Private islands, off-grid adventures and mythical rocks rising from the sea. These hidden gems are scattered across Sweden’s long and varied landscape, waiting to be discovered by curious travellers looking to escape the ordinary.
Sweden is home to 267,570 islands – far more than most people realise. Among them are quiet retreats, remote sanctuaries and charming local favourites – places loved by those who know them, where nature, solitude and unforgettable stories take centre stage.
From windswept lighthouses to myth-shrouded national parks and secluded suites on private islets, these nine island escapes promise a rare kind of experience far from the crowds and close to nature.
Malören in Swedish Lapland is almost as remote as it gets – so far out in the Bothnian Bay that it disappears beyond the horizon. Shaped like a horseshoe, the island is mostly rock, with one sandy beach and rich birdlife. In good years, wild strawberries and raspberries cover the ground. The lack of light pollution makes it an ideal spot for watching the Northern Lights in winter, while summer brings lingering days as the sun barely sets. Stay at Malören Lodge, with just a handful of rooms – including a suite where you can watch both sunrise and sunset over the sea.
On a rugged island in Sweden’s High Coast – the world’s highest coastline – Högbonden offers hiking trails, sea caves and ancient remains. Once home to 21 islanders and even a school, it’s now a peaceful nature reserve shaped by shifting weather and sea winds. The striking lighthouse is Sweden’s second-highest, towering above the waves. The former keeper’s cottages have been turned into a hostel and café, making them a perfect base for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sweeping views are included.
Tucked away in the calm inland waters of Västernorrland, The Haven Islands offer the rare luxury of having an entire island to yourself – or two, if you’re travelling with a friend. Each island has a single, off-grid cabin built in wood and glass, raised among the trees. You row there by boat, and once ashore, there are no roads, no neighbours and no distractions. Simplicity is part of the charm, with solar power, outdoor showers and complete stillness. Here, you’re free to slow down and reconnect with nature.
In the northern part of the Stockholm archipelago, as far out as you can get by scheduled boat, lies Rödlöga. Just one kilometre long, this is small-scale island life at its best. With no electricity, limited water and patchy mobile coverage, things move at a slower pace. The island is named after the reddish feldspar that gives the cliffs their warm, shimmering hue. There are bathing bays, untouched nature and a small farm shop. Don’t miss Café Truten, featured in “Sweet Störy” – an award-winning documentary by San Francisco pastry chef Meg Ray about the café’s quiet magic and sense of place.
On a private island in a quiet lake in Värmland, Hedetangen offers a glamping experience where simplicity and comfort go hand in hand. You arrive by boat and stay in a floating igloo with panoramic views over the water. Off-grid and in the heart of nature, the island invites you to swim in the lake, enjoy a private sauna and cook over an open fire. A stay at Hedetangen is all about living in harmony with nature and reawakening your senses: listening to birdsong, feeling the movement of the water and gazing up at a sky full of stars.
Some 40 kilometres north of Gotland lies Gotska Sandön, the Baltic Sea’s most isolated island. Shaped by wind and waves, this small national park is a quiet world of pine forest and endless sand. With no paved roads, no shops and no permanent residents, it’s a place where nature sets the pace. Swim at wide, white beaches, walk across ever-changing dunes or spot grey seals from a distance. Reached only by ferry in summer, Gotska Sandön offers no traditional luxury – just the rare privilege of experiencing untouched nature on its own terms.
Rising steeply from the sea between Öland and the mainland, Blå Jungfrun is a national park wrapped in legends. Known as ‘Blåkulla’ in old folklore, it was said to be the witches’ gathering place at Easter. Many have heard of the island, but far fewer have set foot on it. For centuries, sailors avoided it, wary of sudden storms and strange tales. Today, visitors come for day hikes among gnarled trees, hidden caves and sea-smoothed granite. Don’t miss the ancient stone labyrinth – or forget to leave every stone behind. According to local tradition, taking even a pebble brings bad luck. Boats run from Oskarshamn in summer, and two simple wind shelters are available for those who feel drawn to stay overnight.
On a barren islet in the Bohuslän archipelago, Pater Noster is a former lighthouse master’s home, now an award-winning boutique hotel. With just nine rooms, it offers a rare mix of solitude, design and cinematic scenery. Here, you’re at the mercy of the sea and the wind, yet also invited to slow down and take it all in. In summer, you can sleep outdoors on a clifftop bed, directly under the stars. And don’t be surprised if you spot a Hollywood name or two – a stay at Pater Noster once featured in the Oscars goodie bag.
Just off the coast of Skåne, Hallands Väderö feels like another world. The last year-round residents left some 60 years ago, and today, hundreds of seals call the island home. This small nature reserve is one of Sweden’s most species-rich places, with open pastures, rare wildflowers and clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Cows roam freely across meadows that bloom in purple, blue, yellow and white come spring. There are no cars, only trails and the occasional bark from a group of harbour seals. A popular day trip for locals and sailors alike, the island also has a hostel for those who wish to linger a little longer.
