Mälardalsleden circles Lake Mälaren in central Sweden, connecting Stockholm with waterside towns and the countryside of Södermanland, Uppland and Västmanland. Svenska Cykelsällskapet is responsible for the route, while Sweden by Bike offers an adapted digital itinerary in 11 sections.
A circuit around Mälaren
Mälardalsleden brings together the towns and landscapes surrounding Lake Mälaren. Svenska Cykelsällskapet describes a main circuit and additional alternatives, including a connection towards Arboga. The society also notes that parts of the route through Greater Stockholm have been revised and that the section shared with Sverigeleden is not signed twice.
Sweden by Bike presents its own adapted itinerary as a sequence of 11 sections, beginning in Stockholm, heading via Södertälje and Mariefred towards Sundbyholm, then continuing through Kungsör, Arboga, Strömsholm, Västerås and Enköping before returning to Stockholm. Its proposed route uses asphalt and gravel and includes some stretches alongside busy roads.
Castles, towns and the southern shore
The journey offers a choice of cultural stops as well as riding beside the lake. Sweden by Bike highlights Drottningholm Palace and Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred, followed by Strängnäs Cathedral and the Sigurd carving near Sundbyholm. Strömsholm’s baroque palace is another landmark on the western side of the wider circuit.
For a shorter trip, Mälardalstrafik suggests the section from Mariefred through Strängnäs to Sundbyholm. Its description combines Gripsholm, lake scenery and open countryside with the historic carving near the end of the ride. Another suggested outing links Sundbyholm and Kungsör, with an optional detour into Torshälla.
West and north of the lake
Between Kungsör and Arboga, Mälardalstrafik describes a shorter outing through open fields and along small roads, ending among Arboga’s old streets and riverside setting. Farther around the circuit, the approach from Strömsholm to Västerås passes rural surroundings and bathing places.
The route from Västerås towards Enköping and Brunnsta Gård gives riders opportunities to explore the agricultural landscape of Fjärdhundraland. Mälardalstrafik highlights Anundshög, Härkeberga Church and the bird-rich wetlands at Hjälstaviken among the places associated with this part of the journey.
Planning and navigation
The loop can be approached as a longer tour or as a selection of day or weekend rides. Sweden by Bike’s itinerary is divided into sections, while Mälardalstrafik provides examples of individual excursions around the lake. Check the details of the particular section you intend to ride when deciding where to begin and finish.
Svenska Cykelsällskapet is behind the route signage, but Sweden by Bike says its adapted itinerary is only partly marked with red Mälardalsleden signs. It recommends following its digital map, which takes account of changes in roads and traffic; using the route on a mobile device requires membership. Mälardalstrafik particularly recommends the digital route around Tumbo and Barkarö to avoid busier roads.