Sweden's archipelagos – seaside adventures and coastal gems
From Swedish Lapland in the far north, via the coastline to the deep south, and stretching up the west coast, Sweden boasts several archipelagos and thousands of islands. The Swedish archipelagos are characterised by beautiful scenery, untouched nature and islands with few inhabitants. Here are a few suggestions of coastal gems and seaside adventures to get a taste of Swedish island life.
The Bothnian Bay archipelago
Sweden has an extensive archipelago scattered along all of its 2,400 km coastline. This island, Hamnskär, is located in the archipelago outside Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland.
Photo: Ted Logart/imagebank.sweden.se
The Bothnian Bay archipelago
Photo: Ted Logart/imagebank.sweden.se
Malören, Swedish Lapland
Photo: Peter Rosén/Lappland Media AB
Malören during winter, Swedish Lapland
Photo: Ted Logard/Swedish Lapland
The Bothnian Bay archipelago
The Bothnian Bay archipelago is Sweden’s northernmost archipelago. It consists of over 4,000 islands and is spread over five municipalities – Haparanda, Kalix, Luleå, Piteå and Skellefteå. Several large rivers flow into the bay, making the water brackish.
Here, you can experience spellbinding natural phenomena like the Northern Lights in the winter and the Midnight Sun in the summer. Although Swedish Lapland is known for its rugged and pristine nature, many islands have kilometres of sandy beaches. Bothnian Bay also offers a calmness and tranquillity that few other archipelagos can match.
- Seskarö is easily reached by a bridge, and the route is often called the Key West of Northern Sweden. The island is quite large with forests, sandy beaches and a campsite.
- Malören is situated the furthest out in the coastal belt and is a barren island shaped like a horseshoe. Thanks to the minimal light pollution on the island, Malören is the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights during autumn and winter.
- Junkön is the home port of many local fishermen. The island offers several cultural hotspots like an archipelago museum, an old archipelago homestead and a mysterious, 200-year-old windmill.
While you’re here…
Indulge in some Bothnian Bay luxury – Kalix Caviar (Kalix Löjrom). In 2010 Kalix Caviar was Sweden's first food product to receive a protected designation of origin.
For a different archipelago experience, join an icebreaker and go winter swimming among the ice blocks.
The High Coast of Sweden
The High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique and highly scenic land and seascape and its distinctly red Nordingrå granite cliffs and rocks.
Photo: Friluftsbyn Höga Kusten/imagebank.sweden.se
The High Coast of Sweden
Photo: Friluftsbyn Höga Kusten/imagebank.sweden.se
Trysunda, the High Coast
Photo: Hans Strand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
The High Coast archipelago
The High Coast of Sweden boasts the highest coastline in the world and is a Unesco World Heritage site. The archipelago is a vast wonderland consisting of some 70 islands and counting – the area rises about 8 millimetres per year, meaning existing islands grow a little larger and new islets surface.
If you’re looking for a wide range of outdoor activities and dramatic views, the High Coast archipelago is the place to go.
- The Ulvön islands are the High Coast’s biggest draw and not only for their picturesque fishing villages and untouched nature. Ulvön is where Sweden’s infamous fermented fish, ‘surströmming’, hails from. A must-try if you visit – you’ll be surprised by the taste.
- At 236 metres above sea level, Mjältön is the highest island in the country. Mjältön has no residents, and walking to the top can be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.
- Trysunda has been named Sweden’s most beautiful island. It’s dotted with red fishing huts and remains from past times, like an abandoned locomotive used when mining still took place on the island.
While you’re here…
Get a different taste of the archipelago through High Coast Whisky, one of the world’s northernmost whisky distilleries. They make several whiskies inspired by the surrounding nature; one is called Archipelago.
Rent a kayak and discover the coastline’s caves and inlets at your own pace. There are plenty of kayak rentals in the High Coast to choose from.
Fjäderholmarna, Stockholm archipelago
Fjäderholmarna is a cluster of islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, a short boat ride from the city centre.
Photo: Anne Sofie Eriksson/Visit Stockholm
Fjäderholmarna, Stockholm archipelago
Photo: Anne Sofie Eriksson/Visit Stockholm
Grinda Wärdshus
Photo: Agence les Conteurs
Archipelago of Stockholm
Photo: Agence les Conteurs
Utö Värdshus, Stockholm archipelago
Photo: Utö Värdshus
The Stockholm archipelago
A few minutes from the city centre, the Stockholm archipelago starts spreading out into its 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. It’s the largest archipelago in Sweden and has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for luxurious glamping, vibrant parties and acclaimed art museums or good-value B&Bs, peaceful hikes and lonely lighthouses.
