Guide to the Stockholm archipelago

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.

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

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. 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

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

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. 

Photo: Pelle 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.

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. 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 and other celebrations.

Photo: Anna Björkman, Skärgårdsstiftelsen

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.

Huvudskär is a group of islands in Stockholm's southern outer archipelago with 150-200 smaller islands, islets and skerries. 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

Runmarö is one of the larger islands in the Stockholm archipelago, known for its limestone rocks, its orchids, and tranquil lakes. It's easy to reach by Waxholmsbolaget and once there, there's plenty to do: admire the orchids, hike, enjoy good food and drink at the pub, rent a bike or kayak, or take a dip in the sea or one of the lakes. If you wish to stay overnight, there are bed & breakfast options available.

Photo: Johan Fredriksson/Wikimedia Commons

Nämdö is an excellent destination for anyone who loves nature: there are no cars, only cycling and walking paths, as well as the occasional moose, roe deer and fallow deer. You can also hike up to Nämdö böte, the island's highest hill, where there's a viewing tower with a beautiful view of the archipelago. You can swim in several places and stay overnight in the Hembygdsgården's cabins. There's also a church on the island from 1876.

Photo: L.G. Foto/Wikimedia Commons

Ornö is the largest island in Stockholm's southern archipelago and is easily reachable by car, as you can take the car ferry from Dalarö. Alternatively, you can catch a Waxholm ferry from Stockholm city. Once you arrive, you'll find summery pubs, kayak rentals, the Ornö Museum, and a small library. The picture shows the view from the lookout tower at Telegrafberget.

Photo: Salgo60/Wikimedia Commons

Dalarö is a charming archipelago resort with roots dating back to the 17th century, just forty minutes by car from Stockholm. Stroll along the picturesque streets, pop into small shops and enjoy a fika at one of the cosy cafés. From Dalarö, you can also take several boats out into the archipelago, making it a perfect starting point for further adventures.

Photo: Larske/Wikimedia Commons

The archipelago is full of charming places to eat – it's just a matter of finding them. In the guide to the archipelago's restaurants, we have gathered the best restaurants in Stockholm's archipelago where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Most are only open during the summer, but there are also a few that are open all year round.