Island Hopping and Hiking in the Stockholm Archipelago (Sweden)

From the bustling city streets of Stockholm to calm island forest trails

Whichever itinerary you choose, your experience begins and ends with a night in Sweden's beautiful capital, Stockholm - a city large enough to offer the vibrant feel and excitement of a capital, but small enough to be easily explored on foot.

Your luggage will be transported between the overnight stops, leaving you free to travel light during the day. The points along the route are conveniently connected by boat services, offering wonderful views and a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel between the islands.

Island Hopping and Hiking in the Stockholm Archipelago is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic but active break, small groups of friends or families with children who enjoy walking.

Dalarö: In addition to wonderful natural landscapes, the villages of the archipelago each have their own special charm. Photo: NT.

Option 1: Spring and Autumn Itinerary - Wonderful hiking in spring and autumn when the archipelago is at its most tranquil

For the Swedes, the main summer holiday period runs from late June to mid-August, beginning with the Midsummer celebrations in June and starting school and work again by the third week in August.

The Spring and Autumn Itinerary for Island Hopping and Hiking in the Stockholm Archipelago takes advantage of the weeks either side of this high season period. Despite its proximity to Stockholm, the area can feel surprisingly remote at any time of year, and even more so in spring and autumn.

Temperatures may be cooler compared to the heat of high summer (although in many years it can still be surprisingly warm from early June onwards and into early September), and you might be taking shorter dips in the clear waters of the Baltic instead of long, luxuriant summer swims, but spring and autumn are wonderful times to be out in the Archipelago.

With easy-moderate daily hiking over distances of 6-15km, boat and luggage transfers and comfortable overnights in cottage and hotel accommodation, this experience is a great way to discover the southern archipelago both on and off the water.

Away from the heat of July and August, it may feel a little fresher to take a dip, but you'll have the world to yourself! Photo: Nature Travels.

The main tour features accommodation in two different locations over four nights, combining the variety and adventure of a point-to-point itinerary with a more relaxed element that comes from a fixed base. Transfer to/from Stockholm is also included.

The first three nights of your main tour are spent in a cottage in the attractive coastal town of Dalarö. From here you head out by boat to discover the islands of Fjärdlång, Kymmendö and Ornö.

Then it's time to take the boat to Utö, exploring the islands of Gålö and Årsta en route. Utö is a beautiful island with wonderful hiking opportunities - a vibrant holiday spot in summer, but a more tranquil experience in spring and autumn. Here you can extend your trip with an extra day if you wish, before heading back to Stockholm for your final night.

The off-season period is an ideal time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the Archipelago. Photo: Nature Travels.

Options 2 and 3: Summer Itineraries - Huvudskär and Fjärdlång

Between late June and early August, more extensive boat services enable you to discover other parts of the archipelago. A number of the trails you will be using are part of the newly created Stockholm Archipelago Trail network.

After your first night in Stockholm, the adventure begins with a visit to the treasured woodland habitat of Tyresta National Park, before continuing to Smådalarö for the night for accommodation in the country mansion there with optional spa.

Depending on your tour dates, from here you head either to the atmospheric island of Huvudskär, little visited even by Stockholmers, or to Fjärdlång. Both offer wonderful hiking trails to discover and a real taste of the magic of the archipelago.

The islands of the archipelago offer many wonderful opportunities for bathing, with the water at its warmest in July and August. Photo: Nature Travels.

You will spend three nights on the popular island of Utö, including use of bikes to cross the bridge to neighbouring Ålö for the day, before heading back towards Stockholm to visit the Saltsjöbaden for a night at the Grand Hotel, also with spa available.

Continue with the boat from Saltsjöbaden into Stockholm for a final night in Sweden's beautiful capital.

Day 2: Stockholm to Dalarö

From the doorstep of your hotel, you begin with a historical and scenic walking tour of Södermalm, Stockholm's southern island. This is a lovely area of narrow cobbled streets and wooden houses, dating back to the 1600s. The walk offers impressive views across Lake Mälaren to Gamla Stan (Stockholm Old Town), the city hall and Djurgåden.

In the afternoon, you travel by boat from the city centre to the coastal settlement of Dalarö. The boat trip takes you through a typical inner archipelago landscape of forested islands, before reaching Dalarö, where you will spend the next three nights.

Accommodation: Cottage in Dalarö (there are a number of cottages which may be used, depending on availability – all are within walking distance of restaurants and the harbour); Meals: breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 4-10 km.

Day 3 (or Day 4 depending on transport timetables): Dalarö to Fjärdlång (incl. Kymmendö) to Dalarö

Today, after a morning to discover Dalarö, you take a boat to explore the beautiful island of Fjärdlång. The island offers wonderful walking, including up to the highest point at Tysta Klint for a view over the archipelago. You can also include a visit to the island of Kymmendö either en route to Fjärdlång or on your return. Kymmendö was a popular summer retreat of the writer Strindberg and the inspiration for his novel Hemsöborna.

Accommodation: Cottage in Dalarö (as Day 2); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 7-14km.

Day 4 (or Day 3 depending on transport timetables): Dalarö to Ornö to Dalarö

In the morning, you travel by ferry to Hässelmara on the island of Ornö. Ornö is the southern archipelago’s largest island with a vibrant year-round community, but surprisingly little-visited by tourists. Today you will hike the island's west coast through nature reserves and forest with lovely coastal views, passing the Telegrafberg viewing tower at the southern archipelago's highest point and Lake Maren.

From the end of your hike at Sundby Gård, you will transported as follows:

• Spring itinerary: To Ornö Kyrka, the island's small village with attractive church. If time allows, hike the scenic Levassastigen trail to learn about the cultural heritage of the island before taking the boat back to Dalarö.
• Autumn itinerary: Directly to the ferry for boat back to Dalarö.