In recent years, more and more visitors have also discovered the benefits of visiting the Stockholm archipelago off-season.
- If you’re short of time, Fjäderholmarna is a good choice to get a taste of the archipelago. A mere 20-minute boat ride away, this cluster of islands serves up a classic archipelago restaurant, cliff bathing and small studios and stores.
- Situated in the middle of the archipelago, Grinda is both an island and a nature reserve. The Grinda Wärdshus inn is the island’s heart, but many also come for the sun-drenched rock baths and kayaking.
- Utö is a year-round island in the southern part of the Stockholm archipelago which attracts families and party people alike. Here, you’ll find several sandy beaches and quality restaurants. For the best way to explore the island, rent a bike.
While you’re here…
Learn how to bake Swedish cinnamon buns at Vaxholm Bed & Breakfast. Over a couple of hours, the owner Linda – named 2017 home baker of the year – will teach you the secret behind baking juicy buns.
Don’t settle for just one island. The extensive bus and boat network makes the Stockholm archipelago ideal for island hopping, while the Stockholm Archipelago Trail offers a unique way to explore multiple islands on foot.
St Anna archipelago
St Anna archipelago offers stark islands and islets, many uninhabited, that are easy to reach by kayak or canoe.
Photo: Malcolm Hanes/Johnér/imagebank.sweden.se
St Anna archipelago
Photo: Malcolm Hanes/Johnér/imagebank.sweden.se
Gryt archipelago
Photo: Peter Gerdehag/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
Tjust archipelago
Photo: Peter Gerdehag/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
The restaurant Idö Skärgårdskorg, Småland
Photo: David Wall / Regionförbundet Kalmar Län
The Östgöta archipelago
A bit further down Sweden’s east coast, the Östgöta archipelago consists of some 9,000 islands, which can be divided into four more minor archipelagos: Arkösund, St Anna, Gryt and Tjust. Expect an unspoilt natural environment and many small-scale entrepreneurs.
The Östgöta archipelago is not only a peaceful escape for humans – the many nature reserves make it an ideal place for animals, too. Sheep and cattle graze several islands, and sea eagles are a common sight.
- The Arkösund archipelago is a lively summer destination with good public boat facilities. A former military facility, the Kopparholmarna islands are now a popular day trip with hiking trails and beaches.
- The St Anna archipelago, with its barren islands and skerries, is highly appreciated by kayakers. Many islands are uninhabited, so you can easily find your very own island to watch the sunset or take a swim.
- With its rocky beaches and tranquil atmosphere, the Gryt archipelago is best described as a natural haven. Most islands are protected nature reserves or bird sanctuaries and can only be reached by private boat.
- Parts of the Tjust archipelago are included in the Östgöta archipelago. However, it’s best reached from the town of Västervik in Småland. The Tjust archipelago boasts several gastronomical gems – Idö Skärgårdskrog on Idö and Restaurang Sjökanten on Hasselö, to name but two.
While you’re here…
From Arkösund, it’s possible to take a boat to experience one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations, Göta Canal.
While it might not be a typical seaside dish, Östergötland’s specialty ‘raggmunk’ is a Swedish lunch classic at many restaurants. Best described as potato pancakes served with bacon and lingonberry jam, this hearty dish will give you plenty of energy for the archipelago adventures to follow.
Tjärö in Blekinge archipelago
Tjärö in Blekinge is a unique archipelago pearls with red cottages, free-grazing animals, a generous guest jetty, café and restaurant.
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson
Tjärö in Blekinge archipelago
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson
Aspö, Blekinge archipelago
Photo: Tina Stafrén/Visit Sweden
The Blekinge archipelago
The Blekinge archipelago is Sweden’s southernmost archipelago with a total of 1,650 islands. It encompasses as many as 47 nature reserves and is also a Unesco Biosphere Reserve thanks to its numerous and unique natural and cultural values. The typical island of the Blekinge archipelago is lush with untouched nature and places to swim.
In the Blekinge archipelago, you’ll get an extensive range of outdoor activities and a sense of serenity. It’s manageable in size, and even the most popular islands are uncrowded.
- Tjärö is an idyllic summer island with beech forest, meadows and grassland. Here it’s all about water activities: kayaking, SUP, sauna, and fishing. When it comes to swimming, Tjärö offers everything from shallow cliff baths to a 12-metre-high rock where daredevils dive into the salty water.
- Aspö will keep you busy for days. Go biking on the island’s winding roads, take a dip (or several) from the cliffs and discover charming art galleries. A visit to Drottningskär Citadel – considered one of Sweden’s most significant historic military structures – is a must.
- Utklippan is Sweden’s most south-easterly group of islands and comprises three skerries. The area is home to a large grey seal colony, which you can view from the former lighthouse keeper’s station.
While you’re here…
Download the ARK56 app, which helps you find everything from toilets to restaurants along the network of trails in the Blekinge archipelago. It also gives you route suggestions on foot, by bike, kayak or boat.
The shipwreck cemetery in the strait between the islands of Sturkö and Tjurkö is a unique historical treasure for any diver. Sixty ships were deliberately sunk here between 1780 and 1836.
Hönö, Gothenburg archipelago
The beach "Hästen" (the horse) at Hönö island in Gothenburg archipelago.
Photo: Steampipe Production Studio AB/Göteborg & Co
Hönö, Gothenburg archipelago
Photo: Steampipe Production Studio AB/Göteborg & Co
Gothenburg archipelago
Photo: Steampipe Production Studio
Ferry at sunset
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se
The Gothenburg archipelago
Over on the west coast, Sweden’s second-largest city Gothenburg boasts its own archipelago, with some 20 islands. Divided into two parts, the southern archipelago can be crowded during the summer, while the northern archipelago is generally calmer.
The Gothenburg archipelago has influenced city life with excellent seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. In return, the Gothenburg archipelago is spoilt with good communications and year-round experiences almost worthy of an urban area.
- Styrsö is a car-free island focused on sustainability. It offers plenty of options for those who like to swim, from sandy beaches to piers and flat cliffs. The two bays of Sandvik and Uttervik are sheltered from currents, making the waters extra warm during sunny days.
- Brännö has been inhabited since the Viking age, and there’s an old-fashioned charm to the whole island. Thanks to the old song “Dans på Brännö brygga”, it has a special place in many Swedes' hearts, and traditional summer dances are still arranged on the jetty.
- Hönö is one of the larger islands in the Gothenburg archipelago and a year-round destination. On Hönö, life is all about fishing – there’s even a fishing museum on the island – and joining a local fishing boat on the hunt for crab, langoustine, mackerel or lobster is something you have to experience.
While you’re here…
Gothenburg is considered one of the best cities in the world to enjoy craft beer. New breweries keep popping up, and the archipelago is no exception. BarlindBeer and Hönöbryggeriet are two archipelago breweries with taprooms.
Make the most of your stay and combine the coastal charm of the archipelago with Gothenburg’s vibrant city life.
Åstol, Bohuslän archipelago
The cliffs that make up the island of Åstol are covered with white wooden houses.
Photo: Mikael Svensson/Johnér//imagebank.sweden.se
Åstol, Bohuslän archipelago
Photo: Mikael Svensson/Johnér//imagebank.sweden.se
Grundsund, Skaftö, Bohuslän
Photo: Jonas Ingman/westsweden.com
Kosterhavet marine nationalpark
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se
Koster Islands, West Sweden
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com
The Bohuslän archipelago
The Bohuslän archipelago comprises some 8,000 islands and stretches from Gothenburg in the south to the Norwegian border in the north. With summertime gems like Smögen, Marstrand and Fjällbacka, this area draws many holidaying Swedes who consider the west coast the ‘best coast’.
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the region’s delicious fresh fish and seafood. And the coastline’s beloved red boathouses, authentic fishing villages and smooth rock formations will welcome you all year round.
- Åstol is a volcanic rock island covered with white houses – a striking sight in the middle of the sea. The island is car-free with narrow streets and cosy cafés, perfect for a relaxing day trip.
- Skaftö encompasses everything the archipelago is about – picturesque fishing villages, a varied coastal landscape and ancient cultural traditions. The island has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails and it’s easy to understand why the renowned Swedish poet Evert Taube spent much of his time here.
- Kosterhavet, surrounding the Koster Islands, is Sweden’s first marine national park and a hidden gem. Come here to admire more than 12,000 plants and creatures – of which 200 are unique to the area. A snorkelling trail will help you tick off the azure waters’ species.
While you’re here…
Pay a visit to Bohuslän’s intriguing Unesco World Heritage Site. The 1,500 rock carvings in Tanum are an outstanding example of Bronze Age art and can be explored on a six-kilometre-long walking path.
Come in the autumn to join a Swedish seafood safari. Hunt for lobster, harvest mussels and oysters or try a sustainable seaweed cooking class. The Swedish west coast has it all.
