Långholmen, Stockholm - Beautiful Stockholm a bright winter day. View from Långholmen towards Kungsholmen and the city hall
1 / 10

Långholmen Stockholm

4.5
·201 reviews·, Sweden

A former prison island transformed into a green oasis with beaches, hiking trails, and a unique historical hotel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the beaches before crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Långholmen, Stockholm - Beautiful Stockholm a bright winter day. View from Långholmen towards Kungsholmen and the city hall

Långholmen Stockholm

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the beaches before crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A former prison island transformed into a green oasis with beaches, hiking trails, and a unique historical hotel.

4.5
(201 reviews)

"One of the best places in Stockholm to walk and take pictures."

Vertical photo
TIP

Swim on the Island

Take a dip on the top side of Långholmen for a refreshing swim in the lake. :person_swimming:

Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the Långholmen beach with its magnificent views. :sandwich:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Långholmen Beaches

Långholmen Beaches

Southern and Western shores

Relax on sandy shores, swim in clear waters, and enjoy stunning city views. Perfect for a summer day out.

Former Prison Exploration

Former Prison Exploration

Långholmen Hotel

Discover the island's intriguing past by exploring the former prison, now a hotel. Unique history meets modern comfort.

Forested Hiking Trails

Forested Hiking Trails

Throughout the island

Wander through picturesque wooded paths, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape from the city.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Western viewpoints

Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, a perfect romantic or reflective moment.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Island Vibe

Långholmen offers a unique blend of history and nature. Once a prison island, it's now a recreational haven with beaches and trails. Plan for outdoor activities, especially if the weather is good, and consider its past as a former prison when exploring.

Best Time for Island Escapes

Summer is ideal for Långholmen's beaches and outdoor activities. For a more serene experience and to avoid peak crowds, consider visiting during weekdays or in the shoulder seasons. The island's natural beauty shines year-round, but swimming and sunbathing are best in warmer months.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the beaches before crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful walks and fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

9 Amazing things to do in #Stockholm #sweden 😍 #tiktoktravel #europetravel #citybreak #citybreaks #europe #travel #travelinspiration
@amyenvoyage
76K likes • 2.5M views

Swim on the Island

Take a dip on the top side of Långholmen for a refreshing swim in the lake. :person_swimming:

Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the Långholmen beach with its magnificent views. :sandwich:

This your spot in Stockholm for sunset watching, drinks & amazing views over Stockholm!💫 📍Champagnebaren, Södra Teatern #stockholm #stockholmtips #stockholmnightlife #stockholmcity #stockholmfood #stockholmbar
@hannagoess
60.8K likes • 674.8K views
Love Your Life #sup #standuppaddle #standuppaddleboarding #paddleboarding #blackcatboards #sweden #blackcat #långholmen #sunset
sup.ers08
69 likes • 673 views

Capture Breathtaking Photos

The clear waters and reflections make Långholmen ideal for photography. :camera:

Explore by Paddleboard

Rent a paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters around the island, especially at sunset. :surfer:

We sent @matadornetwork #CreatorInResidence @Natalie Chaban on a journey to explore Stockholm 🇸🇪 Here are 10 things to add to your Stockholm itinerary 🌟 #stockholmtok #swedentravel #visitstockholm #travelitinerary
@matadornetwork
31.9K likes • 1.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Swim on the Island

Take a dip on the top side of Långholmen for a refreshing swim in the lake. :person_swimming:

Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the Långholmen beach with its magnificent views. :sandwich:

Capture Breathtaking Photos

The clear waters and reflections make Långholmen ideal for photography. :camera:

Explore by Paddleboard

Rent a paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters around the island, especially at sunset. :surfer:

Walk the Trails

Discover the island's natural beauty on its well-maintained forested hiking trails. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(201 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Långholmen is praised as a beautiful natural escape within Stockholm, offering a unique blend of history and recreation. Visitors love the clean beaches, clear waters, and picturesque walking trails, making it ideal for swimming, picnics, and photography. Some note that while the food is decent, event arrangements could be improved.

"Wow . Not much immigrants explored this place but you will experience the real Swedish culture in urban areas . Wonderful island for kayaking, swimming in sea and hangout with friends family’s"

rajesh ediga

"For business events - its okay I think. Some things can be arranged better example having coffee in the meeting rooms.
Food was decent."

Harsh Naraini

"Langholmen is a piece of natural landscape in the large city of Stockholm. A bridge leads to this gem where once the Stockholm prison was situated that today is a hotel. There are beaches with clean water for swimming in the Malaren and cafes. In the Western part of the island you will find well tended colony lots for growth of veggies and fruits tended to the Stockholm citizen who maybe does not have a summer house (that many Swedes have)."

