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    Vaxholm

    Sweden

    Vaxholm

    CityCulture

    Known as the "Capital of the Archipelago," Vaxholm is a small island town with city rights since 1652.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Stockholm Archipelago
    9. 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 Vaxholm

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Festung Vaxholm

    Fortress island off Vaxholm harbour. First fortifications from the 16th century; current structure built 1833-1863. Inside, the Fortress Museum shows military history. Accessible via small cable ferry from town.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Dee Dee thaikök - Vaxholm

    Restaurant in SÖDERHAMNSPLAN 1.
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    2

    Pizzabutik Alfågeln

    Restaurant in Karl Martins väg 22.
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    3

    Sushi Ika

    Restaurant in Söderhamnen 4.
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    History and Culture

    Fortress in KodjupetVaxholm Fortress was built in the mid-16th century under Gustav Vasa to protect Stockholm from sea attacks. Under Johan III, a stone tower replaced the original wooden blockhouse; most of the current complex dates from 1833 to 1863. Attacks by the Danes in 1612 and the Russian fleet in 1719 were repelled. Since 1964, it has housed the Fortress Museum.Steamers and Summer RetreatsIn 1849, a steamboat company began operating between Stockholm and Vaxholm, eventually forming today's Waxholmsbolaget through later mergers. From the 1860s, Vaxholm became a popular seaside resort, and many Stockholmers built wooden summer houses here.Wooden TownOnly from 1912 onwards was it permitted to build with materials other than wood in Vaxholm. This explains the uniform appearance of wooden houses that still characterizes the town today.

    Arrival and on the way

    By BoatWaxholmsbolaget and SL commuter ferries depart from Strömkajen by the Grand Hotel, Strömma from Strandvägen.Departure times and seasonal timetables vary by operator, so check the schedule in advance.By Bus and CarBus 670 runs several times per hour from Tekniska högskolan (KTH) station to Vaxholm.By car, take the E18 and bridges to the island. From the Värmdö direction, the route is via Rindö and the Vaxholmsleden car ferry, which is also free for pedestrians.Parking in the centre is limited; in summer, additional spaces are available on the outskirts. From there, you can continue on foot or with Bus 670.On SiteThe town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.A small ferry runs to the fortress from early May to late September; the crossing takes about two minutes.

    Accommodations in Vaxholm

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    Campgrounds in Vaxholm

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    Nearby

    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.
    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.
    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.
    Gamla Stan

    Gamla Stan

    Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic Old Town, is located on the island of Stadsholmen and represents the city's medieval heart. Here you'll discover narrow cobblestone streets, colorful merchant houses, and historic squares that define the urban landscape. The Royal Palace, Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), and the Nobel Museum on central Stortorget are key attractions. Particularly characteristic are the narrowest alley, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, as well as the many small boutiques and traditional cafés. Founded in the 13th century, the district preserves its charm with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. To experience the special atmosphere undisturbed, a visit in the early morning hours is recommended. Also, plan time for a traditional Fika in one of the cozy cafés.
    Norrmalm

    Norrmalm

    Norrmalm is Stockholm's central business district. Around Sergels torg, created during Nedre Norrmalm's 20th-century redesign, are shopping streets, department stores, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The district also includes Kungsträdgården Park.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI