Stockholm's Archipelago

Family friendly islands

Grisslehamn is an old archipelago community with traditional ties in fishing and boating. It’s perched on the edge of the Åland Sea and looks out towards the Baltic. One of the most northly outposts of the archipelago.
Grisslehamn has inspired many artists and inventors including Albert Engström to which there is now a dedicated museum (pictured).
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic get away, we can highly recommend Mats Persgården Bed and Breakfast. The setting is cosey, warm and family orientated. The inn is owned and run by Josefin and Marcus Wallén. Their focus is on organic and locally produced meat, vegetables and fruit. Each room is beautifully presented in a traditional but tasteful design. It’s definitely not a stop to be missed on your archipelago adventure.

Svartsö is one of the larger islands in the archipelago and near to Värmdo. Again, you can access the island by car or by bus. It’s a stunning island of nature reserves and bathing spots. It’s also home to one of Sweden’s most stunning, luxury campsites – Svartsö Logi.
These stunning luxury tents are situated on the edge of the island looking out towards the archipelago vista with stunning views of the late summer sunsets and beautiful Baltic sea. They’re fully equipped for a family stay with 4 beds, single or double. The tents are totally robust and weather resistant, each has a homey, rustic hotel room feel with real beds, rugs and sheepskins on the floor. Decorated with candles, lamps, real linen on the bed and thick down comforters. You really will be camping in luxury! But, the views from each tent’s own terrace is the real winner.
For more details about stays, packages and booking, please get in touch with Anna at Svartsö Logi via this link.

Nynäshamn is reachable by commuter train and is one of the largest islands in the archipelago. It’s also thought to be one of the furthest manned-Swedish outposts of the Stockholm archipelago and definitely one of the most beautiful.
Landsort Lighthouse is the most well known landmarks of the Stockholm archipelago. The lighthouse is thought to be the oldest in the Swedish territories and is featured in shipping logs and ledgers as early as 1454. The lighthouse beam still shines today.
There are a multitude of activities on and off the water to indulge in on Nynäshamn, the only problem is trying to decide what to do first. Fortunately the local tourist office offers a brilliant online guide. It’s packed with everything you need to know about where to stay, eat and what to do.
Visit Nynäshamn.

Heading south in the archipelago you’ll come to the island of Gålö, near Haninge. Thought to be Stockholm’s “island of paradise it’s well known for it’s camping and sommar cottage life. It’s predominantly nature reserve and has something for the whole family to enjoy. From shallow bathing spots to hiking trails along the coast of the island. If you head there at the end of July you can hit the berry picking season, spot on.
Gålö may not be the easiest of islands to get to but it certainly makes up for it. It will put you in touch with the very fabric of skärgårdsliv, flora and fauna.

Sandhamn or Sandön is famous for all sorts of reasons. The impressive sand dunes which it takes its name from or the Viveca Sten murder mysteries set in Sandhamn. The island proves to be a year-round visitor attraction which is often likened to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard in the U.S.A. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club also calls Sandhmn its home and was established there in 1830.
The island proudly sits at the very central outward post, directly facing into the Baltic sea. It’s accessible by car and ferry, but you can also book taxi boats throughout the summer.
Visit Värmdö

By far the most family friendly of the islands we’ve mentioned this is perfect for summer bathing babes. It’s shallow waters and sandy beaches are perfect for little legs and toes.
The island is small and perfect for a short weekend getaway or a day trip. But, don’t miss out on a post sun-downer sauna before you leave.
Situated at the south of the Stockholm archipelago it’s easily accessible by car and ferry from Nynäshamn.
Visit Rånö

Vaxholm is an hour away by ferry from central Stockholm. It’s home to a great, defensive Citadel by King Gustav Vasa in the 1500’s. With that regard, the island is often thought of as the capital of the archipelago.
In most recent years, Vaxholm became an important travel destination for Stockholm socialites bringing with them lively restaurants, cafes and shopping opportunities. Now, Vaxholm is known for it’s superb water sports activities, nature trails and historical context.
Because of it’s proximity to the city, there is no reason for you not to be able to spend an entire day in Vaxholm and be home in time for bed. It’s a beautiful excursion and day out.
Visit Vaxholm

The island of Högmarsö lies just off the coast of Norrtälje. Slightly north of Stockholm it takes about 2 hours by bus or car. Plus, you don’t need a car to get to Högmarsö, you can rely entirely on public transport!
The island is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Furusund. But, it boosts a lively community and good archipelago night life. Most in part to a brand new restaurant and bar which has opened called Restaurang Varvet. Featured in the 2017 White Guide and owned by Klara Möller Norén och Tomas Diederichsen. Tomas Diederichsen won 2011 Chef of the Year and is currently Head Chef at Restaurang Tegelbacken.
Visit Högmarsö

Möja is an island with a history dating back to the times of the Vikings. Many thousands of years has Möja been inhabited. The island has inspired countless artists and musicians and still has a thriving artisanal community.
The island is only accessible by boat and it is very rare to see a car, making it the perfect place for biking and hiking. The coastline is crowded with birds, seals and other marine and seeing this from a kayak could also be an option.
You can reach Möja by one of the many Waxholm ferries that travels through the archipelago or by hiring a private taxi boat.
Visit Möja

Gustavsberg is the home of Swedish porcelain. Famous for it’s own brand Gustavsberg of Sweden that makes everything from crockery to toilet bowls. The Porslinsfabrik has to be on your list of places to visit if you head to Gustavsberg. There you’ll find some of the most classic Swedish designs that are sought after to this day.
It’s only 25 minutes from central Stockholm by car and is also accessible by public transport. There are dozens of craft stores, porcelain shops, the Porcelain museum and outlet stores selling famous brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Gerbera and Orrefors.
In close proximity to Gustavsberg is Artipelag, a stunning art gallery and architectural masterpiece, created by the Björn Jakobsen, founder of the well-known company BabyBjörn. It is one of our favourite spots in Stockholm to which culture and nature are one.
Visit Gustavsberg