Island Hopping Stockholm: 8 Incredible Islands Just a Ferry Ride Away
If you're visiting Stockholm, one of the best surprises waiting for you is just beyond the city’s shoreline—the stunning Stockholm Archipelago. With over 24,000 islands stretching out into the Baltic Sea, you don’t need to venture far from downtown to find peace, nature, and that elusive Swedish "skärgård" magic.
Whether you're craving forest trails, swimming coves, artist hideaways, or buzzing marina towns, the archipelago has something for every kind of adventurer. And the best part? Many islands are easily reachable by public ferry, bus, or even a quick drive. So pack your day bag, grab your sunhat (or raincoat—this is Sweden, after all), and get ready to explore our top 8 islands for an unforgettable day trip from Stockholm.
1. Fjäderholmarna – Stockholm’s Coolest Quick Island Fix
Where the City Ends and Island Life Begins
Just a short boat ride from downtown Stockholm, Fjäderholmarna is the city’s closest archipelago escape. These cozy islets offer windswept shores, forested trails, and a laid-back creative energy that feels worlds away from the city. With buzzing outdoor cafés, local artisans at work, and rocky coves for sunbathing or swimming, it’s the perfect day-trip destination for travelers looking to slow down and breathe in some salty Baltic air.
Getting There is a Breeze
Hop on a ferry from Nybrokajen or Slussen and you’ll be island-side in just 25–30 minutes. Boats run frequently during spring, summer, and early autumn.
Why You’ll Love It
This is your ideal low-effort, high-reward getaway. Fjäderholmarna is small enough to explore in a few hours, but packed with charm, culture, and great food. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset spot or a fun day with friends, this island’s got your name on it.
Things to Do: Craft, Coastlines & Cold Brews
Wander into local craft studios where you can watch glassblowers shape molten art or browse handmade ceramics and soaps. Then grab a cold drink at Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri, a microbrewery right on the waterfront. Feeling peckish? Rökeriet smokes up fresh fish and shrimp platters you can enjoy with epic views of passing sailboats. Round out your day with a swim from the cliffs or a walk through pine-scented trails with a camera in hand.
Island Insider Tip
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday morning—bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a curious spirit for the perfect mini adventure.
2. Vaxholm – The Archipelago's Charming Capital
Small-Town Vibes with Big Personality
Vaxholm is the unofficial capital of the Stockholm Archipelago—and it wears that crown well. With its colorful wooden houses, cobbled lanes, and lively harborside cafés, it feels like the setting of a Nordic fairytale. It’s a town that balances cozy small-town charm with a rich seafaring history.
Easy Access from City to Sea
You can reach Vaxholm by ferry in about 1 hour from central Stockholm, or even faster by taking a direct bus or driving over the connecting road bridge.
Why You’ll Love It
This island-town combo is tailor-made for explorers who want it all: historic landmarks, great food, and a picturesque setting. It's also incredibly easy to reach, making it ideal for spontaneous day-trippers or anyone with limited time.
Things to Do: Fortress Views & Seaside Wandering
Start your visit with a stroll along the waterfront promenade, then dive into history at Vaxholm Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold accessible by a quick boat shuttle. The fortress offers panoramic views and an intriguing museum about Sweden’s naval past. Back in town, browse boutiques selling Swedish crafts, enjoy a seafood lunch at Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café, and take a dip from one of the public swimming docks.
Island Insider Tip
Grab a cinnamon bun and coffee to-go, and enjoy your fika on the harbor wall while watching the boats come and go—it’s a local favorite pastime.
3. Grinda – Green, Gorgeous, and Great for Swimming
Swedish Summer at Its Best
Grinda is what summer dreams are made of—an idyllic, forested island where the air smells like pine and saltwater. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise, perfect for lazy days by the sea, scenic hikes, and cooling off with a dip in the Baltic.
