From cabins to glamping – accommodation in the Stockholm archipelago

Glamping

Glamping – glamorous camping – is a trend here to stay. And what could be better than to experience it on an island, where you sleep, dine and watch the sunrise from your tent, only metres from the water’s edge? Night swimming, anyone?

Fejan Canvas Hotel, Fejan  

Luxurious double beds, views of the Baltic sea and oil lamps for the evening make sleeping in the tents at Fejan Canvas Hotel a joy. The surrounding forest and waters offer both hiking trails and kayaking. Guests also get ingredients to prepare their own dinner outdoors, using a Muurikka pan. Fejan is located in the outer archipelago north of Stockholm, and the ferry trip from Strömkajen gives you just under 4 hours to admire the beautiful surroundings.

Svartsö Logi, Svartsö

A rustic and natural archipelago adventure just as comfortable as a hotel stay – that’s on offer at Svartsö Logi. Stay in one of the five canvas tents by the waterfront, with private terraces facing the sea. A five-course dinner at the acclaimed Svartsö Krog is included, as well as a breakfast basket delivered to your tent in the morning. Svartsö is one of the larger islands in the Stockholm archipelago, with two inland lakes, agricultural landscapes, meadows and woodland. You’ll reach Svartsö from central Stockholm in 1,5-2,5 hours, depending on which ferry you take.

Island Lodge, Bergholmen

Super exclusive Island Lodge at Bergholmen gives you comfort and Scandinavian style close to nature. All tents are located in prime spots on the island, offering breathtaking views over the archipelago. A wood-fired stove will keep you warm on chilly nights, and a chef will prepare your dinner. Guests also get access to a floating sauna and a wood-fired hot tub. The small island is located in the mid-archipelago, a 20 minutes journey from the city centre with high speed RIB-boat and 50 minutes with a yatch. Ask the hotel to arrange your transfer.

Hotels and B&Bs

Stockholm’s archipelago is home to some of the most charming hotels in Sweden. Whether you’re a fan of restored old mansions or genuine archipelago homes, you’ll find a favourite here. 

Vaxholms Bed & Breakfast, Vaxholm

Checking in at Vaxholms Bed and breakfast is like staying at a friend’s house. Accommodation is offered in two rooms on the bottom floor of a 1930s villa. Both rooms have a small kitchen, but breakfast is also offered.

The owners also organise courses in cinnamon bun-baking. Vaxholm, just north of Stockholm, is about an hour’s boat ride away from the city. It’s a picturesque small town with cafés, shops, restaurants and beaches, so there’s a lot to see and do. 

Utö Värdshus, Utö

The history of the inn of Utö Värdshus goes back to the late 19th century. It’s been an important meeting place on the island of Utö, one of the most popular islands in the archipelago, ever since. This is thanks to the laid-back ambience, the delicious food and the stylish, marine-themed rooms. 

There are activities for every taste too, from yoga classes and hiking to tennis and biking. To get here, take the ferry from Stockholm. Utö, an island with both sandy beaches and secluded cliffs by the sea, is a 2,5 hour trip through the southern archipelago.

Hotell Smådalarö Gård, Dalarö 

Hotell Smådalarö Gård is a spa hotel housed in a mansion from 1810. The 56 rooms are like a romantic archipelago dream, with floral wallpapers, wood panels and furnishings in earthy colours. The luxurious spa has four pools, three saunas, and a sun terrace. Well-known Swedish musicians perform here regularly, and there’s also a golf course, tennis- and padel courts and a nice restaurant.

Dalarö, located south of Stockholm, is one of the closest islands to the city. It takes just over an hour to get there; take the number 43 train from the city and change to bus number 839 in Handen.

Cabins and houses

Feel like a local and rent a whole cabin or house for yourself in Stockholm archipelago. Choose between contemporary Scandinavian minimalism on a cliff facing the sea, a secluded house in the woods or something in between – the options are endless.

Stockholm skärgårdsstugor

The Stockholm skärgårdsstugor agency helps visitors find a suitable cabin or house in the archipelago. They offer a large selection of different sized accommodation, from modernist glass houses to traditional villas from the early 20th century.

Stockholm archipelago

Another option if you're looking to rent a house or cabin is Stockholm archipelago, listing housing across the entire archipelago. Whether you’re dreaming of a tiny hut in a nature reserve or a luxurious house with its own sandy beach, this is the place to look.

Camping

The classic way of holidaying in nature, camping is still the number one choice for many people. The Archipelago Foundation runs good quality campsites on many islands, equipped with composting toilets, waste bins and, usually, access to fresh water. Some sites can be reached by car or bus, others by archipelago boat. All are located in nature reserves – so as always, remember to treat nature with respect. Here are some examples – but you’ll find more information at archipelagofoundation.se.

Gålö

A lovely island perfect for an active holiday, Gålö just south of Stockholm offers bathing, a pub, pony riding and much more. There’s a four-star campsite at Gålö Havsbad that welcomes caravans and motorhomes, but you can also stay in glamping tents or red Scandinavian-style cabins. It’s easy to get to Gålö by commuter train and bus; take train number 43 from Stockholm city and continue from Västerhaninge by bus 845. The trip takes an hour.

Nåttarö

The tidy campsite on this beautiful island in the southern part of the Stockholm archipelago has been a favourite for campers for more than 50 years. The tents are set up in clearly defined rows and the wooden cabins can accommodate between 2-6 people. Nåttarö is known for its beaches with soft sand dunes and a view towards the horizon. To get here, take the commuter train 42X or 43X from Stockholm City towards Nynäshamn, where you need to change to a ferry taking you to the island. The entire trip takes about 1,5 hours.

Hostels

The islands are full of original hostels, many of which are run by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF). These are some of the highlights – but you’ll find many more on the STF website.  

STF Gällnö  

Gällnö is a perfect destination for those wanting to experience the archipelago as it once was. Only 30 people live permanently on this island in the mid-archipelago, where STF rents out lovely cabins. Services include bicycle rental, a café, a guest kitchen and a sauna, and the beach is just 1 km away. The ferry trip from Stockholm takes about three hours. 
Read more at STF Gällnö.

STF Stora Kalholmen 

The entire island of Stora Kalholmen is a nature reserve and the hostel is the only building on the island, originally built as a summer house in 1914. There’s no running hot water, no shops and no restaurants, so you have to bring food with you when you come – but there is a child-friendly beach, a sauna and canoes for hire. The island is located on the outer edge of the mid-archipelago, and the ferry trip from Stockholm takes about two hours. 
Read more at STF Stora Kalholmen Hostel.

STF Prinsvillan

The former summer home of Prince Eugen, the quaint hostel of STF Prinsvillan is housed in three beautiful villas built in the late 19th century. There’s also a lush garden where you can relax in the shade of apple trees. The hostel is part of Tyresö Slottspark, home to craft shops, swimming facilities, a restaurant and cafés. Only an hour from central Stockholm by bus, it’s a chance to experience the archipelago close to the city. Take bus 875 from Gullmarsplan. 
Read more at STF Prinsvillan.