Rakesh Tiwari

What People Like

Beautiful natural landscape
Clean beaches and clear water
Unique historical prison site

What People Dislike

Event arrangements could be better

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Långholmen is easily accessible by a bridge from the mainland. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and the metro. Many visitors also enjoy taking a ferry to explore the island and its surroundings. :bus: :ferry:

Yes, Långholmen is very walkable. The island is relatively small, and its trails and paths are perfect for exploring on foot. :walking:

Cycling to Långholmen is a great option, with dedicated bike paths leading to the island. It's a scenic way to arrive and explore. :bicycle:

Limited parking is available near the bridge leading to Långholmen. It's often recommended to use public transport or cycle due to potential parking challenges. :car:

From central Stockholm, you can take a bus or the metro to Hornstull station, which is a short walk from the bridge to Långholmen. Ferries also offer a scenic route. :metro: :ferry:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Långholmen island itself is free. You can wander the trails, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the natural surroundings without any admission fee. :ticket:

The Långholmen Hotel is a former prison that has been converted. While you can't enter the hotel rooms without booking a stay, you can explore the exterior and learn about its history. :hotel:

Långholmen is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, facilities like cafes or the hotel may have specific operating hours. :clock:

Swimming at the Långholmen beaches is free of charge. Enjoy the clear waters of Lake Mälaren without any cost. :moneywithwings:

Yes, there is a museum on Långholmen that details the island's history as a prison. Check the official website for current opening hours and admission fees. :museum:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Långholmen offers a variety of activities including swimming, sunbathing, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring the former prison. It's a great spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation. :kayak: :picnic:

Yes, there are cafes and restaurants on Långholmen, including options within the former prison hotel. You can also bring your own food for a picnic. :coffee: :forkandknife:

Absolutely! Långholmen is very family-friendly with safe swimming areas, open spaces for play, and interesting history to discover. :familywomanwoman_boy:

Walking is the best way to explore Långholmen, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and historical sites. Consider renting a kayak for a unique perspective from the water. :kayak:

Yes, Långholmen has several popular beaches where you can swim in Lake Mälaren. The water is generally clean and refreshing during the summer months. :swimmer:

📸 📸 Photography

The beaches offer stunning water reflections and city views, especially at sunset. The former prison buildings provide a unique historical backdrop, and the forested trails offer picturesque natural scenes. :camerawithflash:

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. The clear waters also create lovely reflections throughout the day. :sunrise: :sunset:

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged on Långholmen. However, be mindful of private property if you are near the hotel or residential areas. :iphone:

You can capture a variety of shots, from serene natural landscapes and water scenes to intriguing architectural photos of the former prison and vibrant sunset vistas. :landscape: :architecture:

While drone photography might be possible, always check local regulations and be respectful of other visitors. The island's open spaces could offer unique aerial perspectives. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Långholmen is a fantastic destination for families. The beaches offer safe and shallow areas for children to play and swim, making it a perfect summer day trip. Reddit+1 The island's walking trails are also great for little legs to explore, and the open spaces provide plenty of room for running around. Don't miss the chance to visit the Långholmen Museum to introduce kids to the island's unique history in an engaging way. Packing a picnic is a great way to keep everyone fed and happy amidst the natural beauty. :child: :picnic:

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Långholmen is a budget traveler's dream! Access to the island and its natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails is free. TikTok You can save money by packing your own picnic to enjoy with stunning views, rather than dining at restaurants. Reddit Consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy the tranquility without the summer crowds. Exploring the island on foot or by bike also keeps transportation costs down. :money_bag: :walking:

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Långholmen incredibly rewarding. The former prison buildings offer a unique and atmospheric subject, especially during the golden hour. TikTok The beaches provide opportunities for stunning water reflections and panoramic cityscapes, particularly at sunset. Reddit The island's natural landscapes, from lush forests to the clear waters of Lake Mälaren, offer diverse photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the charming colony lots for a touch of local life. :camera: :sunset:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Långholmen's Past

Långholmen's history is deeply intertwined with its former role as a correctional facility. From 1724 until 1975, the island housed a significant prison, making it a place of both confinement and rehabilitation. Today, this past is preserved and presented through the Långholmen Hotel, a unique accommodation built within the former prison buildings. Visitors can stay in former cells, offering a truly immersive experience into the island's heritage. The Långholmen Museum further delves into this history, showcasing artifacts and stories from its time as a prison.

This transformation from a place of punishment to a recreational hub is a fascinating aspect of Långholmen. The island's rehabilitation programs during its prison era aimed to prepare inmates for life outside, and this spirit of renewal seems to have carried into its present-day identity. Exploring the island allows you to connect with this layered history, understanding how a place can evolve and find new purpose. TikTok

Nature and Recreation on Långholmen

Beyond its historical significance, Långholmen is a beloved green oasis in Stockholm, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The island boasts beautiful beaches with clean water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months. Reddit+1 Many visitors enjoy simply relaxing by the water, taking in the views of Lake Mälaren and the surrounding city. For those seeking more active pursuits, forested hiking trails crisscross the island, providing scenic routes for walking and enjoying nature. TikTok

Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the island's location by kayaking or paddleboarding. Instagram The calm waters around Långholmen are ideal for these activities, offering a unique perspective of the island and its surroundings. The island also features well-tended colony lots, where Stockholm citizens cultivate their own vegetables and fruits, adding a charming touch to the landscape. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a refreshing swim, or an active day outdoors, Långholmen provides a perfect escape. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2