Day-trips from Stockholm - The Rough Guide to Sweden - page 90

VÄSTERÅS BEACHES AND BOAT TRIPS
Boats run from Färjkajen quay in the harbour, southwest of the train station to a string of small
islands in Lake Mälaren blessed with great beaches .
The closest is Östra Holmen , which is noted for its three excellent nudist beaches on the
southern shore. It's popular with locals who come here to enjoy the wide open views of Lake
Mälaren and to explore the island's undisturbed shoreline - an easy circular walk of around 2km.
Further south, much larger Ridön traces its history back to Viking times, and is today a
peaceful haven of forest, sheltered coves ideal for swimming . A country lane winds across the
centre of the island from west to east; there's a small café and wooden bell tower at the point
where this lane meets the path leading up from the ferry jetty.
Two other uninhabited islands, Almö-Lindö and tiny Skåpholmen are perfect for seekers
of total solitude. Almö-Lindö, which the boat reaches first, is the better bet since it's larger, has
more varied terrain and some good swimming beaches - though no facilities. Skåpholmen is
a skinny sliver of an island, again with no facilities.
Detailed ferry times can be found at W rederimalarstaden.se but generally boats sail several
times daily between late May and early September.

2

Parma ham and sage for around 225kr. Mon-Fri
11am-1.30pm & 5.30-10pm, Sat 5.30-10pm.
Piazza di Spagna Vasagatan 26 T 021 12 42 10. The
best Italian in town and a very popular place for lunch.
Pizzas cost 80-130kr whilst mains such as fillet of venison
in cognac sauce, pepper steak or fried scampi are fairly
priced at around 200kr. Mon-Tues 11am-10pm, Wed-
Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11.30am-11pm, Sun 1-10pm.
Ì Spicy Hot Sturegatan 20A T 021 18 17 40. A rather
understated interior with simple wooden tables and chairs,
but the food here is top-notch: excellent Thai curries and
stir fries cost 92kr, and there's a range of vegetarian dishes.
Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm.

Tabazco Storagatan 36 T 021 21 91 90. Locals flock to
this retro lounge restaurant (with flock wallpaper wherever
you look), for superb tapas (35-62kr) such as marinated
lamb, calamari and tortilla. The restaurant is set back from
the road in the courtyard. Tues 5-10pm, Wed & Thurs
5pm-midnight, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 5pm-1am.
Varda Vasagatan 14 T 021 14 81 50. Chi-chi lounge
restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a stylish,
contemporary interior that really draws the crowds. Try the
roast reindeer fried with spices (297kr) or the baked salmon
with spinach (219kr). Mon & Tues 11.30am-2pm &
5-11pm, Wed & Thurs 11.30am-2pm & 5pm-midnight,
Fri 11.30am-1am, Sat noon-1am, Sun 1-10pm.

Uppsala and Nyköping
Away from Lake Mälaren and the archipelago, several other destinations make ideal
day-trips from Stockholm. Uppsala , a vibrant university city, lies 70km to the north
and boasts some great museums, including the home and gardens of world-renowned
botanist Carl von Linné, whilst nearby Sigtuna , with its rambling cobbled streets and
ruined churches, is steeped in history dating back to the eleventh century. In the
opposite direction, 100km southwest of the capital, historic Nyköping not only offers
an introduction to small-town Sweden but also makes a handy stop if you're heading
on from Stockholm Skavsta airport.

Uppsala and around
First impressions as the train pulls into UPPSALA , only an hour northeast of
Stockholm, are encouraging, as the red-washed castle looms up behind the railway
sidings with the cathedral dominant in the foreground. A medieval seat of religion
and learning, Uppsala clings to the past through its cathedral and university, and a
striking succession of related buildings in their vicinity. The city is regarded as the
historical and religious centre of the country, and attracts day-trippers seeking a lively
alternative to Stockholm as well as travellers looking for a worthwhile stop on the
long trek north.