails we enjoy the calm and solitude of nearly unspoiled nature. With some luck we will catch sight of one of the thousands of elks or even of the nowadays rare ospreys. Shortly before our lunch break we reach Floda Kyrka. In the former rural community, this sacred building impresses with its size and its splendid liturgical frescoes of the 15th century. Clerically, it belongs to the diocese of Stärgnäs of the so-called Swedish Church, the country's largest denomination.
In the afternoon, we take the train back to Katrineholm. Before dinner there is still enough time for a refreshing swim in the lake or a relaxing sauna session.
Overnight in Katrineholm
Day 6: Katrineholm – Mariefred
34 miles/53 km
In the morning a shuttle bus takes us to Sundbyholm. Near the village we will see a Sigurd carving of unusual dimensions: Sigurdristning, depicting a central event of the Völsunga saga. This variety of the Nibelungenlied was one of the major sources of inspiration to Richard Wagner for his monumental opera cycle.
From here our route leads to Strängnäs, site of a famous cathedral and the stage for important events in Swedish history. Gustav Wasa was elected king in 1523 before he led Sweden out of the Kalmar Union to independence. Before reaching our destination, we behold the imposing Gripsholm Castle, sturdily built on a peninsula. Mariefred, a charming little town of wooden houses and crooked lanes, is located at the Gripsholm bay of Lake Mälar.
Overnight in Mariefred
Day 7: Mariefred – Stockholm
19 miles/29 km
In the morning we visit Gripsholm Castle, one of the ten Swedish royal palaces. Built in the 16th century by Gustav Vasa, this impressive building already fascinated the German author and fighter for democracy, Kurt Tucholsky. It inspired him to one of his major and best-known novels: Castle Gripsholm. We cycle past his grave along lake Mälar to Taxinge, a lovely property, popular above all for its tempting cake buffet. Then we enjoy the last kilometers of our bike tour. From Nykvarn the train takes us in about 30 minutes back to Stockholm where the hotel and our farewell dinner await us.
Overnight in Stockholm
Day 8: Stockholm and departure
After breakfast, you will have enough time for an individual walk through Gamla Stan. The Arlanda airport can be reached by train or bus in 20 or 45 minutes from the main train station in Stockholm (not included in the tour price.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
Stockholm: Hotel Reisen
Södertälje: Hotel Torpa Pensionat
Trosa: Trosa Stadshotell & Spa
Katrineholm: Dufweholms Herrgard
Mariefred: Gripsholms Värdshus
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Bikes available on this tour and included in the tour costs (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):
- Standard touring bikes
Bikes available on this tour at an additional cost (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):
- Electrically assisted bikes (limited availability, upon request)*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Waterproof double-sided pannier
- Rotalis waterbottle souvenir
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmet rental is not available on this tour. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
Beautiful routing in almost virgin nature with enjoyable rides on natural roads and paths. Mostly flat terrain mixed with some climbs on the second and fourth day. Two short stretches exposed to medium traffic into towns.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Stockholm-Arlanda
Nearest train station: Stockholm
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Cheryl Camp
Best Trip Ever!
This was a trip of lifetime! The Trip Leader was very kind, caring and conscientious. His colleague also provided outstanding support and assistance throughout the trip. The riding was beautiful, safe and an excellent pace. The bikes, hotels, food and historical and cultural tours/visits were all beyond excellent!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15-20
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Gary Palmatier
Fantastic bike tour through the Swedish countryside
Very knowledgeable and experienced tour guide. However it would have been more enjoyable to have had the opportunity to spend more time exploring two of the villages. Maybe a two night stay in both Trosa and Mariefred. The tour of Gripsholm Castle was hurried and disappointed that two of the churches we stopped at during our ride weren’t open! Overall a wonderful time! Dieter and Michele were both very accommodating and nice.
- ★★★★★ Cheryl Shanaghan
Sweden
Dieter and McKaela were fantastic. They ensured a flawless week. From bag service to roadside picnics to history lessons, they absolutely knocked it out of the park.
My only suggestion is we had fish and small potatoes 4 mights in a row. It was disappointing not being able to select our entree at dinner. Even 2-3 choices would've been acceptable and we could've provided this in advance.
We cannot say enough good things about the trip...absolutely fantastic!!- What was the date of your tour?
- July/August 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Pam Crespi
Wonderful Trip
This tour through central Sweden was unbelievably perfect. This is an exceptional bike tour company. E-bikes, scenic route, hotels, and support were all first class. Tour guides were very knowledgeable and accommodating. Support from Bikes Tours in the US was great from start to finish. Highly recommend!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 28, 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- Over 20
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ BRAG
Beautiful scenery, quiet roads, a well-organized tour.
Our custom group tour of 20 was guided with most meals included and luggage transfer. Our bicycle tour guide, who biked with us each day, and his assistant were experienced, competent leaders, and paid close attention to every detail. Our bicycle guide had a good knowledge of Sweden's history and culture and provided us with information along the route. The luggage van driver prepared 3 gourmet picnic lunches, some of the best ever on a bicycle tour. Our 2 guides went above and beyond keeping our group well-informed of each day's activities and on schedule. We enjoyed having both guides join us for dinner. We were met by a local tour leader for 2 castle tours and an excellent harbor tour of Stockholm was organized at the end of the bicycle tour. The guest houses in the countryside were lovely 4* accommodations. The food was excellent and well presented. The routes were safe on secondary roads and paved bicycle paths for the most part, with some roads gravel and packed dirt. If I could have changed anything, it would be less gravel roads. Most of our group did not object. Seven riders in our group rode hybrid bicycles, others requested an electric assistant bicycle. The terrain was gently rolling with a few surprise short hills. Either way, it's a very pleasant ride with picturesque scenery. There were no complaints from our group on this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 3, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
More About This Tour
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