Enköping is often called “The City of Parks”, and once you visit, you’ll immediately understand why. Located between Stockholm and Västerås along Lake Mälaren, Enköping is a relaxed, green, and surprisingly photogenic town that’s perfect for slow travel, nature lovers, families, and weekend explorers.
It’s compact, easy to get around, and offers a mix of beautiful parks, waterfront walks, history, and great cafés—all without the crowds you’ll find in bigger cities.
Where Is Enköping and Why Visit?
Enköping is located in Uppsala County, right by Lake Mälaren.
Distances:
- Stockholm: ~1 hour by car or train
- Västerås: ~35 minutes
- Uppsala: ~45 minutes
Why Enköping is worth visiting:
- Award-winning parks and gardens
- Calm, walkable town center
- Lake Mälaren views and swimming spots
- Good food scene for its size
- Ideal day trip or weekend escape
Enköping – The City of Parks
Enköping is famous across Sweden for its public parks, many designed by internationally known landscape architect Piet Oudolf.
You can easily spend a full day just walking between parks.
Drömparken (The Dream Park)
This is Enköping’s most famous park.
Why visit:
- Designed by Piet Oudolf
- Beautiful year-round, especially late summer and autumn
- Soft paths, grasses, and flowers perfect for photography
📍 Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Drömparken+Enköping
🔗 External link
https://www.enkoping.se/dromparken
Skulpturparken
A peaceful riverside park combining art and nature.
Why it’s special:
- Outdoor sculptures
- Walking paths along Enköpingsån
- Calm atmosphere close to the center
📍 Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Skulpturparken+Enköping
Åpromenaden – Riverside Walk
This scenic walk follows Enköpingsån through the town.
Highlights:
- Benches and viewpoints
- Easy, flat walking
- Lovely at sunrise and sunset
📍 Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Åpromenaden+Enköping
Enavallen & Nearby Green Areas
A more local-feeling area with:
- Open lawns
- Sports fields
- Space for picnics
Great if you want to see everyday life in Enköping.
Lake Mälaren & Enköping’s Waterfront
While Enköping itself isn’t directly on the open lake like some towns, Mälaren is very close and easy to access.
Popular nearby spots:
- Small beaches
- Boat marinas
- Swimming areas in summer
Perfect for warm days and golden-hour photography.
Things to Do in Enköping
Enköping is about quality experiences, not rushing.
Top activities:
- Park hopping
- Café and bakery visits
- Riverside walks
- Swimming in summer
- Cycling the flat countryside
- Visiting nearby Mälaren villages
Best Places to Eat in Enköping
Enköping has a surprisingly good food scene for its size.
Park Astoria
A local favorite.
Why eat here:
- Swedish classics with a modern touch
- Cozy interior
- Central location
📍 Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Park+Astoria+Enköping
Gyllene Linjen
A more refined dining experience.
Why go:
- Seasonal menus
- Locally inspired dishes
- Great for dinner
Cafés & Bakeries in Town
Enköping is excellent for fika.
What to expect:
- Fresh pastries
- Outdoor seating in summer
- Calm, local vibe
Perfect between park visits.
Where to Stay in Enköping
Enköping works well for both short and longer stays.
Hotels
- Best Western Plus Park Astoria – Central and comfortable
- Small guesthouses & B&Bs – Personal and quiet
Camping & Nature Stays
In summer, camping near Mälaren is popular and gives easy access to swimming and sunsets.
Best Time to Visit Enköping
- Spring: Parks start blooming, very peaceful
- Summer: Best weather, swimming, events
- Autumn: Stunning colors in Drömparken
- Winter: Quiet, cozy, but limited outdoor color
Late June to early September is ideal.
Getting to Enköping
By Train
- Frequent trains from Stockholm and Västerås
By Car
- Easy access via E18
Once in town, walking and cycling are all you need.
Enköping as a Day Trip or Weekend
Day trip:
- Drömparken
- Riverside walk
- Lunch and fika
Weekend:
- Add swimming spots
- More park exploration
- Nearby countryside drives
Photography Tips for Enköping
- Visit parks early or late for soft light
- Autumn is exceptional for colors
- Overcast days work well for gardens
- Details and textures are everywhere
FAQs – Ultimate Guide to Visit Enköping
Is Enköping worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you love parks and calm towns.
How many days do you need?
1–2 days is perfect.
Is Enköping family-friendly?
Very much so.
Is Enköping expensive?
Moderate, similar to other Swedish towns.
Do people speak English?
Yes.
Is Enköping walkable?
Extremely walkable.
Can you swim near Enköping?
Yes, in Lake Mälaren during summer.
Is Enköping good in winter?
Yes, but it’s very quiet.
Are there bike paths?
Yes, excellent cycling infrastructure.
Is Enköping touristy?
No, it feels local and relaxed.
Are there events or festivals?
Small local events, mostly in summer.
Is Enköping good for photography?
Yes, especially gardens and riverside areas.
Can you visit Enköping without a car?
Absolutely.
Is Enköping good for slow travel?
Perfect for it.
Are the parks free?
Yes, all public parks are free.
Is Enköping good for a romantic trip?
Yes, especially in summer evenings.
Can you combine Enköping with other towns?
Yes, Västerås, Uppsala, and Strängnäs.
Is Enköping safe?
Yes, very safe.
Are dogs allowed in parks?
Yes, on a leash.
What makes Enköping unique?
Its world-class parks.
External Resources
- Visit Enköping
https://www.visitenkoping.se - Enköping Municipality
https://www.enkoping.se - Lake Mälaren
https://www.malaren.com - Swedish Railways
https://www.sj.se - Visit Sweden
https://visitsweden.com
Internal Links (Related Reading)
- https://www.frewaphoto.com/visit-strangnas-guide
- https://www.frewaphoto.com/visit-koping-guide
- https://www.frewaphoto.com/visit-eskilstuna-guide
Conclusion
Enköping is a destination that rewards travelers who enjoy green spaces, calm streets, and thoughtful design. It’s not flashy or fast-paced—but that’s exactly its strength. Whether you’re wandering through Drömparken, enjoying fika by the river, or swimming in Lake Mälaren on a warm summer day, Enköping offers a refreshing pause from busy city life.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-reach Swedish town with personality and breathing room, Enköping is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.