Things To Do
in Bålsta

Bålsta is a charming locality situated in the municipality of Håbo, Sweden, known for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to Lake Mälaren. The area is characterized by a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. With a rich historical background and various outdoor activities, Bålsta offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences.

Its convenient location near Stockholm also makes it a popular spot for day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Bålsta
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, followed by a walk around Bålsta center to admire the quaint architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Bålsta Church, known for its beautiful wooden architecture, followed by a picnic at the scenic Lake Bålsta.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Swedish cuisine, then take a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Hike through the nearby nature reserves to experience the stunning Swedish landscapes and wildlife.

afternoon
:

Visit local art galleries and craft shops to appreciate the work of local artists and maybe purchase a unique souvenir.

evening
:

Have dinner at a cozy pub and enjoy live music or local events, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a Restaurant$15-25
☕️Coffee$3-5
🚆Public Transport Ticket$3
🏨Hotel Night$100-150
🛒Groceries (Weekly)$50-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural history and local charm.
  • Proximity to Stockholm for easy day trips.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transport may be less frequent in off-peak hours.
  • Some areas may have limited dining choices.
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta mig" - Excuse me
  • "Var ligger...?" - Where is...?
  • "Jag talar inte svenska" - I do not speak Swedish

Places to Visit in Bålsta

Visit one of these nice places.

Lake Bålsta

A beautiful spot for capturing serene water views, especially at sunset.

Bålsta Church

An architectural gem perfect for both exterior and interior photography.

Nature Reserves

Various hiking trails through lush forests provide stunning natural scenery for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bålsta

Bålsta offers a delightful culinary experience with a focus on traditional Swedish dishes and fresh local ingredients. Must-try dishes include classic meatballs, herring, and crispbread. There are various food markets and street food options available, showcasing local flavors. For those with dietary restrictions, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Bålsta Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar

Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and creamy gravy.

Must-Try!

Gravlax

Cured salmon, often served with mustard sauce and bread.

Rökt Ål

Smoked eel, a local delicacy often enjoyed as an appetizer.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bålsta Market

A vibrant market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods every Saturday.

Food Truck at Bålsta Square

A popular spot for street food, featuring a variety of international cuisines.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bålsta experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are warm with average temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping to -10°C (14°F) and snowfall. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring milder temperatures and varying weather conditions, making it essential to dress in layers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Personal Space

Swedes value personal space; maintain a respectful distance during conversations.

Punctuality

Being on time is important; lateness may be seen as disrespectful.

Quiet Public Spaces

Keeping noise levels down in public transport and shared spaces is expected.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bålsta is generally a safe locality with low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and it’s sensible to have local emergency numbers saved in your phone.

Tipping in Bålsta

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 10-15% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with mobile payments also being popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Warm weather and long days perfect for enjoying lakeside picnics and hiking.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors, ideal for photography and nature walks.

Winter

Cold weather with potential snowfall, offering opportunities for winter sports like skiing.

Nightlife Guide

Bålsta at Night

Bålsta has a relaxed nightlife scene, with a few pubs and bars offering local beers and live music. Many residents enjoy socializing in cozy atmospheres, often after work hours. A variety of cultural events and festivals take place throughout the year, providing additional entertainment options for visitors.

Hiking in Bålsta

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Brunnsviken Trail

A scenic trail offering varied terrain and beautiful views of surrounding nature, perfect for a day hike.

Håbo Nature Reserve Trail

This trail features well-marked paths through dense forests and around lakes, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Bålsta by plane.

Arlanda Airport

Located about 40 km away, Arlanda is Sweden's largest international airport, offering flights to numerous destinations worldwide.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bålsta is a walkable area, with many amenities located within a short distance. Sidewalks are well-maintained, making it easy to explore the town on foot. The center is compact, allowing for convenient access to shops, restaurants, and parks without the need for a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Bålsta has a significant population of families, drawn to the area for its peaceful environment and good schools.

Young Professionals

Many young professionals commute to Stockholm for work, appreciating the balance of urban and suburban life that Bålsta offers.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a popular sport in Bålsta, with local teams often engaging in competitive leagues.

Football (Soccer)

Football is widely played, with many local clubs providing opportunities for both youth and adults to participate.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Bålsta is generally light, with most residents using bicycles or walking to get around. Public transportation, including trains and buses, connects Bålsta to nearby cities, making it easy to travel without a car. During peak hours, traffic can slow down, but overall, travel is manageable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bålsta.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, including salads and pasta.

Gluten-Free Choices

Gluten-free options are increasingly available, especially in cafes and bakeries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Bålsta is accessible, with a local health center providing general medical services. In case of emergencies, residents can access nearby hospitals in larger towns like Bålsta or Uppsala. EU citizens can utilize their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical treatment.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide