Hidden Gems: Stockholm’s Most Charming Garden Cafés

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. However, what truly sets it apart from other European cities are its beautiful green spaces, a top priority for the city over the years. Among these green spaces are many charming garden cafés scattered throughout the city. These cafés offer a perfect retreat from the often overcrowded streets of central Stockholm. While best visited during the warmer months, many remain open during winter and are worth a visit then as well. In this post, I will guide you through the best garden cafés in Stockholm, both within walking distance of the city center and those a bit further away, requiring a car or a few stops on the subway. Enjoying a “fika”—a traditional Swedish coffee break with pastries—is an essential part of the Swedish experience.

Cafés Within Walking Distance of the City Center

First, let’s start with the cafés located within walking distance of the city center. These cafés are ideal if it’s your first time in Stockholm and you’re staying in the central parts of the city. You can easily reach them on foot or by bike, which is a great way to explore Stockholm.

1. Rosendals Trädgård (3 km)

Location: Djurgården
Distance from City Center: Approximately 3 km
How to Get There: Take tram line 7 from Sergels Torg to Bellmansro. Alternatively, you can walk or cycle through the scenic Djurgården area.
Highlights: Organic bakery, seasonal produce, beautiful gardens.

Rosendals Trädgård is a hidden gem in Stockholm, perfect for anyone who loves organic food and beautiful gardens. Located on the picturesque island of Djurgården, this café boasts lush gardens and indoor seating in greenhouses for colder days, offering a delightful farm-to-table experience. My wife and I love this place, and we often take guests here to showcase the best of Stockholm. The bakery uses organic ingredients to create a variety of delicious pastries and bread, and you can also purchase seasonal produce directly from a small garden store. The atmosphere is relaxed and calm, making it an ideal spot to visit during the summer months to enjoy your “fika” in the outdoor garden, but it’s also well worth a visit during the colder months.

2. Mariedals Café (3 km)

Location: Kungsholmen
Distance from City Center: Approximately 3 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Fridhemsplan, then walk or cycle along Kungsholms Strand to the café.
Highlights: Waterfront views, lush garden, homemade pastries.

Mariedals Café is a delightful oasis located by the water on Kungsholmen and is another one of our favorites. Its proximity to our apartment makes it even better! The café features a lush garden that provides a tranquil setting for enjoying lunch, homemade pastries, coffee, or a glass of rosé. The waterfront views are beautiful, with boats passing through the narrow Karlbergs channel. Grab a sun chair, a glass of wine, and watch the world go by as you enjoy the summer sun with your bare feet touching the grass. It’s easily accessible from the city center and a perfect escape from the more hectic streets of Stockholm.

3. Lasse i Parken (2.5 km)

Location: Södermalm
Distance from City Center: Approximately 2.5 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Hornstull, then walk in the direction of Pålsundsparken where the café is located.
Highlights: Historic wooden house, live music, cozy garden.

Lasse i Parken is a historic café located on Högalidsgatan in Södermalm. Set in a charming wooden house dating back to the 18th century, the café is known for its cozy garden and vibrant atmosphere. During the summer, it often hosts live music events, adding to its appeal. The blend of history, music, and nature makes Lasse i Parken a unique and great spot for a summer visit.

4. Eden (3 km)

Location: Near Rålambshovsparken
Distance from City Center: Approximately 3 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Fridhemsplan, then it’s a short walk to Rålambshovsparken where Eden is located nearby.
Highlights: Riverside location, sauna, relaxed atmosphere, innovative menu.

Eden is another charming garden café in my Kungsholmen neighborhood, near Rålambshovsparken, offering a picturesque riverside setting. The café is known for its innovative menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. What makes Eden special is its sauna, available for booking or drop-in, along with numerous events throughout the summer. You can also rent a kayak by the hour to explore Mälaren Lake before enjoying a lunch or dinner at Eden’s restaurant. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful outdoor seating, Eden is an excellent spot for a summer day out.

Cafés Requiring a Car or a Subway Ride

Next, let’s explore the garden cafés located outside the central parts of Stockholm, which require either a car or a subway ride to reach. These cafés are perfect for those who have already visited Stockholm’s main attractions and city center and are looking for something new. While a car provides the most convenience, public transportation is also a viable option for getting to these delightful spots.

