The Stockholm archipelago is the largest of its kind in Sweden. With over 30,000 islands and islets that buffer the city from the Baltic Sea, the vast area has something for everyone. From idyllic villages and coastal towns, except lots of water and serene nature seemingly untouched by civilization. Luckily, visiting the archipelago is easy. During the summer and fall months, you can travel by ferry with Waxholmsbolaget or Strömma, and during the off-season, you can book your excursion with a water taxi or guided tour.
Even if you're just in Stockholm for a few days, taking a day trip into the archipelago can be one of the most rewarding parts of your visit. So click on to discover some of the best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago.
A long, narrow island, Öja has excellent paths for walking and biking. Bird watching is also popular here, and the lighthouse has been shining its lights since the 1660s.
Often referred to as Landsort, after the island's famous Landsort lighthouse, the oldest in the country, Öja is located at the archipelago's southernmost point.
A great place to spend the day, here you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming, and explore the authentic archipelago village with its traditional red Swedish houses.
Sources: (Visit Stockholm) (View Stockholm) (Travel + Leisure)
See also: Get to know Sweden, one of the greenest countries in the world
Located at the outer edge of the archipelago, Rödlöga has a rich history, red granite, and excellent cheeses.
Far out in the archipelago, today you can stroll around among the quaint houses, rent a kayak, and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Worth a visit any time of the year, Kymmendö offers boat rounds, guided tours, shopping, and restaurants.
Privately owned, Kymmendö has been with the same family since 1802. But because of Sweden's Right of Public Access law, everyone is welcome there.
A historically important meeting place, the island of Furusund is where sailors sought protection from wind and wild weather.
The island also offers art exhibitions and music events, making it a vibrant scene for residents and visitors alike.
Situated south of Stockholm, Dalarö is a stunning archipelago gem, offering a wide range of water activities.
With summer guests coming here since the late 1800s, visitors can stay the night at the island's hostel.
The island of Utö, which means "outer island," is one of the farthest south in the Stockholm archipelago.
It's got appealing beaches, as well as the oldest iron mines in the country, where you can visit the Utö Mining and Local History Museum.
Located near the mainland with the open Baltic Sea to the east, Blidö is a popular summer vacation spot.
Whether you go there for a day trip or stay a few nights, Väddö offers plenty of fun activities like swimming and hiking.
One of the largest islands in Sweden, it's home to the popular beach and camping site Väddö havsbad.
Approximately three hours from Stockholm, Nämdö is a large island, surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands and islets.
Perfect for hiking and biking, make sure you also stop by the local pub, Wikströms Fisk, which is run by the only professional fisherman on the island.
For overnight guests, there's a house from the early 20th century that's been transformed into a hostel. During summer, activities include lying in the sun, swimming, and eating ice cream.
Grinda also has a campground, plus a range of activities including kayaking and beaches for swimming.
A ferry to this northern archipelago island takes over two hours from Stockholm. But once you arrive, you'll be enchanted by its idyllic nature.
Nämdö is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, hiking, and just admiring the unique landscapes of the archipelago.
Just an hour away by boat from Vaxholm, the charming island of Grinda is part of a nature reserve, with inns and hotels.
One of the archipelago's most visited islands, Vaxholm is a short 50-minute ferry ride from Stockholm. It's also the first stop for most ferries heading further out into the archipelago.
One of the furthest islands, the popular Sandhamn is well-connected to Stockholm via ferry. The trip takes around two hours, which is a great way to see the various islands of the archipelago.
Located about an hour from Stockholm, Möja is lined with small villages and well-preserved harbors.
Rich in Swedish history, one important spot is the 19th-century Vaxholm Fortress Museum, located on a small island just across from Vaxholm.
Only a 20-minute boat trip from downtown Stockholm, Fjäderholmarna island is where the archipelago begins.
A key meeting place for sailors, Sandhamn combines a typical Baltic island landscape with a little cosmopolitan flair, including shops and restaurants.
Stop off at Stora Fjäderholmen, the main island, for a stroll along the shore, or discover the forest trails. Many artists have studios and stores in the center of the island.
The best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago
Discover these amazing islands near Sweden's capital city
TRAVEL Sweden
The Stockholm archipelago is the largest of its kind in Sweden. With over 30,000 islands and islets that buffer the city from the Baltic Sea, the vast area has something for everyone. From idyllic villages and coastal towns, except lots of water and serene nature seemingly untouched by civilization. Luckily, visiting the archipelago is easy. During the summer and fall months, you can travel by ferry with Waxholmsbolaget or Strömma, and during the off-season, you can book your excursion with a water taxi or guided tour.
Even if you're just in Stockholm for a few days, taking a day trip into the archipelago can be one of the most rewarding parts of your visit. So click on to discover some of the best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago.