Spring in Stockholm

Spring in Stockholm is a highly anticipated season, marked by the city’s revival after winter. The milder temperatures and longer days offer a fresh atmosphere, where nature reclaims its space. Parks, gardens, and streets begin to fill with vibrant colors as the first flowers bloom and trees bud.

It is the perfect time to explore the city on foot or by bike, enjoy the many green spaces like Djurgården Park, or stroll along the quays and lakes that surround the Swedish capital. Terrace cafes begin to reopen, and locals gather to enjoy a fika while soaking up the sunshine. Spring in Stockholm also means numerous outdoor events, such as concerts, flower festivals, and temporary exhibitions, making this season a prime time to discover the city in a new and energetic light.

It’s a perfect time to appreciate the balance between nature, culture, and conviviality that defines the Swedish capital.

Events not to miss in spring

• Between late February and mid-April: Vårsalongen (Spring Salon) is somewhat equivalent to the FIAC (International Contemporary Art Fair), and it is now organized by the Liljevalchs Museum in Djurgården. This exhibition is open to all artists, whether emerging or established, showcasing a wide variety of artistic styles and techniques, with a particular focus on Swedish artists. It serves as an important platform for emerging artists and a showcase for local talent. In 2025, it will run from February 14 to April 27.
• In the last two weeks of April: The Cherry Blossoms in Kungsträdgården (Royal Garden): It’s a bit of a tradition every year, though the exact dates vary. Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom in this urban garden, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the ephemeral beauty of this blossom. This event is especially popular among photography and nature enthusiasts. In 2025, a Japanese culture exhibition will take place in this garden on April 27.

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Credits: Mona Loose/imagebank.sweden.se

• April 30: Walpurgis (Valborg in Swedish) Valborg is one of the most iconic events of spring in Sweden. Swedes celebrate the last day of April with bonfires, songs, and gatherings in parks. In Stockholm, the celebrations mainly take place at Skansen, but you can also attend bonfires and concerts at other locations around the city.
• Late April to early May: Museum Night or Kulturnatt Museum Night is a much-anticipated event in Stockholm. The city's museums open their doors for free in the evening, with special activities, concerts, and temporary exhibitions. In 2025, it will take place on April 26.
• Early May: The first spring boats Tourist cruises in the Stockholm Archipelago start in May. This marks the beginning of the boat excursion season, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding islands and landscapes in a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Our practical tips for an enjoyable spring

1. stay Dress in light but warm layers

Spring in Stockholm can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying throughout the day. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so opt for light but sufficiently warm layers, like a sweater or light jacket. Also, be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella as spring showers are frequent.

2. Take advantage of the long days

In spring, the days become significantly longer, providing more time to explore the city. The sun sets around 8 or 9 pm, so you can easily enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Start early to visit iconic sites such as the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, or Djurgården Park, and end the day with an evening walk through the picturesque alleys of Gamla Stan.

3. Explore the green spaces and islands

Stockholm is a city made up of many islands, and in spring, they transform into true havens of peace. Don’t miss a visit to Djurgården Park, where you can relax among the blooming trees.

Credits: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se

The Stockholm Archipelago is also a perfect place for a boat excursion, particularly to islands like Fjäderholmarna, which are just a few minutes from downtown.

4. Taste the local cuisine

Spring is also a season when Swedish cuisine renews itself, with restaurants changing their menus. Take advantage of this time to taste the fresh seasonal products, such as local fish, asparagus, strawberries, and rhubarb. Visit local markets like Östermalm Saluhall or outdoor cafés to discover local specialties. Don’t miss trying a traditional fika, the Swedish coffee break, at one of the many charming cafés in the city.

5. Book outdoor activities

Spring is the ideal season to enjoy the many outdoor activities the city has to offer. Rent a bike and explore the city's bike paths or join a boat cruise on Lake Mälaren. I

f you enjoy hiking, head to the trails around the city or to the forested areas of Nacka and Tyresta, which are easily accessible from Stockholm.

6. Make sure to plan your cultural visits

Although spring offers pleasant weather, there can be a tourist influx, especially in May. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to book in advance for popular museums and to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the sites in a calmer atmosphere. For the ABBA museum, it’s highly recommended! Take advantage of the spring cultural events, such as music festivals, temporary exhibitions, or outdoor concerts.

7. Respect the local rhythm

Swedes love to make the most of every moment of sunshine in spring, which means café terraces are often full and the atmosphere is relaxed. Don't forget to embrace this tranquil vibe and adapt to the local rhythm. Take your time to stroll through the streets, enjoy the parks, and relax outdoor—that’s how you’ll truly discover the charm of Stockholm in spring.

Our 7 suggested guided tours in spring

The arrival of spring also marks the start of the real tourist season (from May to August), and a range of possibilities begins to expand with the rising temperatures and increasing daylight.

1. A guided city walk (between 1.5 and 6 hours)

Spring can sometimes be unpredictable, but, the temperatures allow for longer outdoor stays. So why not take the opportunity to go on a walk in the old town and learn about the city's history? If you’d like to expand the scope of your walk, we offer tours that explore both the old town and the modern city, as well as walks focusing on a specific neighborhood, such as Stockholm's bohemian district. If you want an even broader view of the city, we offer a walk to discover the different neighborhoods (available in 4-hour or 6-hour versions)

2. A bicycle tour to explore Stockholm in a more active way (3 or 4 hours)

We offer two versions available on our website: a 3-hour version focused on Djurgården Island and the modern city, and a 4-hour version that allows you to explore all the neighborhoods of the city. The second version is much more physically demanding, as Stockholm is far from being a flat city.

3. A themed tour of the city (3 or 4 hours)

If you are interested in design or architecture, we offer a tour that allows you to discover the city's iconic buildings while also learning about Scandinavian design.

If you're more interested in discovering Swedish society, traditions, and habits, our tour titled "Just Like a Swede" is perfect for that.

4. A food and gastronomy tour (2 to 6 hours)

As mentioned earlier, spring is a great time to explore Swedish cuisine, which is in full bloom during this season. If you have a sweet tooth, we offer pastry workshops, a tour to discover Swedish sweets, and a tour that combines a workshop and tasting. If you prefer savory food, we have cooking workshops that can also include a meal. If you want to combine pleasure with learning, we also offer a tour that combines sightseeing and tasting local specialties.

5. An excursion to Drottningholm Palace (2 hours)

Spring is also the perfect time to visit Drottningholm Palace, located 40 minutes from Stockholm, where the Swedish royal family currently resides and which is surrounded by greenery.

You can book the guided tour of this palace on our website, you can also take the opportunity to visit by boat starting from mid-May. Feel free to ask us for advice, and if you want to have a meal on the boat either on the way there or back, that is also possible. The boat ride lasts about an hour.

6. A guided tour of the open-air museum – Skansen (1.5 hours)

This open-air museum, which presents a sort of miniature Sweden, is perfect during the spring season. It combines nature and culture and is generally appealing to both young and old. After the guided tour, you can continue exploring the park on your own and perhaps have lunch (there are many places inside the park). In the spring, Skansen organizes events for Easter, Walpurgis, and even Norwegian National Day on May 17th, giving visitors the chance to discover the very important traditions in Sweden.

7. A multi-day tour program (from 1 day to a week)

If you are planning a spring trip and want to organize several days of sightseeing, we offer packaged programs that cover the must-see attractions of the city while allowing you to customize the tours to suit the tastes and preferences of your group. Feel free to contact us!