There’s something alluring about the idea of thousands of scattered islands stretching out into the Baltic Sea, each one of them with its own share of pristine nature. Simply imagining the cool air brushing against my cheek, the smell of pinewood filling my lungs, and the sun glistening off the sparkling waters, makes me want to head out to explore the Stockholm Archipelago this very instant. 

Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago consists of over thirty thousand islands that stretch out into the Baltic Sea. It’s the largest Archipelago in Sweden, and the second largest in the Baltic Sea. The Stockholm Archipelago is rich in its natural beauty and includes vast forests, rocky shores, and stunning beaches. Temps range from a fresh sixty to seventy degrees during the summer to as low as twenty to thirty degrees during the winter. It is certainly a destination where nature and your soul can coexist in perfect harmony.

How the Stockholm Archipelago formed

This beauty was created as a result of the last Ice Age. Sweden was covered by massive glaciers. These glaciers pressed most of the land beneath them, carving out what we know today as the Stockholm Archipelago. Once the ice began to melt away, the land began to rise slowly, and this continues to this day in certain parts of Sweden, including the Stockholm Archipelago. Every year, the land rises by a few millimeters, giving way to new geographical features; some islands grow, while others connect to one another, slowly but continuously changing over time. 

What to do

There is certainly no shortage of things to do while you’re out here. There are a variety of activities that allow you to explore this beautiful palace of nature. You can spend your days hiking scenic trails through the islands, strolling along the coast, or due to its secluded nature, camping under the stunning star-filled night sky. 

The calm waters between islets allow for an ideal kayaking or sailing experience, presenting a tranquil way to traverse between some of the smaller islands while taking in the breathtaking atmosphere. 

One of my personal favorites, fishing, is a huge activity here, not just among the visitors but the locals, too. You can often find people casting lines for perch, salmon, and pike. A fishing license is not required for fishing on public waters. However, you do need a local permit to fish on private waters or to do certain kinds of fishing, such as net fishing and trolling.

What to Eat

Now, after having an exciting day of exploring the Archipelago, you must be starving. There are many food options, but one particular place that caught my eye is Fjaderholmarnas Krog; there is a variety of seafood options, traditional Swedish dishes, and vegetarian options as well. Fjaderholmarnas Krog is located on the island of Fjaderholmarna, which is just a twenty-minute ferry ride from downtown Stockholm, making it the city’s closest archipelago island.

Another wonderful option is a seaside cafe located on Vaxholm known as Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Cafe, which is well known for its cakes, homemade pastries, and “smorgasar”, which are Swedish open-faced sandwiches. This spot is accessible via a one-hour ferry ride from central Stockholm, or thirty to forty minutes via car or bus, and is perfect for a relaxing coffee break or light lunch.

The Bistro Magasinet offers more food alternatives for those who might not enjoy seafood, it’s currently rated #1 out of all restaurants in Vaxholm. They offer Swedish meatballs, steaks, burgers, and seafood, as well as some vegetarian options. It’s about an hour out from Stockholm via ferry.

Travel Planning Details

Summer is the recommended season to explore the Stockholm Archipelago. The weather is nice, and you’ll have free range over all outdoor activities, such as the ones I’ve listed above. 

The archipelago is accessible from Stockholm, some islands by car, and others by ferry. Ferries are extremely affordable, most short trips are around $5-$10 USD. Some of the longer routes do cost a bit more, perhaps around $15-$20 USD. You can also buy a “travelcard” which is valid for either 5 or 30 days for all of our long staying adventurers, which costs around $60-$110 USD, respectively. 

Hotel prices in Stockholm range from $60-$180 USD per night, depending on location and time of year. For people interested in camping out in the archipelago, some of the best islands are Grinda, Galo, and Nasslingen. Each of them offers campgrounds, among other services such as showers and toilets. There is a fee to camp on these camping grounds, usually around $25 USD a night. However, cabins can cost around $80 to $200 USD a night.

This beautiful landscape is surely worth a visit. From its sightseeing to its unique cuisine, the archipelago offers you a peaceful experience. 

Aaron Solis is a writer and poet whose work often wanders into surreal territories and dreamlike fiction. He often draws inspiration from nature’s expressive moods, from serene forests to the gentle peaks of distant mountains. He moves through imagined landscapes like a free spirit, always chasing the beauty that lives between the mind and reality, and enjoying each waking moment along the way.