The Stockholm Archipelago is entirely unique. 25,000 islands, islets and skerries spread out like a patchwork in the sea to the east of the city. The archipelago landscape has everything – from verdant islands in the inner archipelago to bare cliffs in the outer parts.
In the summer there are often several boat trips to choose from, with boats taking daily tours from Stockholm out into the archipelago. In the winter the boat traffic from Stockholm is more limited, but there are still departures to a number of islands. Making your way through the thick layers of ice in a wintry archipelago is a unique experience.
Make sure you check where the boat leaves from, as boat trips into the archipelago can leave from Strömkajen, Strandvägen or Nybrokajen. Ask at reception and we’ll help you find your way.
www.waxholmsbolaget.se (regular boats)www.strommakanalbolaget.se (guided boat tours, book at the Nordic Sea Hotel reception)
If you’re looking for somewhere near town to take a dip in the salt waters of the Baltic Sea, Grinda is perfect – accessible and popular for all ages. On the south side of the island there are small sandy beaches, but the rocky coastline beside the north pier of the island is recommended. Round off the day with something to eat at Grinda Värdshus or at Framfickan in the harbour area.Getting there: Grinda is east of Stockholm. There are regular boats to Grinda from Strömkajen and Strandvägen.Journey time, one way: Around 1.5 hours by boat.
Vaxholm is sometimes called the capital of the archipelago. The town is a hub for much of the archipelago boat traffic, and most trips out into the archipelago pass Vaxholm. The town is a pleasant destination in itself. After a boat trip of just one hour, you can experience the verdant surroundings of Stockholm’s inner archipelago. Once you’ve got your land legs, you’ll find the picturesque town is ideal for walks, shopping, coffee and cake, and excellent cuisine in the salty sea air. One particular recommendation during the summer months is Hembygdsgårdens Café. You can also visit the magnificent Vaxholm Castle and the Vaxholm Fortress Museum.Getting there: Vaxholm is east of Stockholm. There are regular boats to Vaxholm from Strömkajen and Strandvägen. Guided tours with Strömma Kanalbolaget leave from Strandvägen. Book at the Nordic Sea Hotel reception.By public transport: Take the underground to Tekniska Högskolan then change to bus 670 to Vaxholm.Journey time, one way: About 1 hour by boat or public transport. A guided trip takes around 1.5 hours each way.
One of the most popular destinations in the archipelago is Sandhamn. Sandhamn has long been a hub for sailing and boating life in the archipelago, and this is the starting point for the Gotland Runt sailing competition. Take a walk through this authentic archipelago village, and continue to the other side of the island where there are plenty of stunning beaches. Or why not take a trip around the harbour and check out all the impressive boats, then sample the high life with a cocktail on the veranda of Seglarhotellet? If you want to stay over, we recommend accommodation at Seglarhotellet in Sandhamn. Getting there: Sandhamn is east of Stockholm. There are regular boats to Sandhamn from Strandvägen. Guided tours with Strömma Kanalbolaget leave from Nybrokajen. Book at the Nordic Sea Hotel reception.Journey time, one way: Around 2 hours and 15 minutes with a direct boat. A guided trip takes around 3 hours each way.