Editor’s note: The prices listed below are summer prices, correct at the time of publication. If you’re travelling in the off-season, note that the Waxholmsbolaget ferries are included if you already have an SL period card.

Vaxholm

Vaxholm is the best place to make your first foray into the archipelago, for two good reasons.

Firstly, it’s simple to get there, with quick, regular departures from central Stockholm, by bus or ferry. Secondly, there’s plenty to do. The archipelago’s self-proclaimed capital 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: 57 minutes each way from Strömkajen with Waxholmsbolaget (104 kronor one way), 50 minutes with Cinderella (185 kronor) from Strandvägen. You can also take bus 670 from Danderyds sjukhus, which takes 42 minutes and costs 42 kronor unless you have an SL card.

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 splash out on the indulgent floating sauna. Alternatively (and much more cheaply!), there are more saunas at the hostel and a public one on the waterfront.

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 from Strömkajen with Waxholmsbolaget (journey time varies and there are some departures that take three hours, so check before travelling), 1hr20 and 230 kronor with Cinderella from Strandvägen.

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 to hire, or you can spend the day fishing, playing mini-golf or sailing.

Journey time: Around two hours on public transport. Take bus 433 or 434 from Slussen to Stavsnäs (42 kronor without an SL card), where the Waxholmsbolaget boat to Sandhamn takes between 35 minutes and an hour (104 kronor).

250 kronor each way and 2hr15 with the Cinderella boats from Strandvägen.

Best for: Island nightlife

Don’t miss: The museum, which will clue you in on 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 just relax in the forest of public sauna before testing out the many swimming spots.

Journey time: Approximately 4h30 with Waxholmsbolaget (186 kronor) from Strömkajen. Alternatively, you can travel to Simpnäs 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, the ferry pulls up 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 2hr15 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 i 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 to Nynäsgård, then change to bus 852 to Ankarudden, from where the ferry to Landsort takes 30 minutes (104 kronor). 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 and discover why they call it Paradisviken (Paradise Bay), or spend an afternoon on a high ropes course or paintballing. 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: From 3 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, and 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: From 1hr45 each way from Strömkajen with Waxholmsbolaget (154 kronor) or 1h30 from Strandvägen with Cinderella (230 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: Approximately 2hr30. You can take the commuter train from Stockholm City to Nynäshamn, from where you can take the 1.15hr ferry to Gruvbryggan (the ferry costs 104 kronor).

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.

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 2024.