As the vibrant summer hues gracefully give way to the warm and earthy tones of autumn, Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, becomes an enchanting destination waiting to be explored. This season offers the perfect opportunity to experience the city's cultural treasures, natural beauty, and a touch of coziness that's quintessentially Swedish. So, if you're planning a visit to Stockholm in autumn, here's your ultimate to-do list to make the most of your trip.

Autumn Fair at Skansen

The interactive open-air museum Skansen is the oldest of its kind in the whole world and is a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike. It is beautifully located on Royal Djurgården and guides you through Sweden’s history from the 1720s to the 1960s with picturesque recreated traditional villages that include authentic houses, churches, gardens, farms as well as pharmacies and village halls. Historians and actors in traditional costumes make a visit here even more fascinating, making it a must-see attraction all year round.

However, visiting in autumn promises an even more charming experience. During September, you can learn more about traditional household chores like making jam, gathering mushrooms, preserving berries and much more. Furthermore, the open-air museum hosts the most beautiful outdoor market of Stockholm during this time, the Autumn Fair, inviting you to experience a 18th-century autumn festival. Meet interesting characters in period costumes, indulge in traditional games, music and dances and discover unique foods, candies and crafts on the market.

Stockholm Ghost Walk

Experience Stockholm’s scary and fascinating history with a Ghost Walk! During the 90 minutes long walk you will dive deep into the city’s underground legends and hear tales of unsolved mysteries, myths, murders, executions, diseases and ghosts. Witness history coming to life – you will get the opportunity to touch, smell and taste it while exploring dark streets and alleyways in the oldest parts of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, making the Ghost Walk the perfect tour for a moody autumn evening!

If you're in search of spine-tingling haunts, Stockholm has just the ticket, especially during the Halloween season. One spooky destination that's sure to send chills down your spine is Gröna Lund Amusement Park, which hosts a widely acclaimed Halloween celebration. During this eerie event, the entire park undergoes a chilling transformation, with haunted houses, thrilling attractions, and sinister creatures lurking around every twist and turn. This year's standout addition to the frightful festivities is "Zombiesta," a haunted attraction that promises to challenge your survival instincts. Dare to enter, but beware—you’ll literally be on the menu!

Harvest season

An apple a day… Autumn is apple harvest season in Sweden! Swedish apples are renowned to be some of the best in the world and picking apples during your trip guarantees a wholesome day outside. Make sure to taste the famous äppelsmulpaj, a Swedish apple crumble, as well.

Beautifully located just outside of Stockholm in Ekerö, you can pick your own apples at Rosenhill, a traditional and organic family farm that produces vegetables, apples and its own apple juice. You can also bring your handpicked apples here to turn them into your very own äppelmust. Afterwards, you can unwind and enjoy a selection of sandwiches, soup and ice cream as well as cookies at the attached café.

Another popular food to forage for during autumn are mushrooms, one of the most popular staples in Swedish cuisine. While it might be tempting to wander off into the wilderness on your own, we strongly recommend you to go on a tour with an experienced guide who knows which mushrooms are safe to eat. Or explore the forest right next to the city of Stockholm with a hiking trip to see majestic animals living there.

Djurgården

The island of Djurgården is a lush green oasis right in the middle of Stockholm, which in autumn turns golden. It is not only home to some of the city’s most famous museums and attractions like the ABBA museum, the Vasa Museum and the Gröna Lund amusement park but it is also famous for its rich nature and parks. 

Whether you come here for the cultural attractions or for hiking, the island is always worth a visit, no matter the weather. In autumn, there are always a lot of new exhibitions and fun activities to be found here, surrounded by beautiful nature.

The area around Rosendal’s Garden and the Djurgården canal are some of the most picturesque areas on the whole island and are even more beautiful than usual with the colourful fall foliage around, making it the perfect spot for a hike or simply to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Explore Stockholm's Archipelago by Boat

For a unique perspective of Stockholm's natural beauty, take a 2.5-hour boat tour through the stunning Stockholm archipelago. This tour departs from the heart of the city at Skeppsbrokajen in Gamla Stan and offers a scenic journey to Vaxholm Fortress and back. During the trip, an English-speaking tour guide will share fascinating stories about Stockholm's history, the Swedish royal family and the landscapes of the archipelago. Along the way, you will pass This tour offers the perfect opportunity to relax while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the region.

Festivals in Stockholm

Experience the vibrant tapestry of autumn in Stockholm through a variety of captivating festivals and events that will make your visit unforgettable. As summer gracefully transitions into fall, Stockholm comes alive with cultural celebrations that showcase the city's creativity, music, and sporting prowess.

Kicking off the autumn festivities is the Stockholm Fringe Festival (STOFF), a five-day extravaganza that engulfs the city with a whirlwind of artistic expression. From mesmerizing performance art to thought-provoking art installations, STOFF is a dynamic showcase of contemporary creativity that promises to ignite your imagination.

The third week of October heralds the arrival of the Stockholm Jazz Festival, a grand musical spectacle that has been gracing the city for generations. As one of Sweden's oldest and largest music festivals, it boasts nearly 200 performances scattered across approximately 90 venues throughout Stockholm. Whether you're seeking the soulful notes of jazz in historic churches, the rhythmic beats in museums, or the mellowness of melodies in cozy cafes, the Stockholm Jazz Festival offers an unparalleled auditory journey.

Simultaneously, sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with the BNP Paribas Nordic Open, known as the Stockholm Open, unfolding at the iconic Kungliga Tennishallen. In 2023, the excitement is set to continue as tennis star Stan Wawrinka has already committed to competing, promising world-class matches and electrifying moments on the court.