Destination Run: Drottningholm Palace, Judarskogen Nature Preserve, Kärsön Island

Here’s an idea for a destination run! Head just west of Stockholm to enjoy some great running options: the gorgeous grounds of  Drottningholm Palace, trails the Judarskogen Nature Preserve, and the forested trails of Kärsön Island. Run these standalone or combine for a longer run. It’s accessible via transport.

Drottningholm Palace is a well-preserved 17th-century Royal Palace with beautifully landscaped grounds consisting of a Chinese Pavillion, theatre, gardens, and two small lakes. Running on the grounds is permitted. Overall, a route of 4-5 km can be done. Note: Grounds are free to visit.

Judarskogen Nature Preserve. A pleasant nature preserve with trails around wetlands, open meadows, and woods. A nice variety of options, from nature trails to cycle paths. Overall, a loop is 3-4 km. Accessible from Ängbyplan metro station.

Combination Run: Castle & Preserve. A fantastic long run, ~17 km. Start at the Preserve, and do a 3.5 loop around the perimeter. Exit the western end, and then run on the path along the water for 1.5 km to the Nockeby Bridge, which leads to Drottningholm Palace.  There are nice water views along the 1.5 km over the bridge, which has a wide path for pedestrians. Then enjoy the 4-5 km of paths around the Palace grounds.

Option: Kärsön Island. Accessible from the Nockeby Bridge, with a nice network of easy forest trails. The island is 3 km long and 1.5 km wide. A good running option is the 5.5 kilometer long Kärsön red trail (marked with red dots) that leads around the island. Enjoy four-hundred -year-old oaks and broad-leaved spartia with a very unusual flora. There are nice views of Drottningholm Palace from the western end of the island. Kärsön Island is also the location of a popular frisbee golf course!