Editor's note: The prices listed below are summer prices, correct at the time of publication. If you're planning a trip in the off-season, note that the Waxholmsbolaget ferries are included if you already have an SL period card. There are also some Waxholmsbolaget ferries – including the one to Vaxholm – that accept any SL ticket year-round.
Vaxholm
Vaxholm is the best place to make your first foray into the archipelago, for two good reasons.
First, it's simple to get there, with quick, regular departures from central Stockholm, by public transport – bus or ferry (Vaxholm is one of the 44 ferry piers within the Stockholm Public Transport, SL, ticket area, year-round). Second, there's plenty to do. Vaxholm is the archipelago's self-proclaimed capital, and it has plenty of charming wooden houses, shops, and restaurants on offer, and there's a spectacular fortress.
Alternatively you can get away from the harbour to try out the hiking trails through the quieter side of Vaxholm. And nearby is the small island of Badholmen, which can even be rented out for private weddings, parties and events.
Journey time: Around an hour each way from Strömkajen with public transport operator Waxholmsbolaget (43 kronor one way, or your SL period ticket, if you have one), 50 minutes with Cinderella (190 kronor one way) from Strandvägen. You can also take bus 670 from Danderyds sjukhus, which takes 40 minutes and costs 43 kronor if you travel on a single SL ticket.
Best for: Anyone short on time or not too outdoorsy
Don't miss: The beautiful shoreside Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café
Grinda
This is the first public island in the archipelago proper, meaning you can only get there by water. Grinda has options for camping or staying at the art nouveau-style island hotel (Grinda Wärdshus), where you can enjoy their indulgent floating sauna. Alternatively (and much more cheaply!), there are also saunas at the hostel and a public one on the waterfront.
You can keep things simple with forest hikes, swimming and relaxing on the beach, or choose to get active by renting kayaks or paddle boards and playing petanque or volleyball. Children can visit the animals at the island farm.
Journey time: From 1hr35 and 125 kronor each way with Waxholmsbolaget from Strömkajen to either the north or south port on Grinda (they're about equal distance from the 'centre'). Journey time varies and there are some departures that take nearly three hours, so check before travelling. If you want to travel with sightseeing company Cinderella, it's 1hr20 and 235 kronor.
Best for: Active families
Don't miss: A sauna visit
Sandhamn
Made famous worldwide by the Sandhamn Murders crime series, we assure you this island is much more peaceful in real life – but there's still plenty to do. Stay close to the harbour for lively bars or a trip to the spa, or venture inland to explore the forest walking trails. There are bikes and motorboats for hire, or you can spend the day fishing, playing mini-golf or sailing.
Journey time: Around two hours on public transport: you take bus 433 or 434 from Slussen to Stavsnäs (43 kronor single ticket), then switch to a Waxholmsbolaget boat to Sandhamn (104 kronor).
255 kronor each way and 2.5 hours with the Cinderella boats from Strandvägen.
Best for: Island nightlife
Don't miss: The museum, which will give you insight into archipelago life over the centuries
Arholma
One of the largest islands in the northern archipelago, Arholma is also the furthest north of the populated islands, so the journey here is a true adventure. It's a great destination if you want to learn more about Swedish maritime history, by taking a guided tour of the old military facility or exploring the coastal defence museum. Or you could just relax in the forest or public sauna before testing out the many swimming spots.
Journey time: Approximately 4h30 with Waxholmsbolaget from Strömkajen, with a transfer to a second ferry in Norrsund (the first ferry trip is 104 kr; the second is 154; ask as you board the first ferry if you have to buy both). Alternatively, you can travel to Simpnäs in Norrtälje by car or bus (2-3 hours), from where the ferry takes 15 minutes.
Best for: Maritime tradition
Don't miss: The Arholma beacon, an old lookout post that hosts an art gallery during the summer months as well as offering stunning views out to sea
Möja
A trip to Möja, inhabited since Viking times, is unlikely to disappoint. It's well-equipped for tourists, with cafés, shops, hostels and cottages to rent, but retains its traditional charm.
There are several different villages, so if you do some research (or just explore!) you can head to the spot that suits you best. Berg has a museum and a small outdoor dance floor, while up the north end of the island at Långvik you get great views over the water from the jetty.
