As a travel photographer, I’ve always believed gardens are where cities breathe. In Stockholm, spring and summer awaken the city’s gardens into a living canvas. From historic estates to hidden floral gems, the Stockholm area is full of beautifully curated green spaces. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden light, a plant lover, or just in need of peaceful moments, here’s your guide to the most stunning gardens near Stockholm.
Why Visit Gardens in Stockholm?
Stockholm’s gardens are about more than flowers—they’re about history, design, and Swedish culture. In spring and early summer, these places explode with color and life. They’re ideal for:
- Peaceful walks
- Botanical inspiration
- Photography at golden hour
- Experiencing Swedish outdoor living
1. Rosendals Trädgård (Djurgården)
Why Go: Organic gardens, greenhouses, and an outdoor cafe surrounded by flowers.
Best Time: May to early September
Photography Tip: Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds. Bring a macro lens for floral details.
2. Bergianska Trädgården (Bergius Botanic Garden)
Location: North of the city near Brunnsviken lake
Why Go: A vast botanical garden with global plant collections, a palm house, and lake views.
Best Time: Late spring for magnolias, summer for roses and herbs.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a picnic by the lake or a stop at the nearby Naturens Hus café.
3. Ulriksdal Palace Gardens
Why Go: Historical gardens, a palace, and a charming plant shop.
Best Time: April for tulips, June for manicured hedges and florals.
Photo Tip: Capture symmetry and leading lines in the formal garden layout.
4. Drottningholm Palace Gardens
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Why Go: Classic French garden design with tree-lined avenues and fountains.
Best Time: Mid-May to July
Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to frame the palace with foreground gardens.
5. Tantolunden’s Allotment Gardens
Location: Södermalm
Why Go: A secret village of tiny colorful garden sheds, each surrounded by lush, personal flower beds.
Best Time: June and July
Vibe: Quirky, charming, hyper-local
Photo Tip: Ideal for capturing lifestyle and storytelling images.
6. Skillebyholm Gardens (Järna, south of Stockholm)
Why Go: A biodynamic garden with wild beauty and holistic agriculture.
Best Time: Mid-summer
Travel Tip: Worth the day trip if you’re into organic farming and serene landscapes.
7. Lappis Community Gardens
Location: Near Stockholm University
Why Go: Small, charming, and intimate plots maintained by locals
Vibe: Calm, student-oriented, authentic
Best Time: June
Photography Tip: Best for candid street-style garden photos
Tips for Visiting Stockholm’s Gardens
- Early or late in the day = best light and fewer people
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends
- Ask before photographing in small community plots
- Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks
- Use a polarizing filter to enhance blue skies and reduce glare on leaves
FAQs About Visiting Stockholm’s Best Gardens
What’s the best month to visit gardens in Stockholm?
May through July is peak bloom season, with June offering the best variety.
Are Stockholm’s gardens free to enter?
Most are free! Some, like Drottningholm, may charge for guided palace tours but not garden access.
Can I picnic in the gardens?
Yes—especially at Rosendals, Ulriksdal, and Bergianska.
Are the gardens family-friendly?
Absolutely. Many have cafes, open spaces, and are stroller-friendly.
What photography gear should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera, a macro or 50mm lens, and a polarizer. Bonus: a lightweight tripod for golden hour shots.