Getting There is Half the Fun
Ferries to Grinda leave from Stockholm and take about 2.5 hours. It’s a scenic boat ride through the archipelago’s winding waterways.
Why You’ll Love It
If you're after peace, nature, and swim-friendly beaches, Grinda delivers. It’s also home to a rustic inn and a small marina, giving you both the wild and the cozy in one place.
Things to Do: Picnics, Pine Forests & Baltic Dips
Spend the day hiking Grinda’s forest trails, where you’ll find hidden picnic spots and sea views around every bend. Cool off with a swim from the flat rocks at Grinda Södra, then reward yourself with a meal or drink at Grinda Wärdshus, the island’s classic inn and restaurant. There’s also a small farm where kids can meet sheep and goats, and kayaks available to rent for water-bound adventurers.
Island Insider Tip
Bring your own picnic supplies from Stockholm—shops on the island are limited and prices are steep during peak season.
4. Svartsö – Wild Landscapes & Two-Wheel Freedom
The Archipelago’s Best-Kept Secret
Svartsö is a quiet, untamed island that often flies under the radar—and that’s exactly why it’s so special. With inland lakes, thick forests, and rolling farmland, it feels more like the Swedish countryside than a typical island escape.
A Ferry Ride Into the Wild
Svartsö is about 2.5 to 3 hours by ferry from central Stockholm. It’s a bit of a journey, but totally worth it for the peace and solitude that await.
Why You’ll Love It
If you're craving a break from crowds and tourist hotspots, Svartsö is your island. With few cars, minimal development, and incredible biking trails, it's an explorer’s dream.
Things to Do: Bike, Swim, and Breathe It All In
Rent a bike right at the harbor and spend your day cycling through landscapes that shift from dense forest to open meadows to sparkling lakes. Stop to swim in Lake Storträsk, grab lunch at Svartsö Krog (open in summer), or enjoy fika in a cozy forest café. Nature dominates here—bring a camera, hiking shoes, and an open schedule.
Island Insider Tip
Download offline maps before you go. Cell service can be patchy, and the roads are quiet—perfect for getting lost in the best way.
5. Ingmarsö – Wilderness, Marshlands & True Seclusion
Where the Wild Things Wander
Ingmarsö is raw, rugged, and refreshingly real. One of the more untouched islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, it’s a dream for nature lovers who want to unplug and roam through wild landscapes. With thick woods, sparkling lakes, and quiet walking trails, this is the kind of place that invites stillness and slow travel.
Journey to the Quiet Side
Ferries from central Stockholm take around 2 hours to reach Ingmarsö. Services vary by season, so be sure to check the Waxholmsbolaget ferry schedule.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll fall for the solitude. Ingmarsö is all about leaving the busy world behind and reconnecting with nature. It’s also rarely crowded, even in summer—a major win for those seeking serenity.
Things to Do: Hike, Birdwatch & Discover Hidden Coves
Spend your day walking through moss-covered forests and past quiet lakes where you might spot herons, swans, or even deer. For a peaceful break, head to Söderviken Bay for a swim or just sit and listen to the sounds of the island. If you love foraging, keep an eye out for wild berries and mushrooms in late summer. There's also a seasonal shop and café near the main harbor—but not much else, which is exactly the point.
Island Insider Tip
Bring snacks, water, and good shoes. Facilities are minimal, and some trails get muddy after rain—this is true off-grid territory.
6. Sandhamn – Sailboats, Sunsets & Seaside Sophistication
The Island of Wind and Whimsy
Sandhamn (literally “Sand Harbor”) is the eastmost gem of the Stockholm Archipelago, and it’s where Sweden’s sailing crowd goes to play. With its stylish boutiques, yacht-filled harbor, and sandy beaches, this island has a distinctively upscale summer vibe—but it still keeps a relaxed charm.
From City Slicker to Sea Wanderer
Take the Cinderella ferry line from Strandvägen in central Stockholm. The trip takes about 2.5–3 hours and is a beautiful ride through the outer archipelago.
