Exciting holiday in Stockholm Archipelago

Here are some tips about excursions and other activities. You can find out more about the summer programme of special events and activities from any of the tourist offices in the area.

You can find tourist bureaus on the informationpage.

Grisslehamn, about 40 km north of Norrtälje. Historic fishing community. Visit Albert Engströms studio and museum. Day trips to Åland with Eckerölinjen. Hotel Havsbadens restaurant offers a panoramic view of the archipelago and the harbour. Grisslehamn has fish shops, cafes, handicrafts and much more..

Norrtälje, a typical small Swedish town with buildings from the 18th century. The Roslag Museum depicts everyday life in the area then and now. Its also worth visiting the industrial heritage site (guided tours during the summer), and the Norrtälje Art Gallery with displays of contemporary art. Many summer events, for example an 18th century week, chamber music festival and jazz festival. A nice shopping town with many pubs and outdoor restaurants.

Fishing. The archipelago is ideal for anglers. During the early summer Baltic herring can be caught. Perch come up to shallow water at midsummer and can be caught from jetties and beaches. During the spring and autumn there are plenty of sea trout. The Stockholm archipelago also has the reputation of being one of the worlds best waters for pike. Naturally, you can also buy fish directly from the archipelago fishermen, including freshly smoked herring or salmon.

Ängsö Nationalpark. The little archipelago island of Ängsö was designated as a national park in 1909. With its wealth of flowers in meadows and gardens, it is a delightful place for an excursion. Boats operate from Stockholm and Furusund. Handicraft, 7K

In the wake of the Vikings. Paddle your way along the Långhundra Trail - one of Upplands most beautiful and longest canoe trails - on the route which the Vikings took from the Baltic Sea to Uppsala. Today, there is a 12-mile navigable route with refreshment spots and camping sites on the way. Canoes can be hired at Åkersberga.

Arholma. Boats for Arholma depart from Simpnäs, on the southern side of Väddö, several times a day. Arholma has a restaurant, youth hostel, shop and many fascinating sights. Arholmas lighthouse is a well-known landmark for sailors. Boat trips also operate from Stockholm.

Wira smithy is located near Roslags-Kulla in Österåker. It was founded in the 17th century and became the countrys biggest gunsmith. There is a museum describing the history of the smithy, a sales shop and a coffee house. Dont miss the traditional Wira Play (26 June - 5 July), a spectacular musical play with a cast of 100. Tickets and information are available from the tourist office in Åkersberga.

Finnhamn. The island is north-west of Möja on the edge of the outer archipelago. It offers excellent swimming from the rocks and beaches, rowing boats for hire, excellent fishing, a shop open during the summer, and a youth hostel. Served by scheduled boats from Stockholm.

Keramiskt Centrum (Ceramic Centre) in Gustavsberg, a porcelain museum with a classical collection of china for everyday use as well as artistic works. Adults and children can paint their own plate or mug in the workshop. Sales shop, coffee house.

Sandhamn, the main yachting centre, is located on Sandön, far out in the archipelago. An attractive spot for an excursion with restaurants, hotels, shops and excellent swimming. Easily accessible by boat from Stavsnäs as well as from Stockholm.

Möja is an ideal place if you want to experience a genuine archipelago atmosphere. At Berg, one of the largest communities on the island, you will find shops, archipelago handicraftsand cafés. Daily guided tours of the island are arranged during the summer.

Utö, has Swedens oldest iron mine. You can hire a bicycle on the quayside and explore the island. Visit the 18th century mill on Utös highest point. The historic Utö Värdshus has a reputation for its cuisine and has more than 200 beds in different price categories in the hotel, chalet village and youth hostel. Dont miss the famous Utö bread from the islands bakery.

Out to the open sea. Take a day trip far out into the archipelago to the outer islands. Boat trips depart from Dalarö to Huvudskär, an old fishing community on the extreme edge of the archipelago. Bullerö, a nature reserve with a small archipelago museum, can be reached from Stavsnäs. Svartlöga, with its jungle-like woodland, is another interesting place to visit and can be reached from Furusund. Right down in the south is Landsort on the island of Öja, a pilot station with Swedens oldest lighthouse.
Contact tourist offices in the various area for more information.

Vaxholm, the idyllic archipelago town, is even known as The Gate to the Archipelago. Boats to different destinations in the Archipelago depart from the quay below the hotel. The oldest buildings are found at the Norrhamnen area, where the Hembygdsgården is a suitable place for a coffee break. The little Square with the Town Hall and the small shops, the guest harbour, the so-called gold coast with its villas from the turn of the century, and the outdoor leisure centre Eriksö at the other side of the island can be experienced on foot. The biggest attraction is the impressive Vaxholm Castle on the island of Vaxholmen. You can get there by boat and enjoy the museum and restaurant. Some of the major events in Vaxholm are the Skärgårdsbåtens Dag in the beginning of June, the traditional celebration of the Midsummer night and the Skärgårdsmarknad (an out door fair with local products) in the middle of August. More over, there will be a number of different music events during, the summer.

Dalarö, is the countrys oldest pilot station and now the main centre for the southern archipelago. An idyllic archipelago community and the main departure point for the comprehensive network of boat services in the southern archipelago. There is a fascinating Customs Museum in the Customs House, which dates from 1788. Just outside Dalarö is Dalarö Skans, with a restaurant and café.