Norrtälje will always be special to me since I grew up here. It’s a small town with plenty to do, especially in summer, when everything really revolves around the archipelago and the beautiful Roslagen nature.
I thought I’d share some of my own favorite spots and activities — a mix of easy things to do in the town center and a few outings if you feel like exploring a bit further.
1. Kayaking in Gräddö
Norrtälje is surounded by beautiful nature, espasially the archipilago. One of my favorite ways to explore it is to go kayaking—it’s such a nice way to see the islands from a totally different perspective.
There’s a Kajaking rental service on Gräddö that I really like. It’s about 20 miniut drive from Norrtälje towards Kappelkär, but you can also take bus 631X from Norrtälje Bus station if you don’t feel like driving. Its location makes it perfect for little day trips to the sorroudning islands.
You can eaither rent a kayak for the day or join one of the arranged trips with an instructor. I know the owner personally and she is super experianced and proffesional, so you’re in good hands. If you like being outdoors and just want to chill while seeing the archipilago from a new angle, this is a really fun way to do it.
Just make sure the weather is good, and you’ll have an amazing experiance—I promise it’s worth it!
2. Explore Borgmästarholmen
Borgmästarholmen is a small island just a 10-minute walk from Norrtälje Harbor. You simply walk past Societetsparken towards Kärleksudden. It’s a perfect little escape from the town, a place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
The island’s nature shifts between meadows, where cows and sheep graze, and cozy forest trails perfect for a leisurely walk. Borgmästarholmen has a calm, peaceful atmosphere—there are no buildings or roads, which gives it its unique scenic charm.
Along the walking paths, you’ll find a few barbecue spots, so a good tip is to bring some sausages to grill while you’re there. The island is wonderfully idyllic and also a favorite spot for locals from the area.
3. Socitetsparken
Societetsparken is Norrtälje’s biggest park, just across the harbor promenade by the water. I’ve spent countless afternoons here, playing kubb, having picnics with friends, or celebrating high school graduation. The open lawns and sunny spots make it easy to see why locals love hanging out here – it’s really at the heart of Norrtälje’s identity.
There’s a guest harbor, a playground, and even an outdoor gym if you feel like moving a bit. It’s also a perfect stop on the way to Borgmästarholmen or Kärleksudden.
One of my favorite things to do is grab sushi from Rollin Balls at the main square and enjoy lunch on the grass. During summer, the park comes alive with events like the Custom Bike Show and Hamnkalaset, so there’s always something fun going on.
4. Hike the Roslagsleden Trail
Roslagsleden runs all the way from Danderyd in Stockholm up to Grisslehamn, passing through Norrtälje along the way. It’s a lovely way to explore the Roslagen region. The trail is divided into different sections, and Stage 8 starts at Vingelsjö in central Norrtälje.
That said, my personal recommendation is to hike the final stage from Sandviken to Grisslehamn. It’s the most scenic part, with stretches along the water and amazing views over the Åland Sea. Once you reach Grisslehamn, treat yourself to a spa day at Hotell Havsbaden before heading back to Norrtälje – it’s the perfect reward after a day on the trail.
A heads-up: some parts of the trail can be quite muddy in spring. I hiked the Vingelsjö section in May, and there were large areas that were tricky to get through. By summer, though, it’s usually no problem at all.
5. Enjoy a round of mini golf
If you have a bit of time to spare or want to challenge friends and family, Norrtälje has a mini-golf course in Kvisthamra, just above Societetsparken. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the harbor, right next to Pensionat Granparken. There are two well-kept 18-hole courses, and it’s a classic mini-golf setup that’s fun for all ages.
The facility also has a small kiosk where you can grab soft-serve ice cream, drinks, or a light snack like sausages and toast. It’s a really fun way to spend a few hours in Norrtälje and perfect if you want a relaxed, playful break from sightseeing.
6. Take a swim at Kärleksudden
If you visit Norrtälje on a warm summer day, it’s lovely to head to Kärleksudden for a swim. Along with Lommarbadet, it’s one of the most popular swimming spots in central Norrtälje. There’s parking, so it’s easy to get there by car, and you’ll also find toilets and a restaurant where you can grab lunch.
It’s more of a natural swimming spot, though, so there aren’t any changing rooms. The beach is located at the tip of a small peninsula past Societetsparken, right next to Borgmästarholmen. It feels wonderfully close to nature, yet the town is only about a 15-minute walk away.
7. Visit the animals at Färsna Gård
Färsna Gård is a popular outing for families in Norrtälje, located in a green area just a couple of kilometers outside the town center. Here you’ll find chickens, rabbits, and other animals that kids can visit, plus tractors to climb onto. The whole place has the feel of an old Swedish farm, with classic red wooden buildings.
There’s also a cozy little café in one of the buildings. It’s worth checking the opening hours in advance, though – when we visited in spring it was closed, but I imagine the hours are better during the summer season.
Planning a trip to Norrtälje? Check out my full travel guide for insider tips and the best ways to make the most of your visit!
