Guide to the Stockholm archipelago

This little gem of an island is a short boat hop from Vaxholm. You can't get to Grinda by car, which makes it extra relaxing and peaceful. There's a summer bistro down by the jetty where you can enjoy live music as the sun sets. The hotel, Grinda Wärdshus, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and provides a restaurant and hotel rooms, as well as cheaper accommodation in their cabins or youth hostel. The entire island is a nature reserve and you can buy products from the working farm in the farm shop.

Photo: Ulrika Palmblad, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Huvudskär is an idyllic archipelago outpost, dotted with typical red fishermen's huts. It's now part of a nature reserve, which means visitors should take extra care of the islands' flora and fauna. You can stay overnight in apartments or in the youth hostel. Swim from the rocks and enjoy the silence.

Photo: Per Blom, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Sandhamn is probably the best known island in the Stockholm archipelago. It's a large island dotted with picture-perfect summer houses. The harbour, Sandhamn's hub, has several restaurants and cafés, shops and the Sandhamn Seglarhotell. Fans of Nordic noir will also recognise the island as the backdrop to Viveca Sten's murder mysteries.

Fjärdlång is a verdant island close to Ornö, perfect for a real outdoors adventure. Hire a kayak, swim or say hello to friendly sheep and cows. You can stay the night in the youth hostel or cabin, or bring a tent with you for a proper nature experience. There's a small café if you need to stock up on food and drink.

Photo: Pelle Blom, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Utö is a popular archipelago gem with a range of accommodation options. People live on the island all year round, but in the summertime tourists and Swedes stream off the ferry to enjoy a taste of island living. The harbour is full of boats, shops and restaurants such as Utö Värdshus, Lilla Haket, Bakfickan, Bryggans lilla kök and the famous island bakery. It's a large island perfect for exploring. Don't forget to visit the white sandy beach.

Photo: Christoffer Thuresson-Björn, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Möja is a popular destination in the middle of the archipelago, just north of Värmdö. With picture-perfect clusters of traditional red-painted cottages, beautiful nature and a family-run fish restaurant, there's something for everyone. Pack a tent or check in to one of the island's accommodation options.

Photo: Per Blom, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Fejan is a fascinating destination in the northern part of the archipelago with plenty of history. The island was a quarantine station during the cholera epidemic at the end of the 19th century and during the Second World War it was a home for Baltic refugees. These days the island is visited by adventurous sailors, families and kayakers. You can eat at Pelle Lydmar's archipelago restaurant, Fejan Sjökrog, and experience luxurious glamping with Fejan Canvas Hotel.

Photo: Christoffer Thuresson-Björn, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

Around 90 minutes by boat from Stockholm you'll find Gällnö - an island with masses to offer during the summer months. There's a youth hostel, café, bar and a little grocery store that stocks everything you could possibly want. The youth hostel has some 36 beds in 2 and 4-bed cabins, you can get a cold drink and something good to eat in Gällnö Bar or find a sunny spot in the café garden and enjoy a cup of coffee. Spend the weekend or just pop by for the day.

Finnhamn is an idyllic holiday paradise offering activities and fun as well as plenty of peace and quiet. Stay in a hundred-year-old former merchant's villa, in a picturesque cottage or a simple cabin by the water. Visit the restaurant, have a drink on the rooftop bar or buy something in the country store. The old boathouse makes a wonderful party venue for up to 120 people - perfect for an island wedding.

Photo: Anna Björkman, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

If you're looking for a taste of the archipelago without having to travel too far from the city, Fjäderholmarna ("the Feather Islands") are just a half-hour boat trip from Nybrokajen. Take a seat in one of the restaurants and enjoy piscine delicacies, browse in the small shops and enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea.

Vaxholm is a larger archipelago island around an hour's boat journey from the city centre. There are masses of great restaurants, picturesque hotels and beautiful walking paths in the old fishing district. In the summer, Vaxholm is full of activities and tourists visiting the old fort, but it's also well worth a visit at other times of the year.