Is Stockholm bike friendly?

Just like many cities in Scandinavia, Stockholm is very bike friendly. While getting around on two wheels might not be quite as common as it is in Copenhagen and other Danish cities, you’ll still see plenty of bike lanes and people cycling as you visit Stockholm.

This is great news if you’re someone like me who loves cycling to get from A to B!

If you’re visiting Stockholm and wondering about how to get around, biking is a great option. If you’re looking to rent a bike, you can find more in our best bike rentals in Stockholm post.

Below, we’ll share why we think Stockholm is great for cyclists, uncover the best bike routes, highlight a few places to rent a bike, and discuss the city’s bike lanes and safety for cyclists.

is stockholm bike friendly view of gamla stan from sodermalm across the water

Bike Lanes and Safety

Stockholm is committed to being a sustainable and green city, which includes making cycling safe and accessible. The city has a large network of bike lanes, ensuring that cyclists can get around safely and efficiently.

These lanes are well-marked, and there’s a strong culture of respect among drivers for cyclists. Often, the lines are separated from the road too which makes them feel even safer.

You can find the official cycling network map for Stockholm city here. There are 760 kilometers (about 472 miles) of bike lanes crisscrossing the city and its outskirts.

These bike lanes are well planned and cater to commuters, leisure riders, and everyone in between.

Best Bike Routes in the City

Stockholm is laced with picturesque bike paths that cater to every cyclist’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for a leisurely pedal, the city has something for everyone.

  • Djurgården Island: A peaceful park to escape to and where you’ll find many of Stockholm’s museums including the Abba museum and Grona Lunda theme park. It’s perfect for a family outing or a solo adventure to soak in the natural beauty. Be sure to stop at Rosendals Trädgårdkafé for fika! It’s one of our favourite cafes in the city!
  • Södermalm: For those who love city vibes, cycling around Södermalm gives you stunning views of Stockholm’s skyline and waterside paths. It’s a great way to explore the trendy shops and cafes along the way.
  • Lake Mälaren: For the more adventurous, taking a longer ride around Lake Mälaren provides breathtaking views and a fresh breeze off the water. This route is a bit longer but rewarding with its scenic views. A great one for summer!
Gamla Stan Stockholm colourful houses

Places to Rent a Bike

Stockholm has made it super easy for everyone to get on two wheels, whether you have your own bike or not.

  • RideMovi: RideMovi is Stockholm’s current bike-sharing scheme. They’re not as available as bike-sharing schemes in other large cities, but they’re still a good option if you don’t want to commit to a daily rental and want to pick up and drop off a bike as you please.
  • Stockholm Cykel: Located in Sodermalm, this is a great place to rent a bike with options for trekking bikes and city bikes as well as helmets, bike bags, and child seats. 

Final Thoughts

So, is Stockholm bike-friendly? Absolutely! With its beautiful routes in parks and next to the water, easy access to bike rentals, and a large network of bike lanes, Stockholm is a great city for cyclists and one of the reasons we think it’s worth visiting if you’re an outdoor lover.

Whether you’re weaving through Sodermalm and its hipster hangouts or taking in the panoramic views of the water from Djurgarden, cycling in Stockholm is not just about getting from A to B—it’s about discovering the heart and soul of this beautiful city on two wheels.

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