1. Zetas Trädgård (15 km)

Location: Segeltorp
Distance from City Center: Approximately 15 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Fruängen station, then bus 173 to Segeltorp Centrum. From there, it’s a short walk to the café.
Highlights: Plant nursery, café with homemade cakes and pastries.

Zetas Trädgård is a bit of a journey from the city center, but it’s well worth the trip! This café is part of a large garden center that sells a wide variety of plants. The café itself offers homemade cakes and pastries, perfect for a relaxing fika. The atmosphere is peaceful, surrounded by lush greenery, providing a wonderful escape from the urban environment.

2. Vintervikens Trädgårdskafé (6 km)

Location: Vinterviken
Distance from City Center: Approximately 6 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Liljeholmen, then bus 133 to Vinterviken. The café is a short walk from the bus stop.
Highlights: Community garden, vegetarian menu, calm setting.

Situated near Lake Mälaren in Vinterviken, this garden café is a hidden gem. Despite living in Sweden for most of my life, I only discovered it a few years ago, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. Vintervikens Trädgårdskafé is run by a community whose members grow their own vegetables, adding to the café’s charm. The menu is predominantly vegetarian, with many dishes prepared using produce from the garden. The surrounding park and proximity to the lake make Vintervikens Trädgårdskafé a perfect place for a walk before or after enjoying a fika.

3. Ulriksdals Trädgårdscafé (7 km)

Location: Solna
Distance from City Center: Approximately 7 km
How to Get There: Take the commuter train (pendeltåg) to Ulriksdal station. Then, take bus number 503 to Ulriksdals Begravningsplats, from there it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk through the park.
Highlights: Historic setting, plant shop, extensive outdoor seating.

Located in Solna, Ulriksdals Trädgårdscafé is set within the historic Ulriksdal Palace grounds. This café offers a blend of history and nature, with a relaxing ambiance and extensive outdoor seating when the sun is shining. Even on rainy days, there are plenty of indoor seats available. Visitors can explore the plant shop, which offers a variety of plants and gardening supplies. On weekdays, the café serves a popular vegetarian lunch buffet, while on weekends, the menu features soups, sandwiches, and a range of homemade pastries.

4. Konditori Lyran (10 km)

Location: Bredäng
Distance from City Center: Approximately 10 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Bredäng station, followed by a 10-minute walk to the villa.
Highlights: 19th-century villa, stunning lake views, traditional Swedish pastries.

Konditori Lyran is a charming café located in a 19th-century villa overlooking Lake Mälaren. The café offers stunning views of the lake, making it a perfect spot for enjoying traditional Swedish pastries. The historic building with its iconic tower overlooking Lake Mälaren and the green surrounding adds to the café’s charm. The café also has a large garden which is open during the summer months.

5. Bergianska Trädgården Café (6 km)

Location: Brunnsviken
Distance from City Center: Approximately 6 km
How to Get There: Take the metro to Universitetet station, then walk through the beautiful Bergianska gardens to the café.
Highlights: Botanical garden, scenic lake views, historic setting.

Bergianska Trädgården Café is nestled within the Bergianska Botanical Gardens, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting. The café boasts scenic views of Brunnsviken Lake and is housed in a historic greenhouse. Visitors can enjoy a variety of light meals and pastries while being surrounded by the stunning flora of the gardens, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Tips for Visiting Garden Cafés

• Best Times to Visit: I personally prefer visiting cafés in Stockholm in the early mornings to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
  
• What to Bring: A good book and camera (most of these locations are very photogenic). A light jacket, since Swedish summers can be quite chilly at times, especially in the evenings.
  
• How to Get There: Cafés located within a 5 km range from the city center can all be reached on foot depending on where you live. Stockholm is a beautiful city, so enjoy the views of the city and the cafe will be your reward. Cycling is also a great way to explore the city and its green spaces.

Conclusion

There you have it! The best garden cafés in and around Stockholm. Thanks to the many green spaces preserved in Stockholm, there is a wide selection of places to take a breather from the hectic streets of Gamla Stan or Drottninggatan. A common theme among the cafés mentioned is their focus on organic and locally produced goods. Swedes are known for being at the forefront of trends, especially in climate awareness and healthy living. Whether you are visiting Sweden for the first time, a frequent visitor, or a local, I believe you will find a café on this list that you will enjoy.