Which Islands to Visit

Thirty thousand islands is a useless number for planning. Five matter for a visitor.

Fjaderholmarna - the 25-minute one

The closest islands to the city, reachable in under half an hour. Restaurants, craft workshops, swimming. Not remote and not pretending to be - it is the archipelago for an afternoon when you do not have a day.

Vaxholm - the gateway town

A proper town rather than an island retreat: fortress, wooden houses, cafes, and easy to reach by bus or boat. The right choice for a half day, and the usual first stop for anyone unsure. Small-group trips around $172.

Grinda - the classic day trip

Green, walkable, with swimming spots and an inn. Far enough out to feel like the archipelago proper while still being a comfortable day return. If someone says “take a day trip into the archipelago” without specifying, this is usually what they mean.

Sandhamn - the sailing one

Out toward the open Baltic, with a yachting culture and sandy beaches. Busy in July, lovely in September, and a long enough trip that it rewards an overnight.

Uto - the walking and cycling one

Larger, quieter, with old mine workings, bike hire and beaches. Best for people who want to move rather than sit on a jetty.

Choosing by Time

Or Do Not Choose

Guided cruises trade depth for coverage: a lunch cruise at $59 or a full-day sail at $360 shows you the shape of the archipelago rather than one island in detail. On a first visit that is often the better call - you learn which island you want to come back to.

See tours that visit them →