My Local Guide to Mariefred – A Little Town with a Big Heart

Mariefred is my little hometown – full of charm, stories, and that soft, slow feeling you don’t know you need until you’re here.

If you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or just want to dream yourself away for a bit, this guide is for you. These are my favorite spots – personal, handpicked, and all heart.

Getting Here

Mariefred is just over an hour from Stockholm – but it feels like stepping into another world.

You can get here by:

Train to Läggesta, then a quick bus (304 or 305) to the town center. If it’s a sunny day, it’s short 3km long walk from the station.
Car – take the E20 toward Strängnäs and follow signs to Mariefred. Parking is easy by the harbor.
Boat (summer only) – yes, you can arrive like royalty by steamboat from Stockholm!

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to spend the night (or a few) in Mariefred, here are some charming spots that feel like a home away from home:

Gripsholms Värdshus — Historic, elegant, and full of character. This classic inn offers cozy rooms and delicious meals in a beautiful setting, just steps from the water and the castle. Perfect for a relaxing weekend or special occasion.
Skomakargården — A charming boutique hotel right in the heart of Mariefred’s old town. With cozy rooms, warm hospitality, and a wonderful central location, it’s an inviting base for exploring the town’s cafés, shops, and history.
Lovely Airbnbs — For those who like a more personal touch, Mariefred has several cozy Airbnbs sprinkled around town — from charming apartments in the center to quiet lakeside cottages.

No matter your style, Mariefred offers welcoming places to rest and recharge after a day of exploring.

My Favorite Places to Shop

Mariefred’s shops are small but full of soul. These are my go-to spots for gifts, inspiration, or a little self-love:

Hembruket – Swedish-made home goods with natural materials and timeless design. Full of calm and creativity.
Mariefreds Bokhandel – A cozy bookstore run by Eva since 2004. A warm, story-filled place where you can find books, stationery, and little treasures.
Lilla Dröm – A children’s boutique with soft clothes, playful toys, and gifts that spark joy for kids and grown-ups alike.
Classic Living – Scandinavian interiors with peaceful, beautiful details.
Cloud No9 Style – Fashion that’s modern, soft, and full of personality.
Jerners Rum – Flowers, gifts, and seasonal décor — like a little breath of spring.

Most of these are close to each other along Storgatan and Nygatan — perfect for a relaxed shopping stroll.

Fika, Food & Slow Moments

Some of my favorite places to pause, eat, and just be — because no visit to Mariefred is complete without warm drinks and delicious bites:

Två Goda Ting – Organic and homemade treats in a café and interior shop full of love and charm.
Han i Hörnet – A cozy bistro with a seasonal à la carte menu featuring dishes like hand-cut tartare and roasted pork belly — perfect for casual yet refined dining.
Alba – A stylish neighborhood bistro serving seasonal dishes inspired by Swedish, French, and German flavors — intimate and welcoming.
Rakstugan – The tiniest, coziest restaurant in town, set in a former barbershop, serving creative tapas and open-faced sandwiches with local ingredients.
Callanderska Garden Café – A hidden summer garden café full of flowers and sweet aromas.
Hamnkiosken – Grab an ice cream, sit by the harbor, and watch the boats float by.

My Perfect Day in Mariefred

Here’s how I’d spend a dreamy day in town:

Arrive late morning and stroll through the old town’s charming streets.
Grab a coffee and cardamom bun at Två Goda Ting or Callanderska Garden Café.
Wander into shops like Hembruket, Lilla Dröm, and Mariefreds Bokhandel for a little inspiration and discovery.
Pick up picnic goodies at ICA Torghallen or a local bakery.
Relax with your picnic in the peaceful Gripsholm Castle Park, soaking in nature and views.
Explore Gripsholm Castle or rent a paddleboard if you’re feeling adventurous.
End the day with a delicious dinner at Han i Hörnet or Alba, or a cozy meal at Rakstugan.
Finish with an ice cream from Hamnkiosken by the water, watching boats drift by in the soft evening light.

A Little Love Letter to Mariefred

Mariefred is more than just a pretty place — it’s a feeling. It’s that quiet moment when the world slows down, and you notice the soft sunlight filtering through the leaves, the gentle lapping of the lake, and the stories whispered by cobblestone streets. It’s a town that invites you to breathe a little deeper, linger a little longer, and find joy in small, unexpected moments.

For me, Mariefred is a daily reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. It’s in the imperfect paint on a wooden door, the worn pages of a beloved book, the laughter shared over fika with friends. It’s in capturing those fleeting, golden-hour moments with my camera, and sharing that gentle magic with others — just like I do on my page, where every photo tells a story of calm, curiosity, and a love for the simple things.

So whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through, I hope you find your own little moments of wonder in Mariefred. Moments that make your heart feel lighter, your pace a bit slower, and your spirit a touch brighter.

Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and let Mariefred’s soft charm wrap around you like a warm hug.

Hope to see you in Mariefred soon!

Poppy