Guide to Lidingö
Publish date: 26 January 2024
Lidingö is perhaps best known for its many opulent villas and homes. Since the mid-16th century, when wealthy noblemen and merchants started buying up land from the native farmers, the island has become something of an exclusive area.
Despite Lidingö’s growing population, there are still large swaths of the island covered by untouched nature. Its accessible forest paths, lush nature, and proximity to downtown Stockholm make it a perfect destination for a day trip. The island is also home to the world’s largest cross-country race, Lidingöloppet, a formidable challenge for any runner be they pro or amateur.
Three highlights on Lidingö
- Ellery Beach – Elegant and cozy spa hotel overlooking the sea at Elfviks Udde. Relax by the pool, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, or treat yourself to a massage or treatment.
- TCS Lidingöloppet – Annual cross-country running competition, infamous for its tough track. With around 15,000 runners every year, TCS Lidingöloppet is the largest cross-country running competition kind in the world.
- Millesgården – Beautifully located on Lidingö's hillside overlooking Stockholm, Millesgården is the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles (1875-1955). After Milles' passing the mansion was turned into an art museum with both a permanent exhibition displaying his works and artistic process, as well as a program of temporary exhibitions (focusing mainly on modern and contemporary art and design).
It’s also on Lidingö, at the now-defunct Svenska Bio-film studio, where directors like Mauritz Stiller and Victor Sjöström revolutionized cinema in the early 20th century. Through groundbreaking optical effects and in-depth character studies, they proved that moving pictures were more than just a fad and technical wonder but a genuine art form. The island’s cultural heritage can still be felt at the former residence of world-renowned sculptor Carl Milles. Since his passing in 1955, his home and studio have become a popular museum, with an exhibition hall and sculpture park with a beautiful view from the heights of Herserudsklippan.
Lidingö is easily reached by taking the metro’s red line to Ropsten, where you switch to the Lidingöbanan-tram. Travelers who prefer the scenic route can take the commuter ferry from Nybrokajen in central Stockholm.