Dog-friendly vacation in Stockholm: Your perfect guide

Stockholm, the Swedish metropolis spread across 14 islands, combines urban chic with breathtaking nature. For dog owners, the city is a true paradise: expansive parks, dog-friendly cafés and hotels, excellent infrastructure, and seemingly endless walking paths along the water. But to make your vacation with your four-legged friend an unforgettable experience, careful planning is essential. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know—from legal requirements to exclusive insider tips for accommodation, cuisine, and shopping.

Table of contents

1. Why Stockholm is the ideal place for a holiday with your dog

2. Planning & Preparation: Everything you need to know before you leave

3. Accommodation: From luxury hotels to cozy holiday apartments

4. Local mobility: Arrival and departure as well as getting around in Stockholm

5. Activities & Excursions: The most beautiful experiences for humans and dogs

6. Culinary & Service: Where you can relax together

7. Conclusion & expert tips: Your perfect dog holiday in Stockholm

Key take-aways

• Entry formalities: Obtain an EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, and registration early.

• Accommodation: Upscale, dog-friendly hotels such as Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Ett Hem, Lydmar.

• Mobility: Train, ferry and public transport can be used easily with dogs.

• Activities: Drottningholm, Djurgården and the archipelago are paradises for walks and excursions.

• Culinary & Shopping: Exclusive restaurants with terraces (e.g. Sturehof, Villa Godthem) and premium boutiques (LuxuryDog.Shop, Denjo Dogs).

Why Stockholm is the ideal place for a holiday with your dog

Stockholm combines vibrant city life with immediate proximity to lakes, archipelagos, and forests. Hardly any other European metropolis offers so much green space per square kilometer. For dogs, this means endless meadows, forest paths, and well-maintained dog parks – from Djurgården to Haga Park. At the same time, you'll find numerous dog-friendly cafés, boutiques, and even special train compartments for pet owners in the city center. The Scandinavian understanding of nature and the outdoor lifestyle makes Stockholm the perfect destination for traveling with your four-legged friend.

Planning & Preparation: Everything you need to know before you leave

Before you start your journey, you should check the following points:

1. Entry requirements

   • EU pet passport with valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry)

   • Microchip (ISO standard 11784/11785)

   • When entering by plane: Observe airline-specific rules, sometimes surcharge for pets

2. Travel first aid kit & insurance

   • Standard medications (e.g., travel sickness medication, tick repellent)

   • Contact information of the German Embassy and list of German-speaking veterinarians

   • International health insurance for your dog (e.g. Uelzener or Agria)

3. Packing list for dog and owner

   • Travel food packaged in portions

   • Favorite toy, blanket or familiar sleeping place

   • Dog harness with address tag and leash

   • Portable water bowl, foldable or collapsible

4. Check before departure

   • Updating the dog tag or registration with TASSO

   • Save your vaccination certificate digitally (photo on your smartphone)

   • Important telephone numbers: Animal emergency service Stockholm (e.g. AniCura AniCura Djurakut Solna +46 8 121 181 81)

Accommodation: From luxury hotels to cozy holiday apartments

For discerning travelers with dogs, Stockholm's top hotels and exclusive vacation rentals are worth a look. The following table compares selected high-end accommodations:

Grand Hotel Stockholm

Located directly on the waterfront and just steps from the Royal Palace, the Grand Hôtel welcomes both humans and pets with the highest level of luxury. Your four-legged friend can sleep on the room bed and will receive a dedicated basket and special dog snacks upon arrival. The hotel's own dog walking service will take your dog to the most beautiful green areas on Djurgårdsstrand in the morning.

Ett Hem

This boutique hotel almost feels like a spacious private home. The individual rooms are lovingly furnished, and there are tailor-made menus for your dog made with regional, organic ingredients. Thanks to the quiet location in the Östermalm district, you can enjoy long walks right from the doorstep.

Lydmar Hotel

In addition to modern design and excellent dining, the Lydmar Hotel offers an outdoor area on the roof terrace where dogs are welcome. Indoor dog baskets are available for rainy days, and the staff are happy to recommend the most scenic walking routes through the nearby parks.