Why You’ll Love It
Sandhamn is buzzing in the summer with energy, elegance, and salt air. It offers a different vibe than the quiet forested isles—this one’s more social, sporty, and seaside-luxe.
Things to Do: Sail, Shop, and Stretch Out on Trouville Beach
Explore the quaint village center with its clapboard houses, stylish cafés, and sailboat-chic shops. Take a walk to Trouville, a broad sandy beach on the island’s east coast—perfect for a dip and some serious sunbathing. Watch the boats come in over dinner at Sandhamns Värdshus, or rent a paddleboard and explore the surrounding waters. The island’s trails are also great for running or gentle hikes through pine forests.
Island Insider Tip
Sandhamn is popular with weekend crowds. If you want a calmer visit, aim for a weekday or shoulder season (May or September).
7. Runmarö – Literary Landscapes & Lake-Hopping
Where Poetry Meets Pine Trees
Runmarö has long been a muse for Swedish writers, poets, and dreamers. With its inland lakes, lush nature, and quiet roads, it’s an island of gentle beauty and creative spirit. It’s also one of the most biodiverse islands in the archipelago, with dozens of rare orchid species.
A Short Hop to Tranquility
To get to Runmarö, take a short 10-minute ferry ride from Stavsnäs, a harbor town about 45 minutes by bus from central Stockholm.
Why You’ll Love It
Runmarö offers something different—less drama, more detail. It’s peaceful, rich in nature, and ideal for quiet adventures on two feet or two wheels.
Things to Do: Discover Lakes, Orchids & Island Legends
Rent a bike and set off to explore inland paths leading to small lakes like Långträsket and Storträsk, perfect for a refreshing dip. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and unique plant life—this island is a botanist’s playground. Visit the tiny local museum or read up on the writers who once lived here, including author and Nobel nominee Erik Axel Karlfeldt. Birdwatchers and photographers, bring your gear—there’s magic in the morning mist.
Island Insider Tip
Bring binoculars and a field guide if you're into plants or birds—this island is full of hidden natural treasures.
8. Nåttarö – Sand, Silence & the King’s Cave
The Archipelago’s Beachside Secret
Nåttarö is unlike any other island in the archipelago—it's flat, sandy, and packed with dreamy swimming spots. It’s completely car-free and known for having some of the best beaches in the entire region. If you're after a day of swimming, sunbathing, and easy-breezy exploring, this is your place.
An Easy Train & Ferry Combo
Take the commuter train from Stockholm to Nynäshamn (about 1 hour), then catch the ferry to Nåttarö (30 minutes). It’s a smooth and scenic route.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the beach destination you didn’t know Sweden had. With clear water, gentle waves, and natural charm, Nåttarö is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to lay low and chill.
Things to Do: Lounge at Stora Sand, Explore the King's Cave & Bike the Trails
Spend the day at Stora Sand, the island’s largest and most popular beach, with soft sand and shallow water ideal for swimming. Hike to Kungsgrottan (the King’s Cave), a legendary hiding spot said to have been used by King Charles XI. You can also rent bikes near the harbor and cycle the entire island in a couple of hours, discovering secret coves and forest trails along the way.
Island Insider Tip
There are no cars on Nåttarö, so pack light and wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking or biking everywhere.
From City Streets to Seaside Retreats – Your Stockholm Island Adventure Awaits
So, whether you're looking to unwind on a sandy beach, bike through quiet forest trails, or sip local brews while watching the boats roll in, Stockholm’s islands offer endless ways to escape the city and tap into that serene, Scandinavian summer rhythm. Each island has its own personality—from the sophisticated buzz of Sandhamn to the wild calm of Ingmarsö—and with so many of them reachable by ferry or bus, there’s no excuse not to explore. Pack your curiosity, grab a ferry ticket, and go where the sea breeze leads.
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