Stockholm County, Baltic Sea · Sweden
Thousands of granite islands, red cottages and swimming rocks, a short ferry from the capital.
Photo: Arild Vågen · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Stockholm archipelago stretches 150 kilometres into the Baltic, with roughly 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. Close to the city, the islands are green and wooded, while further out they become bare granite rocks shaped by the ice age. Traditional red cottages, small harbours and summer houses line the shores.
Vaxholm, a small town with a fortress, is the nearest and easiest. Sandhamn is a sailing hub with sandy beaches, while Grinda is known for hiking, swimming and a laid-back hostel. Fjaderholmarna, the nearest islands, are reached in 25 minutes and offer craft shops and restaurants. Boats leave from Stockholm's Strommen and Nybroviken piers.
Many visitors rent a kayak or bike, swim off the rocks and eat grilled fish or shrimp on the pier. Summer is the peak, but autumn and spring are quiet and beautiful. Bring a swimsuit and book accommodation early.
Why visit
The archipelago is Stockholm's great escape.
Ferries between islands.
Warm in summer.
Calm waters.
Postcard scenery.
Quick ferries.
Main attractions
Each island has its own charm.
A small town with a fortress.
Tip Easy day trip.
A sailing hub with beaches.
Tip Walk to the sandy bay.
A popular island with forest and rocks.
Tip Swim or hike.
The closest island group.
Tip Quick lunch stop.
A southern island with a mine.
Tip Cycle around.
A quiet outer island.
Tip Stay overnight.
Things to do
Water and nature.
Between islands.
Tip Buy a day ticket.
Summer.
Tip Check conditions.
Guided or solo.
Tip Rent locally.
Flat and scenic.
Tip Hire a bike.
Fish and shrimp.
Tip Reserve ahead.
From a rock.
Tip Bring a drink.
Local food
Local fish and summer treats.
Local.
Where to try it Island smokehouses.
Piled with prawns.
Where to try it Pier cafes.
Summer.
Where to try it Roadside.
Coffee and bun.
Where to try it Cafes.
Fried.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Accommodation
Cabins, hostels and inns.
Transport
Ferries leave from central Stockholm.
Boats and bikes.
When to go
Summer is warm and best for swimming and sailing.
Bright and fresh.
Warm and busy.
Quiet.
Cold, few ferries.
Worth planning around: Winter, when many ferries stop.
Itinerary
Islands and rocks.
Easy islands
Sailing
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
A day or two.
Sandhamn or Grinda.
No, ferries run.
June to August.
Moderate.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Stockholm Archipelago, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Stockholm County, east coast, Sweden
Sweden's elegant island capital: Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, City Hall, design shops and an archipelago on its doorstep.
Don't miss Wandering the cobbled lanes of Gamla Stan, then a waterside fika in the sun.
Explore Destination — StockholmGotland County, Baltic Sea, Sweden
A UNESCO-listed Hanseatic town with a 3.4 km medieval wall, church ruins, and an island of raukar sea stacks, sandy beaches and medieval churches.
Don't miss Walking the ring wall at sunset, with ruined churches glowing in the light.
Explore Destination — Visby and GotlandVastra Gotaland County, west coast, Sweden
Sweden's second city: Haga, Feskekorka fish market, Slottsskogen, Liseberg, the southern archipelago and some of the best seafood in the country.
Don't miss Eating fresh shrimp by the harbour, then a ferry to a car-free island.
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