In contrast to the modern sophistication of Sweden's capital city, Stockholm, the fascinating Stockholm archipelago -- one of the largest yet most accessible archipelagos in the world -- presents a chance to disappear for a few hours, days or even weeks into wild nature, authentic fishing culture, and unspoiled beauty, all from the jetty called Stromkajen in downtown Stockholm.
A Day Trip into Another World
- The Stockholm archipelago is a group of tiny islands that stretch across a 35-mile expanse off the coast east of Stockholm. It's comprised of some 30,000 islands, located just an hour or two away from Stockholm by boat, but with a pace of life far more unhurried than city's bustle. They stretch as far north as Arholma -- a former military base turned museum -- and as far south as Landsort, known for its lighthouse, and have inspired many, including writer August Strindberg and painter Bruno Liljefors. Every summer, thousands of Swedish small boats head out into the archipelago in search of peace and tranquility. Visitors can opt to take an island hopping day trip, or overnight at one of the inns or hostels on the islands and let the tour last the weekend: Just remember to take some warm, windproof clothing, drinking water, and mosquito repellent.
Easy to Reach: Fjaderholm, Vaxholm, and Sandhamn
- The Fjaderholm islands are the nearest to Stockholm, and fill up with tourists in summer. Just 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm by boat, restaurants, souvenir shops and great swimming spots are all readily available. The sophisticated and exclusive island destination of Sandhamn, meanwhile, is popular with Stockholm's yachting set, and known for its parties at the marina, the Sandhamn Yacht Hotel. Then there's picturesque Vaxholm, a lovely town with well-preserved, wooden houses from the end of the 19th century and the ruins of the Vaxholm Fortress.
More Adventurous: Grinda, Moja, and Finnhamn
- Heading out into deeper waters, the sail to Grinda takes just over an hour from downtown Stockholm with tour operator Stromma's fancifully-named "Cinderella boats": This island nature reserve has overnight lodging in the form of hotels and campsites, and visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. One of the archipelago's largest islands is Moja, located almost exactly in the middle of the archipelago. Due to its size and its 300 permanent residents, there's more going on here than on other islands. With a landscape of woodland and open pastures, it's ideal for a bike tour and is endowed with a freshwater lake. North of Moja is Finnhamn, some 2.5 hours from Stockholm: A nature reserve, this is actually a group of quiet, green islands where ecotourism reigns supreme with open organic farms such as Idholmens Gard, campsites and the 80-bed hostel Utsiken, and where simple pursuits such as swimming and fishing are enjoyed.
Ferry and Cruise Operators
- Three commuter cruise lines operate between Stockholm and the islands: the Fjaderholm line, which travels as far as the Fjaderholm islands, Waxholmsbolaget ferry and the Cinderella fleet operated by Stromma. They all leave from Stromkajen jetty on Nybroviken bay in central Stockholm. Sightseeing operator Stromma's approximately three-hour guided archipelago tour is ideal for a day trip. The classic boats each have an onboard cafeteria serving refreshments. Stromma operates year-round, with four departures daily in high season (June, July and August). The Cinderella boats meanwhile offer a day trip to either Vaxholm, Sandhamn, Grinda, Moja or Finnhamn, with meals served on board. The other operator is the year-round ferry service Waxholmsbolaget, which offers a seaborne alternative to Stockholm's public transport system. Its five-day island hopping pass costs 420 Swedish krona (about $65 U.S.) at the time of this writing, and is valid for unlimited travel to all islands in the archipelago, both with Waxholmsbolaget and Stromma's Cinderella boats. Buy your card at manned terminals at Stromkajen in downtown Stockholm, in Stavns or Vaxholm.
