Valentine's Day in Stockholm 2026 – Romantic Things to Do

Planning to celebrate Valentine's Day in Stockholm?

Sweden's capital offers countless romantic experiences on February 14th. In 2026, Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday – perfect for a full day of romance together!

Here are our best tips for romantic things to do in Stockholm on Valentine's Day. From boat cruises through the winter archipelago to cozy cafés and world-class museums. At the bottom of this page, you'll find a map with all our recommendations to help you plan your perfect romantic day in Stockholm.

Why we celebrate Valentine's Day

Every year on February 14th, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world. The tradition originates from the Catholic Church's commemoration of Saint Valentine. The connection to romance began in medieval times when young couples in England, Scotland, and northern France were paired together by lottery before spring and summer festivities.

This started the tradition where young people would think about who would become their Valentine – the person they would share their life with for the coming year.

Romantic boat cruises in the winter archipelago

A boat cruise through Stockholm's archipelago is both romantic and unforgettable. In February, Stockholm is often covered in snow with beautiful, dramatic winter skies. On Saturday, February 14th, 2026, several boat tours depart that are perfect for couples celebrating Valentine's Day together.

Stockholm's archipelago consists of around 30,000 islands and is one of the city's most iconic features. Experiencing it by boat in winter offers a completely different perspective than the busy summer season.

Brunch cruise in Stockholm

Treat yourselves to a luxurious brunch on Valentine's Day! Strömma's Brunch Cruise in Stockholm departs centrally from Strandvägen and takes you on a three-hour cruise through the archipelago. Throughout the cruise, a generous buffet is served with everything you could wish for – from appetizers and warm dishes to a delicious dessert table.

Enjoy the elegant salons of the classic archipelago boat S/S Stockholm while the beautiful winter landscape glides past the windows. A perfect combination of good food, romantic atmosphere, and stunning views.

Departure: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Departure location: Strandvägen, berth 16 (10-minute walk from Kungsträdgården metro station)
Duration: 3 hours

Archipelago tour with lunch

For those who want to combine guided commentary, lunch, and an archipelago experience, the Archipelago Tour with Lunch is the perfect choice. Aboard the classic archipelago boat M/S Östanå I, built in 1906, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch while the guide shares stories about the interesting places and buildings you pass.

The tour goes out to Vaxholm, known as the archipelago's capital, where the boat docks before returning to Stockholm. A unique experience perfect for both first-time visitors and those familiar with Stockholm.

Departure: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM
Departure location: Nybrokajen, berth 15 (near Kungsträdgården metro station)
Duration: 2.5 hours

Boat trip to Vaxholm – the archipelago capital

Want to make a full-day excursion on Valentine's Day? Take the boat to Vaxholm and experience the archipelago's charming capital. You can choose between two options:

Either a three-hour round trip where you stay onboard the entire way and enjoy the guided tour through the winter archipelago, or a one-way ticket to Vaxholm where you hop off and spend the day in the town.

With the one-way ticket, the boat departs at 12:00 PM from Stockholm and arrives in Vaxholm at 1:30 PM. Once there, you can stroll through the charming town, enjoy a romantic lunch at Waxholms Hotell, and explore the local shops. When you're ready, you can easily return to Stockholm by public bus (SL). Perfect for couples who want to combine a boat experience with a day in the archipelago!

Departure: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Departure location: Strandvägen (near Nybroplan)
Duration: 1.5 hours one way (3 hours round trip)

Tip: Book a table at Waxholms Hotell in advance for a romantic lunch or dinner with views over the water!

Book your Valentine's Day cruise here

Brunch Cruise in the Archipelago

Brunch Cruise in the Archipelago

Boat Brunch buffet in Stockholm

3 h

from SEK 645

Archipelago Tour with Lunch

Archipelago Tour with Lunch

A Guided Lunch Cruise in the Stockholm Archipelago

2 h 30 min

from SEK 555

Boat Tour to the Archipelago City Vaxholm

Boat Tour to the Archipelago City Vaxholm

Boat Cruise from Stockholm

50 min - 1,5 h

from SEK 190

Romantic walks in Stockholm

Stockholm is beautiful in winter, and a romantic walk is always a good idea on Valentine's Day. The city is built on 14 islands, making it perfect for scenic waterfront strolls.

• Djurgården is perfect for a winter walk with fewer visitors than in summer. Stroll along Djurgårdsvägen or visit Rosendals Trädgård for a warm lunch in the greenhouse café. This island is home to many of Stockholm's top museums and parks.
• Monteliusvägen on Södermalm offers fantastic views over Riddarfjärden bay and City Hall. Extra romantic at sunset when the city lights up. Take the metro to Slussen or Mariatorget station, then follow signs uphill along Bastugatan.
• Gamla Stan (Old Town) is magical in winter. Walk hand in hand through the narrow cobblestone alleys and enjoy the medieval atmosphere. This is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval city centers, dating back to the 1200s.
  
  

Cafés and Swedish fika in Stockholm

A cozy coffee break is always a good idea on Valentine's Day. Stockholm has many charming cafés perfect for couples. In Sweden, taking a coffee break with pastries is called "fika" – an important social tradition.

Gamla Stan cafés offer cozy settings in historic buildings. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and homemade pastries while looking out over the cobblestone streets.

Valentine's Day 2026 also falls right in the middle of semla season! This means all of Stockholm's bakeries and cafés are filled with delicious semlor during this period. What is a semla, you may wonder? A semla is a traditional Swedish pastry – a light wheat bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, traditionally served in a bowl with warm milk.

Cultural experiences for couples

A museum visit is a romantic and cultural activity perfect for Valentine's Day. Stockholm has several world-class museums, and many offer free entry to their permanent collections.

• Fotografiska offers international photography exhibitions and has a café with fantastic views over Djurgården. Perfect for a cultural visit followed by coffee with a view. The café is considered one of Stockholm's best.
  Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 (walking distance from Slussen metro station)
• Moderna Museet on Skeppsholmen island showcases modern and contemporary art. After the museum visit, you can walk around the beautiful island of Skeppsholmen with views over Stockholm's waterways.
  Address: Exercisplan 4, Skeppsholmen
• Nationalmuseum at Blasieholmen, on the way back from Skeppsholmen, displays art and design from the Middle Ages to the 1900s. The newly renovated building is itself a work of art, and the museum's restaurant is perfect for a romantic lunch.
  Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2
• The Royal Palace in Gamla Stan is one of Europe's largest palaces and the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. Visit the Treasury, Royal Apartments, and don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony.
  Address: Slottsbacken, Gamla Stan (metro to Gamla Stan station)
  
  

Plan your Valentine's Day in Stockholm

Valentine's Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, giving you a full day to enjoy Stockholm together. Whether you choose a romantic brunch cruise, a guided lunch tour in the archipelago, a full-day excursion to Vaxholm, or a combination of museum visits and cozy cafés, there are plenty of romantic experiences to choose from. Book your boat tours and restaurant tables well in advance – Valentine's Day is a popular day and spots fill up quickly. Welcome to celebrate love in Stockholm!

Practical tips for visitors:

• February temperatures typically range from -5°C to +2°C (23°F to 36°F). Dress warmly in layers!
• Daylight approximately 8 AM to 5 PM in mid-February
• Stockholm's public transport (SL) is excellent. Consider buying a 24-hour or 72-hour travel card

Map of romantic places in Stockholm