Things To Do
in Vallentuna

Vallentuna is a small municipality just north of Stockholm, surrounded by forests and lakes, offering easy access to both nature and city life. The town blends a peaceful, family-friendly vibe with a strong outdoor culture and a growing selection of cafes and local shops. It's connected to Stockholm by the Roslagsbanan commuter rail and major roads, making day trips convenient.

Visitors can explore nature reserves, historic sites, and lakeside trails while enjoying Swedish fika and a relaxed pace.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Vallentuna's History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Vallentuna's historic church, dating back to the 12th century. Explore the beautifully preserved architecture and enjoy the tranquil ambience of the church grounds. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the charming village center, soaking in the quaint atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Head to the Vallentuna Museum to learn more about the region's fascinating history and cultural heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits and admire local artworks that depict the life in Vallentuna through the ages. For lunch, sample some traditional Swedish cuisine at a nearby café.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a stroll along the Vallentuna lake, where the shimmering water reflects the vibrant hues of the sunset. Find a cozy spot by the lakeside to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Later, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Swedish dishes.

day 2
Nature Retreat
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the nearby nature reserve, where lush forests and scenic trails await. The crisp morning air is invigorating, perfect for appreciating the stunning natural beauty of Vallentuna. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst the trees.

afternoon
:

After your hike, spend the afternoon cycling or walking along the many picturesque paths surrounding the area. Take in the diverse flora and fauna, and find a lovely spot to relax and take photographs. For lunch, stop at a local deli for fresh sandwiches and coffee.

evening
:

Wrapping up your adventure, find a location to watch the birds return to roost at dusk, an ideal moment to connect with nature. As night falls, consider a peaceful evening by the fire at a nearby lodge if available, sharing stories with fellow travelers. Indulge in a comforting dinner with local produce to end your perfect day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee$3-5
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🏨One night in mid-range hotel$100-180
🚆Public transport day pass$9-14

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Stockholm with easy transit access
  • Rich nature, lakes, and outdoor activities
  • Safe, family-friendly environment with a relaxed pace
  • Limited nightlife within Vallentuna itself
  • Smaller selection of shops and dining compared to the capital
  • Seasonal weather can be variable; plan for cold winters
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Kan jag få menyn?" - Can I have the menu?
  • "Talar du engelska?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Vallentuna

Visit one of these nice places.

Vallentuna Church and town center

Capture the historic church façade and the quaint streets around the center, especially during early morning light.

Vallentunasjön lakeside

Wide shoreline and reflective water provide tranquil water-side compositions, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Roslagsleden entrance near Vallentuna

Forest paths and edge-of-wood scenes offer moody, textured shots of Swedish nature.

Local dusk viewpoints by the village edge

Open fields and tree lines create silhouettes and golden-hour silhouettes with soft skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Vallentuna

Sweden’s cuisine in Vallentuna emphasizes seasonal produce, hearty dishes, and fika—the beloved coffee break with something sweet. You’ll find a mix of traditional Swedish staples and modern cafés that focus on local ingredients, gentle flavors, and comforting meals. Most places accept cards, and Swish is widely used for quick mobile payments. Vegetarian and other dietary needs are generally accommodated at many eateries with advance notice.

Vallentuna Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gravad lax

Cured salmon served with dill, mustard sauce, and crisp bread; commonly found on Swedish menus and available in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs)

Small meatballs served with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber; a staple through many Swedish restaurants.

Raggmunk

Potato pancakes often served with bacon and sour cream; a traditional, cozy dish you’ll encounter in regional cafés.

Smörgås / open-faced sandwich

A classic Swedish lunch item featuring dense rye bread with toppings such as cheese, herring, or shrimp.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Vallentuna Farmers’ Market (seasonal)

Seasonal market offering local berries, bread, cheeses, honey, and other regional produce; great for fresh ingredients and snacks.

Local seasonal stalls

Pop-up stalls and small markets in town centers during warmer months featuring fika pastries, sandwiches, and local crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Vallentuna experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are mild and pleasant, winters are cold with snow, springs are fresh, and autumns bring colorful foliage. Expect variable weather and be prepared for rain in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued in both social and professional settings.

Fika

Take breaks for coffee and pastries; it’s a social ritual and a chance to relax and connect.

Respect for personal space and quiet tones

Maintain respectful conversation volumes in public spaces and queues, and respect local recycling and cleanliness norms.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sweden generally has low crime rates and a high standard of safety. Typical precautions include safeguarding valuables in crowded areas and being aware of weather conditions when hiking. In emergencies, call 112 for police, fire, or medical needs.

Tipping in Vallentuna

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated in restaurants and bars.

Payment Methods

Card payments are widely accepted; mobile payments (Swish) are very common; cash use is decreasing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greenery; expect occasional rain. Great for nature walks and early flowers.

Summer

Long daylight hours, outdoor dining, and lake activities; pack sunscreen and light layers for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and cooler temps; ideal for photography and forest hikes with autumn colors.

Winter

Cold and snowy conditions are common; plan for layered clothing, winter footwear, and hours of daylight are shorter.

Nightlife Guide

Vallentuna at Night

Vallentuna’s nightlife is modest, with cozy cafés and pubs in town. Most visitors head to Stockholm for bars, live music, and clubs, but you’ll still find community events and seasonal gatherings in the evenings during warmer months. Expect relaxed environments, pleasant conversation, and a focus on social time rather than late-night partying.

Hiking in Vallentuna

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Roslagsleden – Vallentuna segment

A scenic portion of the long-distance Roslagsleden trail passing through Vallentuna’s countryside, ideal for day hikes.

Gribbylund nature area

Forested hills and lakeside paths offering easy to moderate hikes in a preserved natural setting.

Vallentuna lakeshore trails

Family-friendly loops around the lakes with flat terrain and picturesque water views.

Lövsta forest trails

Mellow to moderate trails through pine and birch with seasonal scenery.

Airports

How to reach Vallentuna by plane.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Primary international airport for the region; ~40-60 minutes to Vallentuna by car or public transport; wide range of international and domestic flights.

Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)

Close-in airport with mainly domestic and short-haul international flights; convenient for quick trips to regional destinations.

Nyköping Skavsta Airport (NYO)

Budget-friendly option further to the south; good for occasional international flights with longer travel times from Vallentuna.

Getting Around

Walkability

Vallentuna is walkable in the town center, with pleasant lakeside paths and short strolls between shops and cafés. For longer explorations or nature access, a bike or short drive is convenient to reach forest trails and lakeside routes. Public transport links to Stockholm via Roslagsbanan make day trips easy.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

Many families choose Vallentuna for its safe neighborhoods, schools, and abundant outdoor spaces.

Commuters to Stockholm

Residents often travel by Roslagsbanan or car to jobs in Stockholm and surrounding areas.

Students and young adults

Proximity to Stockholm supports education and cultural activities while retaining a quieter hometown environment.

Diverse immigrant communities

A mix of backgrounds contributing to a vibrant local culture and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A popular local and regional sport with youth and adult matches across facilities.

Cross-country skiing

Seasonal activity in snowy winters, with trails close to the town and surrounding countryside.

Ice hockey

Community rinks host games and practice for enthusiasts during winter months.

Tennis and handball

Seasonal courts and indoor facilities support a range of racquet sports.

Transportation

Traffic

Vallentuna benefits from good road connections via E18 and local roads; Roslagsbanan provides reliable rail links to Stockholm and nearby towns. Traffic can be moderate during peak hours, and driving in winter requires winter tires. Parking is available in town centers with some paid zones; bikes and walking are practical for local trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Vallentuna.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many eateries offer vegetarian plates; look for meat-free mains, plant-based burgers, and vegetarian pizzas. When traveling, ask for dairy-free options or dairy substitutes as needed.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and pasta options are commonly available; request kitchen cross-contact details and check labels, especially for sauces and processed foods.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden offers excellent public healthcare; residents are assigned to a county council for services. Visitors can access urgent care via emergency services (112). For non-urgent care, you can visit local health centers or seek guidance from 1177 Vårdguiden for advice in English. In Stockholm and nearby towns, hospitals provide comprehensive services and language support.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide