Things To Do
in Enköping

Enköping is a small Swedish town in Uppsala County known for its pleasant, green streets and close proximity to Mälaren. Nestled between forests and lakes, it makes for an easy, walkable escape with a distinctly tranquil atmosphere. The town has a charming center with historic architecture, parks, and a friendly local vibe.

Visitors can enjoy water views, fika breaks, and easy access to outdoor recreation in a compact, family-friendly setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Enköping Town Hall, a stunning example of traditional Swedish architecture. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets and admire the beautifully preserved buildings that tell stories of the town's rich history. Don't forget to pop into a local café for a warm cinnamon bun and coffee.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration by visiting the Enköping Museum, where you can dive into the local history through engaging exhibits and artifacts. After your museum visit, take a leisurely walk to the nearby parks, such as the picturesque Vallby Park, where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by blooming flowers. As the afternoon sun sets, consider visiting the local shops for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

For dinner, indulge in traditional Swedish cuisine at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like herring and meatballs. Afterward, take a peaceful evening stroll along the shores of Lake Mälaren, where you can watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors. Wind down your day with a visit to a cozy bar, enjoying a local beer or aquavit.

day 2
Nature Walks and Parks
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the beautiful Örsundsbro Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the serene Swedish wilderness. The morning air is invigorating, making it the perfect time to observe local wildlife and the stunning flora that thrives in this area. Bring along your camera to capture the natural beauty that surrounds you.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head back to Enköping for a leisurely lunch at one of the town’s quaint bistros, where you can sample local dishes. Post-lunch, spend your afternoon at the iconic Djäkneberget Park, where you can enjoy the scenic views and perhaps engage in some light outdoor activities like frisbee or sunbathing. The park's playground is perfect if you're traveling with children, offering fun for the entire family.

evening
:

As evening approaches, visit a local farm for a farm-to-table dinner experience, connecting with the community and learning about sustainable practices. Enjoy the fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that make Swedish cuisine so special. End your day with a bonfire if available, sharing stories under the stars while enjoying the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️3-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
Coffee at a café$2-5
🛒Groceries for a week for two$60-120
🏨Mid-range hotel room per night$90-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with easy access to nature
  • Friendly locals and a calm, safe environment
  • Strong fika culture and seasonal Nordic cuisine
  • Good base for day trips to Stockholm and Västerås
  • Small nightlife scene compared with bigger cities
  • Limited high-end dining options within town center
  • Public transport can be less frequent on weekends
  • Weather can be variable; plan for rain or cold in shoulder seasons
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Var ligger …?" - Where is …?
  • "Kan du hjälpa mig?" - Can you help me?
  • "Tal languages?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Enköping

Visit one of these nice places.

Stora torget (Market Square)

Historic facades, historic street rhythm, and daily life; ideal during golden hour for warm, soft light.

Enköping City Hall and Old Town Architecture

Classic Swedish town architecture with charming details and clear lines for architectural photography.

Lakeside promenade along Mälaren

Water reflections, boats, and quiet mornings; perfect for tranquil landscape shots.

Rosendals Park & flower beds

Seasonal flower displays and neatly designed paths—great for colorful garden shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Enköping

Swedish regional cuisine in Enköping celebrates seasonal produce, dairy, and fresh fish. You’ll find classic dishes alongside Nordic modern bistros that highlight local ingredients and simple, comforting flavors.

Enköping Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar with mashed potatoes and lingonberries

Sweden’s iconic meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes and tart lingonberry sauce.

Must-Try!

Raggmunk with fried pork and lingonberries

Crispy potato pancakes paired with fried pork and a touch of lingonberry for sweetness.

Gravad lax with dill mustard sauce

Cured salmon thinly sliced and served with a tangy dill–mustard sauce.

Sill and new potatoes

Seasonal pickled herring served with baby potatoes, typical for Swedish smörgåsbord-style meals.

Smörgåsbord sampler

A small tasting of Swedish open-faced sandwiches and seasonal accompaniments.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Enköping Saturday Market (Stora torget)

A seasonal market with local produce, cheeses, breads, and crafts—great for sampling regional flavors.

Summer street-food stalls

Seasonal food trucks and stalls around parks offering Nordic-inspired bites and coffee.

