Stockholm Archipelago

Stockholm skärgård

A breathtaking collection of over 30,000 islands and skerries stretching across the Baltic Sea east of Stockholm, offering stunning natural beauty and island hopping opportunities. Visitors can take ferries to charming islands like Vaxholm and Grinda to experience traditional Swedish coastal life, swim, and enjoy seafood.

Things to do

• Island Hopping by Ferry — Take public ferries between islands like Vaxholm, Grinda, and Finnhamn to explore charming villages, lighthouses, and pristine coastline.
• Swimming and Bathing — Enjoy designated swimming spots and natural beaches on islands throughout the archipelago, with water temperatures warmest in July and August.
• Kayaking and Canoeing — Paddle through narrow channels and between smaller skerries to experience the archipelago's unique geography and wildlife up close.
• Vaxholm Fortress Visit — Explore the 16th-century military fortress on Vaxholm island, now a museum showcasing Swedish naval history and archipelago heritage.
• Fishing and Angling — Try pike and perch fishing in the archipelago's waters, with rental boats and guided tours available for both beginners and experienced anglers.
• Hiking Forest Trails — Walk marked trails through pine forests and rocky landscapes on islands like Grinda and Finnhamn for scenic views and encounters with local flora.
• Wildlife Watching — Spot seals, sea eagles, and nesting seabirds in their natural habitat, particularly around the outer islands and skerries.

Food to try

• Gravlax — Cured salmon seasoned with dill and spices, a traditional Swedish delicacy found in archipelago restaurants and local delis.
• Seafood Platters — Fresh catch including mussels, crayfish, lobster, and white fish prepared simply and served with new potatoes and dill sauce at waterfront restaurants.
• Smoked Fish — Locally smoked pike and perch, often served as an appetizer or light meal with crispy bread and lemon at island establishments.
• Archipelago Picnic (Skärgårdsmål) — Traditional packed meal of cheese, bread, cold cuts, and fresh berries that locals bring on boat trips and beach days throughout the islands.
• Blueberry Desserts — Summer desserts featuring wild blueberries picked from the archipelago's forests, served as pies, jam, or with cream at cafes.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Island Privacy — Many islands are privately owned; stick to designated public areas and ferry destinations, and never camp or build fires without permission.
• Summer Season Priority — Most ferries, restaurants, and accommodations operate seasonally from May to September; plan accordingly as winter services are severely limited.
• Traditional Coastal Values — The archipelago represents traditional Swedish coastal life; locals value self-sufficiency, respect for nature, and quiet contemplation, so move at a relaxed pace.
• Bring Cash and ID — Some smaller island establishments and ferries may not accept cards; carrying Swedish cash and identification is practical on remote islands.