10 Things to Do in Stockholm in March

In March, Stockholm awakens from its winter slumber and prepares to welcome spring, with many proposals to discover both in the city and in nature.

Lorena Morales

Lorena Morales

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Stockholm in March

March in Stockholm | ©Simon & Kenny

March is a special month to visit Stockholm, as the transition to spring adds a special charm. There are many things to see and do in Stockholm all year round, but during this month, the Swedish capital wakes up from winter and begins to prepare for the hustle and bustle of the high season.

From the shelter of the Paradox Museum to the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, in March you can discover Stockholm's rich heritage with fewer crowds. In this article, I'll tell you about this month's featured festivities, so you'll know how the locals experience this season. Plus, I'll offer practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to the city.

1. Explore the nautical world in Allt För Sjön

Allt För Sjön| ©Anders Sellin
Allt För Sjön| ©Anders Sellin

Allt För Sjön is the nautical fair that takes place every year in March to welcome the next nautical season. It is an ideal event if you are a water sports and boating enthusiast, as you can explore the latest trends and developments in the marine world.

At the fair you will find a variety of products and services related to boating, from boats and equipment to nautical accessories. In addition, you will be able to see exhibits ranging from the latest boating technology to fishing equipment and water recreation. Without a doubt, Allt För Sjön is the perfect place for you to discover the latest innovations if you are looking to get into the world of boating.

The fair lasts approximately two weeks, so it is an ideal plan if you are staying at least three days in Stockholm. At Allt För Sjön you will also be able to participate in events, demonstrations and talks related to aquatic life, meetings with experts, product presentations and live demonstrations.

It's an event that will give you a practical insight into the world of boating, as the city is known for its intense nautical life and the unmissable boat tours you can take in Stockholm.

Interesting facts

  • Location: Mässvägen 1, 125 80, Stockholm.
  • Days and times: Days and times of different events may vary.
  • Ticket price: from 21 € per person approximately.

Take a boat ride in Stockholm

2. Visit the Stockholm Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden| ©Fredrik Klingberg
Botanical Garden| ©Fredrik Klingberg

March brings the end of winter in Stockholm and the promise of spring, so it's a great idea to visit the Stockholm Botanical Garden during this month. In addition, temperatures are still cool in March, so there are fewer tourists and you can explore the diversity of plants and flowers at your leisure.

The beauty of March at the botanical garden lies in the simplicity of the first flowers of the season. In this month you can appreciate the delicacy of the first green shoots and observe how nature gradually renews itself. The tranquil atmosphere allows you to stroll along the paths, enjoying the peace that this green corner of Stockholm has to offer.

The garden has two greenhouses with plants from various parts of the world, and a large outdoor green space with trees, herbs and plants, where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also terraces and a café overlooking the garden and Lake Brunnsviken.

Interesting facts

  • Location: Gustafsborgsvägen 4 (Frescati), Stockholm.
  • Days and hours: The outdoor areas of the garden and Edvard Anderson's greenhouse are open all year round.
  • Admission fee: about 8 EUR for adults. Children under 15 are free.

3. Explore the Stockholm Archipelago by boat

Stockholm Archipelago| ©Егор Журавлёв
Stockholm Archipelago| ©Егор Журавлёв

In March, sailing the Stockholm Archipelago is one of the must-see experiences during your stay in the city. On the one hand, the lower tourist influx in this month will allow you to enjoy the scenery without distractions, so you can enjoy a quieter experience at your own pace. In addition, prices are more affordable compared to the high season.

Sailing on a scenic cruise is one of the best options to get to know the Stockholm Archipelago, a natural wonder made up of some 24 thousand islands, islets and rocks. In addition, from the waters you will have a unique perspective of the city and some of its most representative buildings, such as the Royal Palace and City Hall.

You can also go by ferry to some of the islands of the Archipelago, such as Värmdö Island, which is the largest and most populated, where you can hike through the forest, explore museums and enjoy its gastronomy. Another good option is Grinda Island, where there is a nature reserve.

Interesting facts

  • Starting point: Strandvägen 8, 114 56 Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Days and hours: daily at 10:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m. approximately.
  • Entrance fee: from 36 € per person.

Book a panoramic cruise

4. Learn about documentaries at the Tempo Documentary Festival

Tempo Documentary Festival poster| ©johan magnusson
Tempo Documentary Festival poster| ©johan magnusson

In March, Stockholm becomes the setting for the Tempo Documentary Festival, an event dedicated to documentary film and storytelling. This annual festival offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary documentary filmmaking.

The fascination of the Tempo Documentary Festival lies in its ability to present powerful and thought-provoking stories. Its wide-ranging programming addresses social, political and cultural issues, giving you an eye-opening view of the world around us. Without a doubt, this is a must-see experience if you are a cinephile who wants to explore the richness of contemporary documentary.

To make the most of your experience at the Tempo Documentary Festival, I recommend that you review the program in advance and select the screenings that interest you the most. Many times, the festival also offers special events, talks with filmmakers and various opportunities for participation, so that you can live a more complete film experience.

5. Discover the universe of paradoxes in Stockholm

Paradox museum| ©luitpold
Paradox museum| ©luitpold

The Paradox Museum in Stockholm is a unique experience that defies the conventions of physics and logic. With more than 70 exhibits, this museum offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where paradoxes and optical illusions transform your perception of reality. March is the best time to visit the museum, as it receives fewer visitors, and you can take your time to solve the challenges.

The Paradox Museum's exhibits cover a wide variety of intriguing topics that challenge the mind and encourage curiosity, and are interesting for people of all ages. It is also designed to be enjoyed with your group of friends or family and is an ideal plan if you are going to Stockholm with children.

