Stockholm was never a city high on my list of places to visit, but when the opportunity came to head there for a business meeting, I jumped at the chance. However, with the exception of a short boat tour to a restaurant on one of Stockholm’s many islands, there was a risk I wouldn’t see much more than the airport and the meeting room I’d be in all day. What better excuse to knock out an early run and see a little more of this city.
I was staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen, west of the city centre so I quickly started scoping out a route that would take me more towards the centre. Fortunately I was there during the summer so it was warm and light very early on and in the end I settled on this 7.8km loop. Subsequently I have seen that a high proportion of it is actually used for the Stockholm Marathon so maybe one for the future for me to return to!
From my hotel I firstly headed straight for the Västerbron, a beautiful bridge that goes across the island of Långholmen to Södermalm. The one downside of starting on a bridge is almost straight away you are headed uphill (although interestingly my elevation plot at bottom shows me back at sea level – I don’t remember falling off!). The views are pretty amazing as you go across as you can see.
Having crossed the bridge you then take the first left which drops you down on to the Söder Mälarstrand which runs perfectly along the waters edge as you head East towards the city centre (and in my case the rising sun). The path is good and there is no chance of getting lost whilst the water is on your left then, shortly after 3.5km you will come across some bridges. First you go under a road and then a rail bridge. When I ran this next section in 2017 there was loads of construction going on and looking at Google streetview that still seems to be the case today but here you want to swing a left and cross across to Stadholmen.
Part of the old city and home to the Royal Palace this part of the city is probably worth exploring if you have time but unfortunately I was just passing through as I skirted the West Side of this small island. It was at this stage where I knew I needed to take a left hand turn over a bridge to follow the route I had planned. However, I did go too soon and almost got to explore another of the small islands, thankfully realising within about 100m.
Having found the correct bridge (Vasabron) it is then just a case of following the path round to your left and heading back towards the start, running alongside the water, still keeping it on your left for the last couple of km.
www.plotaroute.com/route/2277646
All in this was a lovely route to see a bit more of Stockholm than just my hotel and meeting room. Being a loop it would be easy to hop on it at any point.
If you have done this route yourself, or have any questions, then please do leave a comment below!
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