STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO
The Stockholm Archipelago is a shimmering maze of over 30,000 islands, skerries, and rocks. It is a stunning contrast of wild nature and charming wooden villages, a true coastal paradise.
An essential escape from the city, it offers endless opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and swimming. Here, the unique light and tranquil waters embody the Swedish connection to the sea.
Most Popular Attractions
Major Islands, Towns & Hubs:
Vaxholm: Often called the “Capital” of the Archipelago, famous for its picturesque wooden houses and harbor.
Sandhamn: A glamorous island hub on the outer edge, renowned for its elite sailing culture and lively nightlife.
Grinda: A popular nature reserve island with easy accessibility, known for its excellent swimming spots and historic hotel.
Fjäderholmarna: The closest group of islands to the city, perfect for a short trip to visit artisan shops, breweries, and restaurants.
Utö: Famous for its historic iron ore mines, vast cycling paths, and long, inviting sandy beaches.
Möja: A large, quieter island that maintains a traditional archipelago lifestyle, ideal for longer stays and gentle cycling.
Dalarö: A historic and well-preserved customs village, offering scenic views and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Ingarö: One of the larger, inner islands, accessible by bridge, featuring golf courses and extensive coastal hiking trails.
Arholma: The northernmost accessible island, known for its preserved nature and remnants of coastal defense history.
Söderöra: A small, picturesque island that gained fame as a filming location for the Mamma Mia! movie.
Nature & Outdoor Experiences:
Kayaking Excursions: Renting a kayak or joining a guided tour to explore the maze of smaller, uninhabited islands.
Archipelago Boat Tours: Travelling on the classic, white Waxholmsbolaget ferries to experience island-hopping like a local.
Kanalöarna Nature Reserve: A stunning collection of small islands perfect for birdwatching, secluded camping, and quiet picnics.
Badholmen (Vaxholm): A small islet connected to Vaxholm by a bridge, offering a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.
Hiking the ‘Båtstigen’ (Utö): A unique coastal trail that runs along the island, offering dramatic views of the sea.
Fishing Charters: Joining a local guide for a fishing trip targeting pike, perch, or sea trout in the brackish Baltic waters.
Forö-Tornö Nature Reserve: An interconnected area known for its mixed forest and scenic cliffs overlooking the sea.
Historical & Cultural Sites:
Vaxholm Fortress: A massive 16th-century coastal defense structure that now houses a museum detailing its military history.
Utö Gruvmuseum (Mine Museum): Details the island’s long history as a major site for iron ore extraction, dating back to the 12th century.
Svenska Högarna Lighthouse: Situated on the easternmost group of islands, a remote but vital navigational and historical landmark.
Dalarö Skans (Fort): A 17th-century fortification that once protected the shipping channel leading to Stockholm.
Bullerö Nature Reserve: A remote island group once owned by the famous artist Bruno Liljefors, preserving his former studio and the wild nature that inspired him.
Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum: Located on Värmdö, this museum showcases the history of Sweden’s most famous porcelain manufacturer.
Runmarö: An island known for its rich history as a medieval sea trading post and its unique geological features.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Classic Archipelago Boat Tour: Join a historic steamship or a modern ferry for a day trip or round-trip, cruising through the inner, middle, or outer archipelago islands. This is the quintessential way to experience the scenery.
Kayak or Canoe Between the Islands: Rent a kayak for a few hours or several days and paddle through the calm, shallow waters, discovering hidden coves and beaches only accessible by water.
Hike the Trails of Grinda Island: Explore this popular and accessible nature reserve island, which offers varied terrain, including forests and rocky coastlines, with well-marked paths for a scenic day hike.
Visit the Artipelag Museum on Värmdö: Take a bus or ferry to this stunning contemporary art venue, beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings, featuring exhibitions, a sculpture park, and a restaurant.
Go Island Hopping (Luffa): Use the ferry network to jump between several islands in a single day or over a few days, such as Vaxholm, Möja, and Sandhamn, to experience their unique atmospheres.
Stay Overnight in a Sea-View Cabin: Book a traditional Swedish cottage or a hotel on an island like Fjäderholmarna (the closest to Stockholm) or Utö for a serene, authentic experience.
Enjoy a Swedish Sauna with a Dip: Many archipelago hotels and private rentals offer access to a traditional bastu (sauna), often followed by a refreshing (or bracing!) dip in the Baltic Sea.
Cycle on Utö Island: Rent a bike and explore Utö’s peaceful roads and trails, passing by old mines, charming villages, and beautiful beaches like the one at Ålö.
Walk the Cobblestone Streets of Vaxholm: Explore the self-proclaimed “Capital of the Archipelago,” visit the imposing Vaxholm Fortress, and enjoy a meal in its charming harbor area.
Experience Midsummer (Midsommar): If visiting in late June, join a local celebration on one of the larger islands for the traditional festivities, dancing around the maypole, and feasting.
Go Fishing or Crabbing: Join a local guide for a fishing trip in the open sea or try your hand at the simple, family-friendly summer activity of catching small crabs from a pier.
Discover the Sandhamn Sailing Culture: Visit this famous outer island, a popular destination for sailors, where you can watch regattas, explore its historic pilot station, and enjoy its lively summer atmosphere.
Local Tips & Transport
The Key is the Ferry: The archipelago’s main transport system is the extensive network of ferries and passenger boats, primarily operated by Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderella Båtarna.
- Waxholmsbolaget: These distinctive white-and-yellow boats are the public transport system of the archipelago. They are the most comprehensive and affordable option, serving both inner and outer islands. You can use an SL Access card (the same used for Stockholm’s public transport) for travel within the SL area (usually the inner islands) or buy tickets on board for trips outside of it.
- Cinderella Båtarna: These offer faster, more direct routes to popular islands like Sandhamn and Möja, often at a slightly higher price.
Timetables are Seasonal: Be aware that ferry timetables vary significantly between summer (high frequency) and winter (reduced service). Always check the latest schedule before planning a trip, especially for the more remote, outer islands.
Inter-Island Water Taxis: For maximum flexibility or to reach very secluded spots, private water taxis are available but are a considerably more expensive option.
Getting to the Mainland Ports: Most ferries depart from Strömkajen (near the Grand Hotel in central Stockholm) or various points on the mainland like Stavsnäs, which you can reach by public bus (SL).
Allemansrätten (The Right of Public Access): This is a cornerstone of Swedish culture. It gives you the right to roam freely in nature, swim, pick wild berries/mushrooms, and camp temporarily on uncultivated land, provided you do not disturb and do not destroy. Leave absolutely no trace.
The Summerhouse Culture: The archipelago is the heart of Swedish summer. Most colorful wooden houses you see are private sommarstugor (summer cottages), often passed down through generations. Be respectful of private property and gardens.
The Three Seasons: The archipelago experience varies greatly by season:
Summer (Mid-June to Mid-August): Peak season. Services are fully open, ferries are frequent, and the islands are lively. Booking accommodation and popular restaurant tables far in advance is essential.
Shoulder Seasons (May & September): The weather is cooler but often pleasant, and the crowds are gone. Ferry service is reduced, but many inns and restaurants are still open, offering a more tranquil experience.
Winter: Very quiet, with minimal ferry service. A unique experience to see the islands dusted with snow or the frozen sea, offering opportunities for ice skating (with caution and local knowledge).
Hidden Gems:
Landsort Lighthouse (Öja Island): Located on the very southernmost tip of the archipelago, this island offers a remote, dramatic coastal landscape, a preserved pilot’s village, and the oldest lighthouse in Sweden.
Möja Island: Considered one of the most authentic and traditional islands, it offers a true glimpse into genuine archipelago life, with quaint fishing villages and quiet nature.
Nåttarö’s Sandy Beaches: While most archipelago beaches are smooth, rocky cliffs (klippor), Nåttarö boasts some of the best long, white sandy beaches in the region, perfect for a sunny swim.
The Archipelago’s Silence: Head to the outer islands to experience the unique silence of the Swedish wilderness. Find a sunny, smooth rock by the water, and simply sit to enjoy the vast, uninterrupted view of the Baltic Sea.
Top Restaurants
Sandhamns Värdshus [$40-$70] – A classic, historic inn on Sandhamn island, operating since 1672, offering a mix of traditional Swedish and archipelago-inspired cuisine in a vibrant setting near the harbor.
Utö Värdshus [$40-$70] – The inn and restaurant on Utö island, known for its traditional Swedish food, especially fish and seafood, enjoyed in a beautiful, classic archipelago setting.
Grinda Wärdshus [$40-$60] – A beautiful traditional inn on Grinda island, serving classic Swedish and archipelago dishes with a modern touch, often featuring local game and seafood.
Furusunds Värdshus [$30-$50] – A charming and peaceful historic inn on Furusund, known for its delicious food, focusing on traditional Scandinavian flavors in a lovely setting.
Fjäderholmarnas Krog [$50-$80] – Located on Fjäderholmarna island (a short boat ride from Stockholm), this acclaimed restaurant specializes in exquisite seafood dining with beautiful waterfront views.
Sister & I [$30-$50] – A popular, cozy spot in Vaxholm offering authentic Swedish cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Getfoten Sjökrog [$30-$50] – A waterfront tavern in Vaxholm with stunning views, offering traditional Swedish dishes with an emphasis on seafood.
Sjöboden [$30-$50] – A seaside restaurant in Djurhamn known for its authentic Swedish cuisine and fresh seafood right by the water.
Ingmarsö Krog [$30-$50] – A restaurant on Ingmarsö known for its authentic Swedish cuisine, providing a local, genuine island dining experience.
Nåttarö Krog [$35-$60] – Located on Nåttarö island, this restaurant serves locally sourced meat and seasonal dishes, perfect for enjoying a meal at sunset.
Svartsö Krog [$60-$90] – Highly regarded among foodies, this restaurant on Svartsö island focuses on modern Swedish cuisine, utilizing a wood-fired oven and smoker for innovative, contemporary dishes.
Vår Gård [$70-$100] – An acclaimed, extra-luxurious restaurant in Saltsjöbaden (on the inner archipelago coast), offering well-prepared, seasonal food with a focus on sustainable cooking and a wonderful sea view.
Artipelag Restaurant [$60-$90] – Located in the Artipelag art museum on Värmdö, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with panoramic windows overlooking the bay, with a menu inspired by the surrounding nature and seasonal products.
Smådalarö Gård [$70-$100] – A beautiful resort restaurant offering a fine dining experience with a focus on good food, local ingredients, and a beautiful archipelago setting.
Waxholms Hotel – Verandan [$70-$110] – The main dining room of the classic hotel in Vaxholm, recently renovated, offering modern comfort food with a vintage feel and high-quality preparation of dishes like pikeperch and lobster.
The Old Smokehouse [$40-$70] – Located in Saltsjö-Boo (inner archipelago), this restaurant offers an interesting fusion of American South/Caribbean BBQ techniques and traditional Swedish smoking methods, with a stunning sea view.
DavidAtHome [$80-$120] – A unique concept on Tranholmen where David Enmark turns his home into a restaurant on Friday evenings, offering a seasonal, locally produced menu to around 40 guests. Reservations are a must.
Harö Krog [$50-$80] – A hidden treasure on Harö Island, offering an intimate and peaceful dining experience with a focus on local seafood and modern Swedish cuisine.
Bockholmen [$60-$90] – Located on its own small island just outside Stockholm, this elegant restaurant blends Swedish culinary traditions with international influences in a tranquil, nature-surrounded setting.
Nämdö Solvik [$25-$45] – Located on the car-free island of Nämdö, this unique spot has a restaurant, bakery, popular pizzeria, and grocery store, offering a small but well-considered menu with modern, delectable flavors.
Bullandö Krog [$30-$50] – A great spot on the pier at Bullandö with a sunny atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal, often featuring seafood and classic Swedish fare.
Ingmarsö Bageri [$10-$20] – A stable-turned-bakery on Ingmarsö island, perfect for a classic Swedish fika with heavenly cinnamon buns and other artisan bakes after a hike.
Glass på Hörnet [$10-$20] – An ice cream shop in Vaxholm, right by the ferry terminal, known for the quality of its gelato—a perfect treat to enjoy by the harbor.
Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café [$15-$30] – A relaxed, waterside café in Vaxholm known for its local Swedish specialties and an impressive, large buffet of desserts.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Seglarbaren (Sandhamn Seglarhotell): Located right by the marina on the lively island of Sandhamn, this is the archipelago’s premier social spot. It features an open bar, signature drinks, and classic cocktails, often with a DJ, making it the heart of the island’s nightlife.
Terrassen (Sandhamn Seglarhotell): Also at the iconic Sandhamn Seglarhotell, this vibrant yet laid-back spot offers an excellent selection of drinks and stunning views overlooking the bustling marina, perfect for a sunset cocktail.
PUB Alma (Sandhamn): A central pub on Sandhamn island offering a relaxed atmosphere with a selection of beers and drinks, a perfect spot to start an evening.
Waxholms Hotell – Verandan Bar (Vaxholm): Situated in the “archipelago capital,” Vaxholm, this beautifully renovated classic hotel’s bar offers sophisticated cocktails and an elegant, vintage-inspired setting right by the water.
Fredriksborg Hotell Bar (Vaxholm): Found in the historic Fredriksborg Fortress on the eastern side of Vaxholm island, this bar provides spectacular, sweeping views of the archipelago, ideal for a peaceful evening drink.
Svartsö Krog Bar (Svartsö): The restaurant on Svartsö island has a bar and an adjacent dockside café area that hosts popular Friday after-work events with fun wines, cold beer, and grilled delicacies in a charming archipelago setting.
Fjäderholmarnas Krog Bar (Fjäderholmarna): Located on Fjäderholmarna, one of the closest islands to Stockholm city, this spot is primarily a premier seafood restaurant but offers a lovely bar area for enjoying a drink with a waterfront view before or after dinner.
Artipelag Bar (Värmdö): Found within the stunning art museum and venue on Värmdö, this bar features magnificent sea views of Baggensfjärden and offers a curated drink menu in a modern, architecturally impressive setting.
Bockholmen Restaurang & Bar (Bockholmen): Located on its own small island just outside the main city but often considered part of the inner archipelago experience, this elegant restaurant and bar blends Swedish tradition with international influences in its drink offerings.
Grinda Wärdshus Bar (Grinda): Set in a cozy, traditional inn on Grinda island, the bar offers a relaxed, nature-focused atmosphere with drinks to complement their locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine.
Möja Värdshus Bar (Möja): On the popular middle archipelago island of Möja, this classic inn provides a traditional Swedish atmosphere, where you can enjoy a drink in a genuine archipelago community setting.
Nässlingen Restaurang & Bar (Nässlingen): Found on the private-feeling island of Nässlingen, this spot offers a peaceful, upscale bar experience, often part of a complete stay or day-trip on the island.
Björkö Eftis (Björkö): A local hub on Björkö island, this establishment offers a casual, community-focused bar experience, popular with locals and summer residents.
Batteriet Bar (Vaxholm): An alternative spot in Vaxholm, offering a friendly, local pub experience on this central island.
Korsö Skärgårdskrog Bar (Dalarö/Korsö): A seasonal spot near Dalarö, offering drinks in a classic archipelago tavern setting.
Seglarbarens Dansgolv (Sandhamn Seglarhotell): The most famous club experience in the archipelago. It transitions from a lively bar into a full-blown nightclub, complete with a dance floor and DJ, particularly vibrant during the summer high season. Found on the island of Sandhamn.
Värmdö Nightlife Venues (Värmdö Municipality): The mainland-connected part of the archipelago, Värmdö, hosts various seasonal venues, especially in summer, that feature live bands, dancing, and discos. These spots often change but are the main clubbing alternative closest to the archipelago islands.
Sandhamn Seglarhotell’s Late-Night Area (Sandhamn): Beyond the main bar, the hotel often opens additional areas or hosts themed parties, providing a larger, more dedicated club environment on Sandhamn.
Bullandö Krog After Sail (Värmdö/Bullandö): Situated in a large marina on Värmdö, this restaurant and bar often turns into a lively “After Sail” spot during the summer evenings, with music and dancing, attracting a boating crowd.
Grinda Wärdshus Summer Nights (Grinda): While primarily an inn, Grinda often hosts music events and lively summer nights, especially on weekends, with dancing in a scenic outdoor or indoor venue.
Dalarö Skans Club Events (Dalarö): On the historic Dalarö Skans, seasonal events and parties sometimes transform this beautiful location into a unique club setting, offering a different kind of nightlife experience on a nearby island.
Gällnö Krog Evening Events (Gällnö): This spot on Gällnö island, known for its laid-back atmosphere, occasionally hosts special events with music that encourage dancing and a festive mood in a rustic archipelago environment.
Ljusterö Skärgårdshotell & Spa Bar/Lounge (Ljusterö): This hotel on Ljusterö island offers a more modern, slightly more year-round lounge atmosphere that can become quite lively on weekend nights, particularly in the summer.
Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café Bar (Vaxholm): While a café by day, this beautiful spot on Vaxholm sometimes hosts summer evening events and parties with live music or DJ sets, turning it into a charming, intimate late-night venue.
Harö Krog Summer Parties (Harö): Located on the peaceful Harö Island, this intimate restaurant is known for its serene setting, but can occasionally host more vibrant, late-night summer parties.