The Paradox Museum is located in the city center, so you can include it in your tour of Stockholm and take a different experience of your stay in the city.

Interesting facts

  • Location: Sergelgatan 20, 111 57 Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Days and hours: daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
  • Admission fee: adults from 20 € per person. Children under 4 years old are free.

Book tickets for the Paradox Museum

6. Attend the carnival celebration in Stockholm

Stockholm Carnival| ©Pernilla Åström
Stockholm Carnival| ©Pernilla Åström

The Stockholm Carnival, an annual celebration that has been held for more than 27 years, has marked a unique space in the Swedish city. The event, organized by the Brasil bar, seeks to recreate the liveliness of traditional Brazilian carnivals in the heart of Stockholm. The initiative arose in the absence of spaces to celebrate the carnival festivities.

During the celebration, the musical offer covers various genres, from samba to reggaeton, soca and African rhythms. To participate in this event you have to be over 18 years old, and you can join in with costumes, contributing to the colorful and joyful carnivals.

To fully enjoy the Stockholm Carnival, I recommend that you buy your tickets in advance, as access to the festivities is on a pay-as-you-go basis. I also suggest you check the event's schedule so you don't miss out on outstanding performances and parades.

7. Enjoy the flavors on Waffle Day in Stockholm

Waffles| ©Keith McDuffee
Waffles| ©Keith McDuffee

Held annually, Stockholm Waffle Day is a holiday that pays homage to one of the most delicious culinary delights. This celebration takes place every March 25, and its origin comes from the Christian holiday Vårfrudagen, or Annunciation Day.

The celebration of Waffle Day takes place at various locations in Stockholm, from cozy cafés like Älskade Traditioner (one of Stockholm's best coffee shops), to lively street markets. There you will find a wide variety of waffles, from the classics with sugar and cinnamon to more innovative creations with unique ingredients.

Accompanying the waffles with traditional Swedish sides, such as whipped cream and fresh fruit, adds an authentic touch to the experience. In addition, some establishments may offer special activities or events related to the celebration, so I suggest you keep an eye out for scheduled activities so you can further enrich the experience.

To make the most of Waffle Day in Stockholm, I advise you to arrive early to popular spots, as demand can be high during this event. It is a good day to take a city tour of Stockholm by bike, as you can discover many hidden places and enjoy the local architecture and culture along the way.

Join a bike tour

8. Enjoy outdoor sports

Flottsbro| ©Linus Thomée
Flottsbro| ©Linus Thomée

March is the most appropriate month for skiing in Stockholm, as it marks the end of winter, but conditions are still suitable. The combination of well-preserved snow and more pleasant weather conditions provides you with an environment conducive to skiing in the city.

Among the outstanding places to ski in Stockholm is the Nackareservatet region, which has extensive snow-covered areas. Another well-known site is the Flottsbro area, which is located approximately 20 kilometers south of the city and has well-maintained slopes and options for skiers of different levels.

If you decide to ski in Stockholm in March, I recommend that you check the conditions of the slopes before you go. Keep in mind that on weekdays the slopes tend to be less crowded compared to weekends.

Another popular option in Stockholm in winter is ice skating on the rinks located in different parts of the city. One of the busiest is at Kungstradgarden Park, which is located in central Stockholm.

9. Explore history in Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan| ©Jorge Láscar
Gamla Stan| ©Jorge Láscar

Gamla Stan is a picturesque historic district of Stockholm located in the heart of the Swedish capital. Located on an island between lakes Mälaren and Saltsjön, this neighborhood features cobblestone streets and colorful buildings that tell centuries of history. A tour of its cobblestone streets is highly recommended in March, when temperatures begin to ease and the days become longer.

Gamla Stan offers a rich variety of attractions, from the majestic Stortorget Square to the Royal Palace. In March, the lesser influx of tourists allows you to enjoy its charms in a more serene way. Västerlånggatan, famous for its cozy stores and cafés offering traditional Swedish delicacies, is a must-see.

To get to Gamla Stan, you can use Stockholm's public transportation system, which includes trains and buses, or book a guided tour if you want to learn more about the city's history and culture. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly, as the weather is still cool at this time of year.

Book a guided tour of the old town

10. Taste traditional Swedish mulled wine

Mulled Wine| ©Jeff Mulongo
Mulled Wine| ©Jeff Mulongo

Mulled wine is a traditional drink that is drunk particularly in winter and especially at Christmas in Stockholm and Sweden. However, as temperatures are still cold in the month of March in the city, it is a plan that you know this delicious drink in one of its best restaurants.

Glögg or mulled wine is also drunk in other countries such as Norway, Germany and Denmark, but it is believed to originate in Sweden. It is traditionally served with ginger or cinnamon cookies, almonds or raisin and saffron buns.

You can also prepare it yourself, following one of the traditional Glögg recipes.

A good idea, if you want to learn about gastronomy and get to know the main dishes of the city with the guidance of an expert, the best option is to join a guided tour, which will surely include a tasting of this and other typical Swedish drinks.

Join a gastronomic tour

Temperatures in Stockholm in March

March in Stockholm| ©Bengt Nyman
March in Stockholm| ©Bengt Nyman

In March, Stockholm experiences a gradual shift towards spring after the cold winter months. Temperatures at this time of year tend to vary, with daytime averages ranging from 0 °C to 6 °C. Mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures that can drop below freezing, but as the month progresses, the weather tends to become milder.

There are also noticeable changes in the hours of sunlight, as the days lengthen and a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere is created in the city. It is a good month to visit the city, as it receives fewer visitors than the spring and summer season.