Local mobility: Arrival and departure as well as getting around in Stockholm

Arriving by plane

Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Bromma Airport (BMA) are well connected to the rail network. Pets can usually be transported in the "baggage wagon" on Arlanda Express or SJ trains. Check the pet fee in advance (Arlanda Express: approximately €50 surcharge).

Train and ferry

Swedish Railways (SJ) allows small dogs in compartments with a ticket (approx. €5). For longer train journeys, booking a separate compartment is recommended. Regional ferries in the archipelago (e.g., Waxholmsbolaget) allow dogs on deck at no extra charge.

Public transport (SL)

Stockholm's SL trains and buses are dog-friendly: Small dogs can travel free of charge in pet carriers, while large dogs require a single ticket. City buses have a front-loading entrance for passengers with pets.

Taxi & Ride‑Sharing

Many taxi companies (e.g., Taxi Stockholm) and app-based ride services like Uber Pet offer vehicles specifically for pets. A surcharge of €5–10 is common.

Activities & Excursions: The most beautiful experiences for humans and dogs

Drottningholm

The expansive palace gardens, with the small island of Ormholmen, are a paradise: open spaces, forest paths, and water's edge. Ideal for photographic strolls and picnic breaks.

Djurgården

The green peninsula in the heart of the city offers miles of coastal paths, hidden coves, and expansive meadows. The routes from Rosendal to the Nordic Museum are highly recommended.

Archipelago Tour

Day trip on the Waxholmsbolaget ferry: Vaxholm or Fjäderholmarna allow dogs on deck and on land. Pack a blanket and provisions and enjoy a picnic by the water.

Dog parks & animal parks

• Haga Park with its own dog park and café

• Brunnsviken : Lakeside trail, partly fenced

• Stockholm's Hundbad in Långholmen for refreshing bathing sessions

Culinary & Service: Where you can relax together

Exclusive restaurants with dog areas

• Sturehof on Stureplan is a classic on the Stockholm dining scene. The spacious street-side terrace welcomes dogs. Enjoy oysters, lobster, or Swedish herring with a view of the city.

• Villa Godthem, located in the heart of the historic wooden villa on Djurgården, offers a relaxed atmosphere. Small dogs are welcome under the table; larger dogs are welcome upon request. Please reserve in advance and state your dog's size.

• Loopen, located on the waterfront in Årstaviken, boasts a modern kitchen and a spacious outdoor area. Your four-legged friend will have their own treat bar and water station.

Dog grooming & dog walking services

• Canis Salon (Östermalm): Luxury grooming with organic products, coat styling from €80.

• DoggyDay Stockholm : Professional dog walking service in the city center, starting at €35/hour.

Premium shopping for your dog

• LuxuryDog.Shop
  Regeringsgatan 91, Stockholm
  Online shop for exclusive dog accessories: handmade leather collars, designer baskets.
  https://luxurydog.shop/en/

• Denjo Dogs
  Vulcanusgatan 1, 113 21 Stockholm
  Showroom with premium dog blankets, orthopedic beds, and custom-made leashes.
  https://denjodogs.com/en/retailers/ denjodogs.com

Conclusion & expert tips: Your perfect dog holiday in Stockholm

Stockholm offers dog owners a unique blend of nature, luxury, and a modern urban atmosphere. Thanks to clear regulations, excellent transportation options, and a wide range of dog-friendly options, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing vacation.

Expert tips:

1. Book early – Popular hotels and restaurants are often fully booked for months.

2. Choose quiet times – During the week and outside of holidays, your four-legged friend enjoys more freedom.

3. App support – Use the SL app for schedules and Uber Pet for spontaneous rides.

4. Plan breaks – dog parks and small parks invite you to take a break.

5. Pack according to the checklist – so you won’t forget any important accessories.

With this detailed planning, your vacation with your dog in Stockholm will be an unforgettable experience – for you and your faithful companion! I wish you lots of fun exploring, enjoying, and relaxing.