Climate Guide

Weather

Enköping experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally mild to warm, with average highs around 22°C (72°F); winters are cold, with temperatures often near or below freezing and periodic snowfall. Expect rainy days year-round, with slightly more precipitation in autumn. Overall, it has crisp springs and colorful autumns, followed by comfortable summers and chilly winters.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and queues

Be punctual and patient in queues; Swedes value efficiency and personal space.

Fika

Take time for fika—a coffee break with pastries—as a social ritual with friends or colleagues.

Greetings

A polite handshake is common; address people with titles and surnames unless invited to use first names.

Safety Guide

Safety

Enköping is a safe and family-friendly town. Standard outdoor safety applies: stay aware of traffic when near roads, keep valuables secure, and follow local guidelines in nature areas. Emergency number in Sweden is 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Overall, crime rates are low and the town is welcoming to visitors.

Tipping in Enköping

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory in Sweden; rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Card payments are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard); contactless and mobile payments (Swish) are common; cash use is decreasing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Longer days and blossoming trees; ideal for outdoor walks and early garden photography.

Summer

Warm, bright days with extended daylight; many outdoor events and cafes with outdoor seating.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and cooler temperatures; perfect for moody landscapes and cozy fika stops.

Winter

snowy landscapes and shorter days; indoor museums and warm cafés offer comfort with scenic lights.

Nightlife Guide

Enköping at Night

Enköping’s nightlife is relaxed and intimate, with cozy pubs, wine bars, and cafés that often feature live music or open-mic evenings. The scene tends to be quiet compared with larger cities, making it ideal for a low-key evening with friends. In summer, outdoor terraces along the lake attract locals for drinks as the sun sets late.

Hiking in Enköping

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mälaren Shoreline Loop

Scenic lakeside trail with easy to moderate terrain; great for day hikes or a relaxed afternoon stroll.

Rosendals Park nature trails

Gentle forest trails surrounding the park area; suitable for families and casual hikers.

Enköpingsåsen Ridge Trail

A gentle ridge walk with viewpoints over the town and surrounding countryside; good for photographers during golden hour.

Airports

How to reach Enköping by plane.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Major international gateway about 60–70 minutes by car or train from Enköping; frequent domestic and international flights; good rail connections via the Arlanda express and regional lines.

Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)

City-centered airport offering primarily domestic and some European flights; convenient for short trips; reachable by car or public transport with a transfer.

Västerås Airport (VST)

Smaller regional airport roughly an hour by road from Enköping; serves charter and some regional flights; good for quick trips and access to western Sweden.

Getting Around

Walkability

Enköping has a very walkable town center with well-maintained sidewalks, short blocking distances, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Most major sights, cafés, and shops are within a 15–20 minute stroll of the central square, and cycling is easy with designated lanes and flat terrain. A car is useful for day trips outside town, but within town limits walking is the simplest way to experience the area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly town with good schools, parks, and safe streets.

Students and young adults

Presence of regional education facilities; many residents commute to larger cities for work or study.

Seniors

Active senior community with clubs, cultural activities, and healthcare access nearby.

Residents with diverse backgrounds

Multicultural presence with immigrant communities contributing to local culture and events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A popular sport with local clubs and community leagues; weekend matches are common social gatherings.

Ice hockey / floorball

Winter team sports enjoyed by residents and visitors alike; indoor arenas are common in nearby towns.

Cross-country skiing and hiking

Winter and shoulder-season activity in nearby forests and trails; well-maintained loops exist for all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Enköping is typically light to moderate. The town has a straightforward ring of arterial roads and a good bus network for getting to Uppsala, Västerås, and Stockholm. Parking in the center is generally straightforward, with paid options in busier periods. For longer trips, rail and regional buses connect with major cities in the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Enköping.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus feature veggie options; look for plates with root vegetables, mushrooms, and local greens. Ask for salads, veggie mains, or dairy-free modifications when needed.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly available in cafes and Nordic bistros; request plant-based sauces and dairy-free substitutes.

Gluten-free

Most places can adjust meals or offer gluten-free bread and pasta; always inform staff about gluten-sensitive needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Enköping is provided through regional services (Region Uppsala). You can access primary care at local health centers and hospital facilities in the region. For urgent medical attention, call 112. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card for reimbursement and access, and travelers should consider travel insurance for non-urgent needs.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide