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    Stockholm Archipelago

    Sweden

    Stockholm Archipelago

    Region

    The Stockholm Archipelago is Sweden's largest archipelago. Depending on the count, it consists of around 24,000 to 30,000 islands, islets, and rocks, stretching from Öja south of Nynäshamn to Väddö north of Norrtälje.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Stockholm Archipelago
    The Stockholm Archipelago is Sweden's largest archipelago. Depending on the count, it consists of around 24,000 to 30,000 islands, islets, and rocks, stretching from Öja south of Nynäshamn to Väddö north of Norrtälje. Rugged rocky coasts, fishing villages, and holiday homes characterize the islands, which are suitable for swimming, sailing, and hiking. You can reach most inhabited islands by ferry with Waxholmsbolaget, the largest provider of scheduled services.
    Nynäshamn

    Place 1 of 4

    Nynäshamn

    Nynäshamn lies about 60 kilometres south of Stockholm and is one of the mainland ports for ferries to Gotland. Additionally, ships sail from here to Gdańsk in Poland.

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    Nåttarö

    Place 2 of 4

    Nåttarö

    Nåttarö, located in the southern Stockholm archipelago, is about 30 boat minutes from Nynäshamn and is protected as a nature reserve.

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    Fjäderholmarna

    Place 3 of 4

    Fjäderholmarna

    The Fjäderholmarna are a small group of islands at the start of the Stockholm archipelago, about 20 minutes by boat from the city center. They belong to the municipality of Lidingö and to the Royal National City Park.

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    Grinda

    Place 4 of 4

    Grinda

    Grinda is located in the central archipelago directly south of Ljusterö and belongs to the municipality of Värmdö.

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    More places in Stockholm Archipelago

    Sandhamn

    Sandhamn

    Sandhamn is located on the island of Sandön in the central archipelago, about 50 kilometers east of Stockholm, and has been one of Sweden's most important sailing centers since the late 19th century. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club KSSS has hosted regattas here since the 1890s, including the Gotland Runt Regatta. In summer, the number of residents increases from around one hundred to several thousand. Boats from Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderellabåtarna connect Sandhamn with Stockholm and Stavsnäs.
    Utö

    Utö

    Utö is a larger island in the southern archipelago in the municipality of Haninge. It combines archipelago nature with industrial history: traces of several centuries of mining are still visible today. The calcareous subsoil ensures a rich flora with many orchid species in the nature reserve in the north. In summer, you'll find numerous swimming spots; the best way to explore the island is by rental bike. You can reach Årsta brygga by bus 846 from Västerhaninge commuter train station; from there, the Waxholmsboat sails year-round to Gruvbryggan, and in summer, also directly from Strömkajen in Stockholm in about three hours.
    Vaxholm

    Vaxholm

    Known as the "Capital of the Archipelago," Vaxholm is a small island town with city rights since 1652. Since steamboat services began in 1849, it developed into a seaside resort, and many Stockholmers built wooden summer houses here, which still shape the townscape today. In front of the harbour lies Vaxholm Fortress. With boats from Strömkajen and Strandvägen or bus 670 from KTH, Vaxholm is an easy day trip and a starting point for further islands.

    Sights in Stockholm Archipelago

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Djurö Kyrka

    The Djurö kyrka on Djurö in Värmdö municipality was dedicated in 1683. It is a log building on a plastered stone foundation, seating around 150. Inside, you'll see a 1683 Baroque altarpiece, a crucifix from around 1500, and the votive ship "Nordstiern" from 1706. The red bell tower dates from 1835 and 1836.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Bullandö krog

    Bar in Bullandö Marina Krog.
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    2

    Sandhamns Värdshus

    Bar in Sandhamn 101.
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    3

    Stavsnäs hembageri

    Restaurant in Allévägen 36.
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    Round trips through this region

    Stockholm Archipelago

    Stockholm Archipelago

    From Stockholm, take a ferry to Vaxholm and Sandhamn in the central archipelago, then south to Utö and Nåttarö, before the route ends in Nynäshamn. The islands are largely car-free; Waxholmsbolaget ferries run most frequently in summer. Check the timetables in advance, as not all islands are directly connected.

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    Sandhamn

    Sandhamn

    Sandhamn is located on the island of Sandön in the central archipelago, about 50 kilometers east of Stockholm, and has been one of Sweden's most important sailing centers since the late 19th century. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club KSSS has hosted regattas here since the 1890s, including the Gotland Runt Regatta. In summer, the number of residents increases from around one hundred to several thousand. Boats from Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderellabåtarna connect Sandhamn with Stockholm and Stavsnäs.
    Grinda

    Grinda

    Grinda is located in the central archipelago directly south of Ljusterö and belongs to the municipality of Värmdö. The City of Stockholm took over the island in 1947; today, it mostly belongs to the Skärgårdsstiftelsen and has been protected as a nature reserve since 2000. Rocks, pine forests, and fields in the island's center characterize the landscape; child-friendly swimming spots are located at the two steamer jetties and in Källviken. An approximately 2.5-kilometer nature and culture trail leads around the island's southeast, with the highest point being the Klubbudden viewpoint at 35 meters. There is an inn, a grocery store, and a campsite near the northern jetty. Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderellabåtarna call at Grinda year-round.
    Vaxholm

    Vaxholm

    Known as the "Capital of the Archipelago," Vaxholm is a small island town with city rights since 1652. Since steamboat services began in 1849, it developed into a seaside resort, and many Stockholmers built wooden summer houses here, which still shape the townscape today. In front of the harbour lies Vaxholm Fortress. With boats from Strömkajen and Strandvägen or bus 670 from KTH, Vaxholm is an easy day trip and a starting point for further islands.
    Fjäderholmarna

    Fjäderholmarna

    The Fjäderholmarna are a small group of islands at the start of the Stockholm archipelago, about 20 minutes by boat from the city center. They belong to the municipality of Lidingö and to the Royal National City Park. On the most visited island, Stora Fjäderholmen, you will find craft studios, small shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as an open-air exhibition of traditional archipelago boats. The islands are a good choice for a first impression of the archipelago without a long journey. The visiting season runs from May to mid-September.
    Djurgården

    Djurgården

    The island of Djurgården in Stockholm, once a royal hunting ground, is now a large green space and one of the city's most important cultural centers. Highlights include the Vasa Museum, home to the almost completely preserved 17th-century warship, and the open-air museum Skansen. Also on Djurgården are the Nordic Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, and Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde, the former residence of the painting prince, with its park. You can reach the island by ferry from Slussen or by tram line 7. Spring and autumn are ideal for a relaxed exploration of the parks and museums, when there are fewer visitors.

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