Stockholm Archipelago: Complete Guide to Islands & Tours 2025

What Is the Stockholm Archipelago?

The Stockholm archipelago is one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal regions, stretching from Sweden’s capital into the Baltic Sea. This vast network of islands, rocks, and skerries offers visitors an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, Swedish culture, and outdoor adventure—all within easy reach of Stockholm.

Number of Islands and Geography

The Stockholm archipelago consists of approximately 30,000 islands, making it one of the largest archipelagos in the world. These islands range from tiny uninhabited rocks to substantial landmasses with thriving communities. The archipelago stretches roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Stockholm’s city center eastward into the Baltic Sea, creating a transition zone where urban life meets pristine wilderness.

Only about 1,000 of these islands are permanently inhabited. The landscape features dense pine forests, smooth granite cliffs shaped by ancient glaciers, sheltered bays, and open waters. This unique geography has shaped Swedish culture for centuries, with maritime traditions still visible in the colorful wooden houses and fishing villages dotting the coastline.

Best Time to Visit the Archipelago

The ideal time to explore the Stockholm archipelago depends on your interests:

• Summer (June–August): Peak season with warm weather (18–25°C), long daylight hours, and all ferry routes operational. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, and island hopping.
• Spring (May–early June): Fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and comfortable hiking conditions on the Stockholm Archipelago Trail.
• Fall (September–October): Beautiful autumn colors, quieter trails, and still-pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
• Winter (November–March): Limited ferry service, but some islands offer unique experiences like ice skating and cross-country skiing.

According to National Geographic’s 2025 must-visit destinations list, the Stockholm archipelago has gained international recognition, making advance planning particularly important during peak summer months.

Stockholm Archipelago Trail: Hiking Through the Islands

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail represents one of Sweden’s most innovative hiking developments, opening in October 2024. This groundbreaking trail system connects 21 islands through a combination of marked hiking paths and ferry connections, allowing visitors to experience the archipelago on foot for the first time.

Trail Length and Stages

The trail extends approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) when combining all connected segments. Hikers can tackle the entire route over multiple weeks or select shorter sections for day trips and weekend adventures. The trail begins in Stockholms innerstad and winds through diverse landscapes—from rocky coastal paths to forest trails and charming island villages.

BBC Travel reported that this new hiking trail links car-free island paradises, emphasizing the sustainable tourism approach that defines the project. Forbes predicts hiking in the archipelago will boom in 2025 thanks to this trail system, attracting both international visitors and Swedish outdoor enthusiasts.

Map and Access Points

The trail features multiple access points, making it flexible for different skill levels and time commitments. Key entry islands include:

• Vaxholm: Gateway to the archipelago, easily reached by ferry from Stockholm (approximately 45 minutes)
• Grinda: Mid-archipelago starting point with good accommodations
• Möja: Outer archipelago access for longer hiking segments
• Sandhamn: Popular endpoint in the outer archipelago

Trail maps are available through Visit Stockholm’s website and local tourist offices. GPS coordinates and downloadable maps help hikers navigate the marked routes, which use standard Swedish trail markings (orange painted blazes on rocks and trees).

Boat Tours and Cruises in the Archipelago

While the hiking trail offers immersive land-based exploration, boat tours remain the most popular way to experience the Stockholm archipelago’s breadth. These tours range from quick afternoon excursions to full-day adventures with island stops.

Popular Tours for 2025

Several operators offer Stockholm archipelago boat tours, each with distinct itineraries and experiences:

• Classic Archipelago Tour: 3-4 hour cruise through inner and middle archipelago zones, with audio guides explaining history and landmarks. Typically includes a stop at Vaxholm.
• Extended Island-Hopping Cruise: Full-day tours (8-10 hours) visiting 3-4 islands with time to explore each location. Often includes lunch.
• Sunset and Evening Cruises: 2-3 hour tours designed for scenic photography and relaxation during summer’s long twilight hours.
• Specialized Tours: Food-focused cruises, wildlife observation trips, or historical tours concentrating on military fortifications.

Visit Sweden notes that boat trips from Stockholm to the outer archipelago take approximately 20 minutes to nearby islands, though reaching destinations like Sandhamn requires 2-3 hours.

Comparing Major Tour Operators

Prices vary based on season, tour length, and included services. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead during summer (June-August) is recommended, as popular tours sell out quickly.

Best Islands to Visit in the Stockholm Archipelago

With thousands of islands to choose from, selecting which Stockholm archipelago islands to visit can feel overwhelming. These five islands offer diverse experiences perfect for day trips or overnight stays.

Top 5 Islands for Day Trips

1. Vaxholm
Often called the ”capital of the archipelago,” Vaxholm combines accessibility (45-minute ferry from Stockholm) with charming small-town atmosphere. The 16th-century Vaxholm Fortress dominates the harbor, offering museum tours and historical exhibits. The island’s main street features boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and colorful wooden architecture. Perfect for first-time archipelago visitors.

2. Grinda
This car-free island epitomizes Swedish summer culture. Grinda offers excellent swimming beaches, kayak rentals, and forest hiking trails. The island’s historic inn provides meals and accommodations. About 90 minutes from Stockholm, Grinda balances accessibility with a peaceful, remote atmosphere. Ideal for families and active travelers.

3. Sandhamn
Located in the outer archipelago (2.5 hours from Stockholm), Sandhamn attracts sailors and beach lovers. This island features sandy beaches unusual in the rocky archipelago, a vibrant sailing community, and the iconic Sandhamn Yacht Club. The village center offers restaurants, shops, and nightlife during summer. Best for those seeking a livelier atmosphere.

