Explore Stockholm archipelago

The most popular way to get around the Stockholm archipelago, called the 'skärgården' by locals, is by ferry. You can book a range of trips with the ferry service Cinderella and the ferry company Waxholmsbolaget with boats departing from central Stockholm multiple times a day. Tickets for the Cinderella boats can be pre-booked online, but tickets for Waxholmsbolaget's boats can only be purchased on board.

The commuter service of SL operates boat number 83 between Stockholm City, Vaxholm and Rindö. Those visiting Stockholm in the low season (mid-September to April) receive an extra benefit. During this period, those with an SL period ticket valid for at least 30 days can also travel with Waxholmsbolaget at no extra cost.

Activities

There are lots of things to do in the Stockholm archipelago. For example, you can boat, hike, fish, sea kayak, bike, swim and even ice yacht. Many of the accommodations on the islands have kayaks and bikes for hire. The staff (and the locals) can give you tips on the best routes. If you prefer a calmer activity, you can relax on a sandy beach or a secluded rock by the sea. Some islands have spa hotels where you can treat yourself to a soothing relaxation and just soak up the archipelago atmosphere.

Another cosy activity is to visit the small villages on the islands, with their genuine charm and local farm shops and craft stores. If you want a taste of the Swedish nature, forage for wild berries and mushrooms in early autumn. Cook your own fish at BBQ stations at campsites or go gourmet at some of the well known restaurants on Fjäderholmarna, Grinda and Värmdö.

Where to stay

Once the refuge of farmers and fishermen, the Stockholm archipelago – the largest in Sweden – is now home to some of the poshest Stockholmers and has over 50,000 holiday homes ranging from red-painted, wooden one-room cottages to full-scale 'I’ve-won-the-lottery' villas. But you don’t have to be a local to stay overnight. There are many different types of accommodation in the Stockholm archipelago. You can stay at a camping site (or a glamping site), in a hostel or rent a cottage. You can also stay in traditional country guesthouses as well as in exclusive spa hotels.

Where to eat

You will not go hungry during your visit, since there are several places to eat in the Stockholm archipelago. The bigger islands, like Vaxholm, Värmdö and Utö have a range of restaurants, bars and cafés to choose between. The smaller islands may have a narrower selection, but the love of quality food is just as great.

On the island of Tranholmen, David Enmark has turned his home into a restaurant – DavidAtHome. David welcomes around 40 guests every Friday evening. The restaurant is closing around 10 pm, when the last boat leaves. The menu is based on locally produced ingredients that’s in season, which supports David’s philosophy to reduce food waste. Dinners here get booked up very quickly, so book a table well in advance.

If you’re looking for a different archipelago food experience, pay a visit to Artipelag Restaurant. It's located on the coastal egde of Värmdö, with panoramic windows overlooking the bay Baggensfjärden. The menu is inspired by the surrounding nature and seasonal products. Artipelag is also an art museum, offering exhibitions related to art, architecture and nature.

On the small island of Grinda there is an inn called Grinda Wärdshus. It offers a traditional menu with a genuine archipelago atmosphere. The restaurant serves food that once characterised life among the islands, but with a modern touch. Try their Toast Skagen, Swedish meatballs or fish dishes. In the summer, the inn also operates a drop-in restaurant in the harbour, with a simpler menu, and a grocery store.