Stockholm Archipelago

Right on Stockholm’s doorstep begins one of the largest island landscapes in Europe. The Stockholm Archipelago, Stockholms skärgård in Swedish, consists of around 30,000 islands, islets and rocks. Close to the city the islands are green and wooded; further out they become flat, bare and polished by the wind. Many Stockholmers spend their summers here, and for visitors a trip into the archipelago is a highlight of any journey.

The most beautiful islands

• Vaxholm: the gateway to the archipelago, with pastel-coloured wooden houses and a fortress in the strait. Also reachable by bus and car.
• Fjäderholmarna: the closest islands, only about 25 minutes from the city centre, ideal for half a day.
• Grinda: swimming coves, forest and an inn, good for a day trip.
• Sandhamn: a sailing harbour on the outer edge of the archipelago with sandy beaches and a lively summer scene.
• Utö: in the south, with old silver mines, cycle paths and a well-known bakery.
• Finnhamn: quiet and unspoilt, with a youth hostel in an old villa.
• Möja: one of the few islands where fishermen and farmers still live all year round.

Getting there by boat

The white scheduled boats depart from central Stockholm, mainly from the Strömkajen quay opposite the Royal Palace. In summer there are frequent connections to all the larger islands; in winter the timetable is greatly reduced. Journey times range from half an hour to more than three hours for the outer archipelago. You can buy tickets on board or via an app. A leisurely alternative is the historic steamboats, which operate certain routes in summer.

Activities

• Swimming: from smooth rocks or small sandy beaches. The water is brackish and only slightly salty.
• Kayaking: the sheltered waters are an excellent area for paddling. Rentals are available on many islands.
• Cycling: you can hire bikes on larger islands such as Utö.
• Island hopping: with a multi-day pass for the scheduled boats you can travel from island to island.
• Food: smoked fish, shrimp sandwiches and fresh pastries in the harbour cafés.

Where to stay

The islands have inns, youth hostels, simple cabins and a few hotels. The number of beds is limited, so in July you should definitely book in advance. Camping for one night is possible in many places, as long as you keep your distance from houses.

Best time to visit

From June to August everything is open and the boats run most frequently. July is the busiest month. May and September are quieter, although some restaurants are then only open at weekends. In winter the islands lie still and are partly covered in ice.

Practical tips

• Many islands have neither a shop nor a cash machine. Take food and drinking water with you.
• On the water it is often windy and cooler than in the city.
• Ticks are common in the archipelago. Long trousers and tick repellent are a good idea.

You can read all about the capital itself on the Stockholm page.