Lakeside Gröndal - Winterviken
By Sofie Kraft
Stockholm, Sweden
Sofie Kraft is a wellness coach, creative entrepreneur, and nature lover dedicated to mindful living and holistic well-being. She is the founder of the wellness brand Grounded Factory, host of the Stay Grounded podcast, and a yoga and sound healing teacher leading retreats through Innerbloom Retreat. Deeply inspired by nature, travel, and everyday adventures, Sofie encourages others to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and live with intention.
Route
Start by Liljeholmen T-station, then take the first right towards
Mälaren’s (Sweden's third biggest lake) pretty water and stroll
along lakeside on the boardwalk. The route goes all the way to
Wintervikens Café (if you have your baby and stroller with you, you
can take a little shortcut by the forest part to make it a bit
easier). After a nice break in the sun with a coffee and the best
cinnamon bun you walk back passing the allotment gardens and the
mini-lake Trekanten back to Liljeholmen where you started... or you
can take the lakeside way again and come by my house and say hello
:-).
The route is lush with greenery and pretty views and lots of
boatlife, it almost feels like you're in the archipelago!
About 2 hours
Gentle (perfect for my first hike with my new born)
Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle - and in summertime, bring your swimsuit if you feel like a little refreshing dip in the freshwater lake, Mälaren.
Hiking Key
The Look
Ideal for moving mindfully through both forest trails and everyday moments.
SpeedArc Matis
Field Notes:
This is my go to hike, and I love how much nature it gives me - even though I’m so close to Stockholm City Center. I walk here during all seasons and it's beautiful to the how nature changes. In winter time you can see people ice skating on some parts of the big lake, and then spring comes with all new greenery and flowers. In the summer it's the perfect hike combined with great swimming spots and cute places for picnics. I love hiking by the ocean and this is as close as it gets in my own hometown just a minute away from my house.
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Good To Know
You can take the subway to Liljeholmen Centrum and there is also parking by the mall. If you go with kids, make sure to keep an eye on them since half of the walk is on the boardwalk/wide dock, and not always with a security rail. There are some long stairs too, just a heads up!
"Since becoming a mum, the outdoors has become more than just a place I love—it's become essential. "
When To Visit
All year round!
What do you love about urban hiking in Stockholm?
I love that Stockholm offers so many walkways along the water. Mälaren is giving inner Stockholm a beautiful blue touch and then it meets the Baltic Sea. You bring your hiking shoes to work and get a nature walk back home. Love it!
Why did you start your Instagram account?
In the beginning, Instagram was simply a creative outlet for me—a way to explore photography and light editing, and to see the world through different frames. I’ve always been drawn to capturing moments, whether with my phone or camera. It became a kind of digital scrapbook, a place to collect memories that made me feel something. Over time, it evolved into a space where I not only share parts of my life but also hope to inspire others to slow down, get outside, and find beauty in the simple things. The best thing that’s come from the platform has definitely been the community—it’s incredibly special to connect with people all over the world who share a love for nature, wellness, and intentional living.
How has being a mum changed your appreciation of the outdoors?
Since becoming a mum, the outdoors has become more than just a place I love—it's become essential. It’s where I go to breathe deeper, reset, and come back to myself. Nature has always been a way for me to recharge, but now it holds even more meaning. The stillness I find outside grounds me. It gives me space to reflect, to move my body, and to feel present again. Even a short walk in the woods can shift my whole energy. It's also a reminder that taking care of myself is part of taking care of my family. Nature fills me up so I can return home with more patience, clarity, and calm.
3 favourite places to hike in Sweden:
1. My backyard hike that I just shared with you: Lakeside Gröndal -
Winterviken, is definitely a favorite.
2. Up north, there are lots of beautiful mountain hikes in the Åre
area.
3. Gotland, Swedens biggest island - many of my favorite hikes are
along this island since I am an ocean lover. Go check it out!
HIKING TIPS
- Be safe and plan your route ahead
- Be weather wise, check the forecast
- Take the correct clothing and provisions
- Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
- Take your litter with you
- Leave gates as you find them
- Have fun!