Journey time: Approximately 3h30 with Waxholmsbolaget (186 kronor) from Strömkajen to Berg, the island's central town.
Best for: Postcard-perfect archipelago villages
Don't miss: Wikströms Fisk, a seafood restaurant run by one of the only still-active professional fishermen in the entire archipelago.
Svartsö
At Alsvik, where the ferry pulls up to Svartsö, you'll find yourself right by the island store, where you can purchase any last minute snacks for your picnic on the nearby beach. Explore the island on foot or bike, wandering through the thick forests and relaxing by the lakes. When it comes to finding accommodation, you can rent a "glamping” tent from Svartsö logi or opt for a room in the hotel or hostel.
Journey time: Around 2.5 hours each way (it varies) and 154 kronor from Strömkajen to Alsvik with Waxholmsbolaget.
Best for: Forest walks
Don't miss: Storträsk, the largest lake on the island, which is great for swimming
Landsort/Öja
This is the farthest south you can get in the archipelago, and although the island's official name is Öja it also goes by Landsort, which is what the lighthouse and village at the southern end is called.
Just a couple of dozen people live in the charming village, but you won't get bored here. It's well worth visiting the 3,000-year-old labyrinth – built with supposed magic powers to bring good luck in fishing and sailing – and the eerie plague churchyard. The only downside is that so much of the journey getting here is done by land.
Journey time: Around 2hr25 in total. First, take the commuter train (pendeltåg) to Nynäsgård, then change to bus 852 to Ankarudden, from where the ferry to Landsort takes 30 minutes (104 kronor plus 43 kronor for an SL single ticket if you don't have an SL card). You can also take the train all the way to the main station in Nynäshamn, down by the harbour, if you want to make a pit stop there before catching the bus (which leaves from the station, too).
Best for: Bird-watching or rural relaxation
Don't miss: The lighthouse. Built in 1689, it's the oldest lighthouse in Sweden.
Finnhamn
Home to sandy beaches and idyllic swimming spots, Finnhamn is an island paradise, and the boat stops close to the popular restaurant Finnhamns Café Krog. You can have an active trip with a rented kayak or SUP (paddle board) and discover why they call it Paradisviken (Paradise Bay), or spend an afternoon paintballing or on a high ropes course. There's also, of course, the chance for a more peaceful stroll through the forest, and plenty of varied food and accommodation options.
Journey time: Around 3.5 hours (186 kronor) each way from Strömkajen with Waxholmsbolaget.
Best for: An eco-friendly trip
Don't miss: Renting a rowing boat to take you to one of the smaller islets – Finnhamn actually refers to a cluster of islands
Gällnö
Another slice of genuine archipelago life, with sandy beaches, rowing boats for hire, swimming spots, fields and meadows. Although it's not too far to get to from the centre of Stockholm, in terms of the pace of life Gällnö couldn't be further away.
Journey time: Around 2 hours each way from Strömkajen with Waxholmsbolaget (154 kronor) or 1h30 from Strandvägen with Cinderella (235 kronor).
Best for: A total escape from the city bustle
Don't miss: The cherry blossom and apple trees in bloom in spring
Utö
Utö has a unique history, home to what's probably Sweden's oldest iron mine (you can still visit the mining museum and well-preserved miners' dwellings) before being transformed at the start of the 20th century into a fully fledged party island.
Wholesaler EW Levin negotiated for the islanders to leave their homes so he could turn it into a holiday paradise which hosted Swedish stars including Greta Garbo.
Today there are still plenty of places to eat and drink in style when you're not lazing on one of the gorgeous beaches. For sporty vacationers, there's no shortage of activities either: cycling, kayaking, beach volleyball, frisbee golf and minigolf.
Journey time: For a shorter journey time (1hr40) but more complicated route, take the commuter train from Stockholm City to Västerhaninge, then the 846 bus to Årsta brygga, from which the ferry takes 40 minutes to Gruvbryggan on Utö.
If you'd rather take your time and be on the water the whole way, from June 19th through August 16th you can take a 3hr45 minute trip on the #18 ferry with Waxholmsbolaget from Strömkajen to Gruvbryggan for 186 kr.
Best for: Beaches
Don't miss: The windmill, with panoramic views over the island and sea, or the delicious bread from the bakery
Article first written by Catherine Edwards in 2018, and updated by The Local's editorial team in 2026.
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