Lidingö Between Coastal Trails, Culture and Island Nature

Lidingö combines trails through protected nature with coastal landscapes, historic sites and distinctive destinations for active days. The island can be explored through a wide variety of experiences: On the classic 30-km Lidingöloppet route, flat meadows and gravel paths alternate with ascending trails and steep climbs. Anyone wishing to explore the route outside the annual race can use it for training around the clock. The final 10-kilometre section is lit every day until 22:00.

Hiking between nature reserves and the coast

Another reliable point of reference is the nine-kilometre Elfviksleden trail from Lidingö Centrum to Elfviks udde. The trail passes through the Långängen–Elfvik nature reserve. Elfviks gård, a working farm with a park by the sea, is also located in this area. Visitors can see goats, chickens, rabbits, sheep and horses there. The Lidingö Hembygdsförening also hosts an annual Bellmansfest at Elfviks gård.

Lidingö also reveals its waterside character in Kappsta nature reserve. There, a deciduous-forest clearing with botanical features meets a rocky coast along Lilla Värtan. Kilometres of hiking trails run along Lidingö’s coast, and swimming is possible at several locations. The Naturstigen complements this landscape with an approximately 600-metre trail through a species-rich, lushly vegetated grove landscape. It opened in 2007. Kottlasjön is also part of the Långängen–Elfvik nature reserve.

Historic Sites and Museums

For cultural discoveries, Lidingö offers several clearly distinct destinations. Lidingö kyrka is the oldest surviving building on Lidingö. The present church was built in 1623 on the presumed site of a small medieval wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, Sankta Anna. The Lidingö Museum presents the development of Lidingö from 8000 BC to the present day in a permanent exhibition.

The cultural walk from Mölna to Gångsätra also connects various historical references. At a normal pace, it takes just under two hours and offers the opportunity to experience Skärsätra gård. Fruit wine was produced on the farm at the beginning of the 20th century. Millesgården focuses on a different aspect of culture: The museum with its sculpture park was created by Carl and Olga Milles both as a home and as an artist’s studio.

Waterfront Locations, Railway Line and Winter Destinations

A hiking trail runs directly along the water on the southern shore of Kyrkviken. Gåshaga has a waterfront promenade with opportunities for swimming. The Lidingöbanan provides transport on the island, running in the south between Ropsten and Gåshaga. In addition, you can travel to and from Lidingö using the commuter boat service.

Ekholmsnäsbacken, Lidingö’s ski slope, is part of the island’s winter profile. Below the ski slope is a newly built jetty with two meeting points and views over Kyrkviken that are suitable for birdwatching. Sweden’s longest natural toboggan run is also located next to Ekholmsnäsbacken. The Lidingöloppet itself has taken place every year since 1965 on the last weekend of September on Lidingö, complementing the year-round training route described above with a fixed date in the events calendar.

To the main travel overview: Lidingö.