There’s something magical about watching Stockholm wake up, the soft glow of the sunrise reflecting off the water, and the city slowly coming to life. One of my favorite early morning routes starts at Hornstull and takes you on a peaceful walk through some of the city’s most scenic spots, ending at Slussen with a well-deserved coffee.
Start your journey by taking the subway to Hornstull station. From here, it’s just a short walk towards Västerbron. As you make your way up the bridge, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the city. You can either pause at the top to catch the sunrise or, if you prefer a more intimate setting, take a left turn down towards Långholmen. Find a spot on one of the rocky outcrops and settle in. From here, you’ll have a peaceful, panoramic view of the city waking up – it’s a perfect place to soak in the moment.
Continue your walk across Långholmen, crossing the bridge over to Södra Mälarstrand. Keep the water on your left as you follow the path. Soon enough, you’ll come across a wooden staircase – the first large one you encounter. Climb up, and you’ll find yourself on some of my favorite walking trails in Södermalm. The views here are spectacular, with glimpses of the water and old, majestic buildings lining your path. As you walk further, you’ll reach Skinnarviksparken, where I always take a moment to stop at the viewpoint. In the soft morning light, you can take in the entire city skyline – a breathtaking sight that feels almost surreal at this hour.
From there, head down Bastugatan and turn onto Kattgränd. This little street gives you a perfectly framed view of Stockholm City Hall across the water. Follow the path along Monteliusvägen all the way to Slussen. Monteliusvägen is a well-known tourist spot, but since you’ve been walking since sunrise, you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
End your walk at S:t Paul Bageri on Götgatan for a cozy breakfast.
Pro tip: make sure to arrive at Hornstull at least 30 minutes before sunrise, so you can really experience the sun coming up over the water with the city’s silhouette in the background. The further you walk, the bigger the city feels, and you’ll find yourself feeling calm and content as the morning unfolds.
For more inspiration, check out my 35mm film project where I captured this exact route on an October morning, where the capital of Sweden get painted in warm golden hues.
Travel through my camera 