Free Things to Do in Stockholm.

Paths, Rocks and Allotment Gardens

Paths follow the water and climb over the island’s rocky ridges:

• Waterside footpaths Trails trace the shoreline and cut through the dense greenery that makes Långholmen one of the city’s favourite walking parks.
• Allotment gardens Walking lanes pass the island’s koloniträdgårdar, its small allotment plots.
• Rocky viewpoints Climb the granite outcrops for open views over the water towards Kungsholmen.
• Places to swim The island has both rocky bathing spots and a sandy beach.

The Old Prison and the Shipyard

Some of the island’s past is visible straight from the paths:

• Mälarvarvet The shipyard sits on the island’s eastern end.
• The old prison The former prison buildings still stand inside the park, a sharp contrast to the greenery around them.

Waterfront Picnics and Public Sports Facilities

Rålis serves as the city’s outdoor living room. It blends wide-open lawns with busy sports areas:

• Vast Waterfront Lawns Large open lawns fill the middle of the park, running out towards Riddarfjärden. Bring a blanket and your own food for a picnic.
• Rålis Skatepark The skatepark sits under Lilla Västerbron, next to basketball courts and running tracks.
• Active Recreation Zones Beach volleyball courts, an outdoor gym and climbing blocks.
• Shoreline Promenade Paved paths curve along the water and link into the longer waterfront walk back towards City Hall.

Local Outdoor Life on Kungsholmen

While central tourist zones can feel busy, Rålis gives you a glimpse of how locals spend their downtime. In summer, parts of the park host open-air cinema, outdoor exercise classes and park theatre in the amphitheatre. It is an easy pick among cheap things to do in Stockholm if you want fresh air and skyline views.

Waterfront Promenade and Skyline Views

From the promenade by the water you look straight across to Riddarholmen and Södermalm:

• Riddarholmen The openwork cast-iron spire of Riddarholmen Church across the channel.
• Södermalm The buildings along the heights of Södermalm (Mariaberget).
• Lake Mälaren Ferries, sightseeing boats and kayaks passing the promenade.

The Arches, the Water and the Tour

• Archways Stone portals frame the walking route straight through the parliament buildings, with good photo angles on the historic masonry.
• Views over Strömmen Water runs past both sides of the island. From the balustrades you look out to where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, with the Royal Opera and the Royal Palace in view.
• A Walk Through The route through the arches connects Drottninggatan with the old town.
• The Guided Tour The tour is free of charge. Between September and June it runs at weekends; places cannot be booked in advance, so it is first come, first served. There are no tours over Christmas and New Year. See the Riksdag’s tour page.

Military Pageantry in the Outer Courtyard

Head to the Outer Courtyard (Yttre borggården), where the changing of the guard takes place. Royal Guards have been posted at the palace since 1523.

• The Music Corps In the summer months the parade marches or rides with the Music Corps through the city streets and up to the Outer Courtyard.
• Mounted Parades On selected days from April through August the parade is mounted.
• Historic Setting The palace walls around the courtyard carry the commands and the music.

Before You Go

The streets around the palace lead straight into the Old Town’s alleys and down to the water.

Where and when the parade runs depends on the time of year, the day of the week and whether it is mounted or on foot, and times can change. Check the Swedish Armed Forces’ calendar before you go.

What to Look For

Find a bench and take in the city centre around you:

• Forumdammen The large pool in the northern part of the park, with its fountain display and bronze urns, ringed by long wooden benches and wide steps.
• Molin’s Fountain A quieter garden room around the fountain, framed by hedges and trees.
• Open-Air Events In summer the park is busy and one event follows another.