Surface
Asphalt and Gravel
Traffic
Occasionally along a busy road
Elevation Profile
4187 m ascent, 4192 m descent.
Signage
Partially red "Mälardalsleden" signs. Follow our digital map for a customized route.
Level
Intermediate

Plan your ride

Plan Mälardalsleden

Cycling holidays in the area

Ready-made cycling holidays close to the route or elsewhere in the area.

Ride on your own

Become a member to use the route with your phone. You can use the app, or open the GPX file in another map app or GPS device.

Cycling the Mälardalsleden is a journey through both history and the present, where cultural heritage, castle environments, vibrant small towns, bathing places and scenic landscapes succeed each other.

A range of unique experiences await you. You cycle past Drottningholm Palace, royal splendor and part of the world heritage, and further towards Gripsholm's fabulous castle in Mariefred. I Strangnas it rises stately cathedral over the city, and on the way to Eskilstuna you will meet the impressive The Sigurd Carving at Ramsundshällen, a thousand-year-old runic carving from the Viking Age. I Strömsholm is the magnificent baroque castle dating back to the 17th century, surrounded by the historic surroundings of the riding school. Vasteras and Enkoping lush parks, culture and cozy cafes, while the Ekolsund Castle offers baroque gardens and grand avenues. Finally, you will reach Stockholm, where the journey ends and begins in the heart of the Swedish capital.

The Mälardalsleden was inaugurated in the 1990s, and the Swedish Cycling Society is behind the signage. Since its inception, both the road network and traffic conditions have changed. To make cycling safer and more enjoyable, we have therefore developed an updated and adapted map material that guides you away from the busiest roads. The digital map can be easily downloaded to your mobile phone - perfect for navigating the trail and discovering all the beautiful Mälardalen has to offer.

Use the app on your ride

The app is a practical way to use Sweden by Bike on your phone, including routes, favorites and selected membership features.

Elevation (m)
A cycling game inspired by this route

Take a spin in BikeFree

Get a taste of the route in a short, playful cycling game. Follow the bends, take on the hills and discover places along the way.

Start the game

Tips and experiences

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I rode the Mälardalsleden solo and camped in the wild in mid-July 2026. It was my first trip in many (many) years. It was fantastic—all the challenges, aches, and thrills I’d been hoping for. I rode it counterclockwise in 3.5 days, joining the route just west of Stockholm. The total distance was about 450 km, including various wrong turns and side trails. Warnings and tips for others: The signs and the map (Sweden by Bike) didn’t always match. The signs tended to disappear, especially when they had led me away from the mapped route. So be prepared to navigate on your own, stay alert, and double-check your direction before any significant descents or climbs. Churches are a great place to stop and cook, as they usually have water faucets in the cemeteries, and signs are required if the water is NOT safe to drink. I was glad I was using a hammock. I think I had a lot more options for campsites (compared to if I’d been using a tent), since I didn’t need flat ground and Sweden has trees in abundance.

Bicycle Maps, Route Guides & Planning Help

  • Mälardalsleden Rountrip

    Mälardal trail

    249 kr

    Digital cycling guide · PDF in English

    Buy Now
  • Cyclists along the Hylteslingan

    Self Service Tour - cycling with expert help

    995 kr

    Personal trip planning · Digital maps

    Choose options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Cycle map 27 Östra Mälaren

    Bicycle map Östra Mälaren

    159 kr

    Printed map · Water-resistant

    Buy Now
  • Cycle map 26 Västra Mälaren Hjälmaren

    Bicycle map Västra Mälaren / Hjälmaren

    159 kr

    Printed map · Water-resistant

    Buy Now

Transportation and Travel Options

You can travel with Mälartåg and bring your bike on board subject to availability. Should it be crowded on board the train, you will have to wait until the next departure if you want to bring your bike. Mälartåg serves several cities around Lake Mälaren: Stockholm C, Södertälje Syd, Nykvarn, Strängnäs, Mariefred/Läggesta, Eskilstuna, Kungsör, Arboga, Kvicksund, Kolbäck and Vasteras. The Movingo 5/30 ticket gives you five 24-hour journeys on Mälartåg to use freely within 30 days. You travel unlimited on the selected route or throughout Stockholm-Mälardalen incl. local traffic. Read more here.

You can take your bike on the commuter train (SL) during off-peak hours (not between 06:00-09:00 and 15:00-18:00). The SL commuter train runs between Bålsta and Stockholm. In Stockholm, you can get on/off at Odenplan station if you use the Vanadisvägen entrance. Read more here.

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