The Archipelago
To experience the Stockholm archipelago is pure happiness!
The Stockholm archipelago is Sweden's largest archipelago with 25–30.000 islands. The islands are spread out about 150 kilometres in the north-south direction and 80 kilometres in the west-east direction. Around 200 islands are inhabited, each with its own unique character and charm.
Approximately 15 percent of the land area in the Stockholm archipelago is owned or managed by Skärgårdsstiftelsen (the Archipelago Foundation), which was formed in 1959 to ensure public recreation in the area. The rest of the islands are mostly privately owned. You can visit these islands according to “the right of public access“.
By clicking on the photos below, you can read more about the different parts of the archipelago and how to go there. Even if you go by a day trip, do bring a bottle of water (regardless eating out or bringing a picknic) and a layer of extra clothes compared to the mainland.
The Inner Archipelago
The inner archipelago resembles a lake landscape with bays, farmland, and mixed forest. There are a variety of buildings from older to the modern time. You're already here when you stay in the Pearl Cottage and visiting the town Vaxholm.
The Middle Archipelago
The middle archipelago has many large bays and many larger islands with mixed forests, cultivated meadows, and fewer houses then the inner archipelago. Poor rocky outcrops are common. We recommend a visit to either Grinda or Finnhamn.
The Outer Archipelago
The outer archipelago is a large area where the open sea is broken by sparsely scattered islands and rocky outcrops. This part is stunning! We recommend a visit to either Möja or Sandhamn. Further out, you need to paddle a kayak or rent a boat.
Boat Companies in the Archipelago
Two companies – "Waxholmsbolaget" and "Cinderella" – traffic the islands we recommend from Vaxholm. You could rent a boat or go by taxi boat to come to these islands, but that will cost far too much.