4. Fjäderholmarna
The closest archipelago islands to Stockholm (just 20 minutes by ferry), Fjäderholmarna serves as an excellent introduction for limited-time visitors. The island group features artisan workshops, breweries, restaurants, and short coastal walks. Open primarily May through September, these islands work well for half-day excursions.

5. Utö
Sweden’s southernmost archipelago community, Utö combines mining history with natural beauty. The island offers bike rentals for exploring its 12 kilometers of roads, swimming spots, and a preserved 19th-century mining village. Windmill ruins and lighthouse walks provide photographic opportunities. About 3 hours from Stockholm, best suited for overnight stays.

Activities: Kayaking, Spa, and More

Beyond sightseeing, the archipelago offers diverse outdoor activities:

• Kayaking: Multi-day kayak tours connect islands, with equipment rental available on major islands. Guided tours accommodate beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore independently under allemansrätten (right to roam).
• Spa and Wellness: Several islands feature spa hotels combining natural sauna traditions with modern wellness facilities. Popular options include facilities on Nämdö and Möja.
• Fishing: Both shore and boat fishing opportunities exist throughout the archipelago, with pike, perch, and sea trout common catches.
• Swimming: Countless beaches and swimming rocks offer varying exposure levels, from protected bays to open Baltic waters.
• Glamping: Upscale camping experiences have emerged on several islands, combining outdoor adventure with comfortable accommodations.

Transportation: Ferries and Getting to the Archipelago

Efficient ferry systems make exploring the Stockholm archipelago straightforward, whether using public transport or commercial tour operators. Understanding the transportation options helps maximize your archipelago experience.

Public Ferries with SL Card

The most economical way to explore the archipelago involves Waxholmsbolaget, the public ferry company operating 24 routes year-round (expanded to 45+ routes in summer). A standard Stockholm SL travel card covers many routes within the inner and middle archipelago zones, making day trips remarkably affordable.

Key information for ferry travel:

• Departure Points: Most ferries leave from Strömkajen, Strandvägen, or Vaxholm (for outer islands)
• Frequency: Summer services run hourly to popular destinations; less frequent in winter
• Duration: 20 minutes to nearby islands like Fjäderholmarna; up to 3 hours for outer archipelago destinations
• Advance Booking: Generally not required for public ferries except peak summer weekends
• Bicycle Transport: Allowed on most ferries for a small additional fee

For comprehensive route planning, Visit Stockholm provides detailed ferry information and interactive maps showing all available routes and schedules.

Ferry Route Maps and Planning

Understanding the archipelago’s geography helps with efficient trip planning. The islands divide into three main zones:

• Inner Archipelago: Islands within 30 minutes of Stockholm (Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm, Grinda)
• Middle Archipelago: 1-2 hours from Stockholm (Möja, Ingmarsö, Finnhamn)
• Outer Archipelago: 2-3+ hours from Stockholm (Sandhamn, Utö, Landsort)

Ferry maps showing all routes are available at Stockholm tourist offices and online. Many visitors start with inner archipelago day trips before progressing to more distant islands for overnight stays.

Car and Bicycle Access

While ferries dominate archipelago transport, some islands connect to the mainland via bridges or car ferries. The northern archipelago islands around Norrtälje and Väddö offer road access, allowing visitors to combine driving with short ferry hops. This approach works well for travelers with limited time or specific mobility needs.

Bicycles provide excellent island exploration once you arrive. Most inhabited islands feature bike rental facilities, and the relatively flat terrain suits casual cyclists. The Stockholm Archipelago Trail includes cycling alternatives for sections between ferry connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Islands Are in the Stockholm Archipelago?

The Stockholm archipelago contains approximately 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries, making it one of the world’s largest archipelagos. However, only about 1,000 of these islands are permanently inhabited. The definition varies depending on size criteria—some counts include only islands larger than a specific area, while others encompass every rock formation breaking the water’s surface.

What Are the Best Boat Tours in the Stockholm Archipelago for 2025?

The best boat tours depend on your interests and available time. Strömma offers reliable 3-hour guided tours perfect for first-time visitors, with daily departures and English commentary. For longer experiences, full-day island-hopping cruises through Viator or GetYourGuide include lunch and multiple island stops. Budget travelers should consider using Waxholmsbolaget public ferries to create self-guided tours at a fraction of commercial tour prices. Summer weekends require advance booking regardless of operator choice.

How Do I Access the Stockholm Archipelago Trail?

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail begins in central Stockholm and connects 21 islands through a combination of hiking paths and ferry connections. Access points include Vaxholm (45 minutes by ferry), Grinda (90 minutes), and other major islands along the route. You’ll need to coordinate hiking segments with ferry schedules, particularly in shoulder seasons when service is limited. Trail maps are available from Visit Stockholm’s website, and the route uses standard orange trail markings. Plan accommodation in advance, as some trail segments pass through sparsely populated areas.

Which Islands Are Best for a Day Trip from Stockholm?

For quick day trips, Fjäderholmarna (20 minutes) offers the shortest journey with artisan shops and restaurants. Vaxholm (45 minutes) provides the best combination of accessibility, dining options, and sightseeing with its historic fortress. Grinda (90 minutes) suits visitors seeking nature activities like swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Each island offers a different atmosphere—Fjäderholmarna for convenience, Vaxholm for culture and dining, and Grinda for outdoor recreation. All three have frequent summer ferry service, making same-day return trips straightforward.