Accommodation: Cottage in Dalarö (as Day 2); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 12-14km.

Day 5: Dalarö to Gålö to Årsta to Utö

A taxi transfer brings you to the Gålö pensinsula for a very scenic hiking loop through varied scenery, offering beautiful views and ending at a sandy beach. Here you can relax and soak up the atmosphere until the taxi comes to bring you to Årsta Brygga for the boat to the popular island of Utö, where you will stay at the Inn for the next three nights.

Accommodation: Rooms at Utö Inn (either in wooden cabins or in historic buildings adjacent to the main inn, subject to availability); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 5-12km.

Day 6: Utö to Årsta to Stockholm (additional night on Utö can be added as optional extra)

Outside the main summer season, the island is quieter and lovely to explore on foot. There is a very nice hiking loop around the northern part of the island, where you can pause to enjoy sandy beaches and relax on smooth rocks by the water. Visit the small village of Gruvbyn, with its mine, museum and windmill, to discover some of the island’s history. In the afternoon you take the boat back to the mainland and continue by bus and train back into Stockholm for your last night.

Accommodation: 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 6-15km.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel accommodation. If your onward travel arrangements allow (and we strongly recommend making sure they do!), take some time today to explore this beautiful city before you leave. There are many attractions, including Stockholm's Royal National City Park - a unique place, being the first National Park to be situated in a major city.

When it's finally time to leave Stockholm, you may own arrangements for onward travel to the airport, etc, for departure.

Meals: breakfast. Hiking distance: flexible 10-14km.

Day 2: Stockholm to Tyresta National Park to Dalarö to Smådalarö

The day begins with transfer to Tyresta National Park, an important area conserving ancient forest with trees more than 400 years old and rich in wildlife. The park offers wonderful hiking through pine forest with opportunities for swimming in one of the many lakes.

Continue to the pretty village of Dalarö, your gateway to the archipelago, to explore the narrow streets or swim from the sandy beach. From here, you take a short bus ride to your accommodation for the night at Smådalarö.

Accommodation: Recenty renovated country mansion on the shore of Hemviken bay dating from 1810 with wonderful views from the restuarant terrace. Golf and tennis facilities on site and spa available to add as optional extra. Meals: breakfast; Hiking distance: 14-18km.

Day 3: Smådalarö to Dalarö to Huvudskär (Option 2) or Fjärdlång (Option 3) to Kymmendö to Utö

Beginning with short bus ride back to Dalarö, you have time to explore (including a visit to the viewpoint at Lotsberget) before taking the small boat from the harbour into the archipelago.

• Option 2: Huvudskär: Take the boat to the exotic island of Huvudskär - an island even by Stockholmers have never visited. The island offers a pristine archipelago landscape with an attractive lighthouse and the possibility to spot seals and White-tailed Sea Eagles. Explore this beautiful place and enjoy its wide views out across the Baltic towards Estonia.

• Option 3: Fjärdlång: Take the boat to the island of Fjärdlå, where you can hike two loops around the island along the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, the first to the island's highest point at Tysta Klint and the second explore the south of the island.

On your way back, stop off at the island of Kymmendö, where Strindberg spent his summers and had the inspiration for his novel Hemsöborna.

End your day at the popular island of Utö, which will be your base for the next three nights.

Accommodation: Rooms at Utö Inn (either in wooden cabins or in historic buildings adjacent to the main inn, subject to availability); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 10km (Option 2 Itinerary) or 14-17km (Option 3 Itinerary).

Day 4: Utö to Ålö to Utö

Explore the wonderful island of Utö, making use of the hire bikes included and crossing over the bridge to the small island of Ålö.

The newly created Stockholm Archipelago Trail runs through Ålö, hugging the coast and offering wonderful views. There is a white sand beach for swimming and a waterside fish restaurant.

Cycle back to Utö village (or arrange a taxi locally if you prefer) for the evening.

Accommodation: As Day 3; Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 10km; Cycling distance: 22km (or arrange taxi/moped locally as alternative).

Day 5: Utö to Ornö to Utö

Take a short boat ride to Ornö to hike its western shore, including part of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail. The largest island in the southern part of the archipelago, Ornö retains a vibrant year-round community and is relatively little-visited by tourists.

Hike through the nature reserve with forested and more open landscapes, including the southern archipelago's highest point at Telegrafberget. You can then take the bus or walk back to Ornö Kyrka, the island's small village with its lovely church and a small museum and cafe.

If you have time, hike on the Levassastigan heritage trail before taking the boat back to Utö.

Accommodation: As Day 3; Meals: Breakfast and tea/cake; Hiking distance: flexible 10-16km.

Day 6: Utö to Saltsjöbaden

Visit Utö village in the morning, walking up to the windmill, which dates back to 1791, for the view, or visit the island's mining museum to explore its history.

If you would like to hike more, there is another section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail to discover. Sea kayaks are also available to hire if you would like to do some paddling.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a suitable swimming spot before boarding the boat bring you back towards Stockholm and the fashionable suburb of Saltsjöbaden.

Accommodation: Hotel with views over Baggensfjärden Bay dating back to the 19th century and built to create a "Swedish Riviera" atmosphere. The hotel has been frequently visited by royalty and movie stars. Spa can be added as optional extra. Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 5-11km.

Day 7: Saltsjöbaden to Stockholm

Choose between a seaside walk from the hotel to explore the grand villas in the area, including the Kallhusbad outdoor bathhouse, or hike in Tattby nature reserve to Erstavik beach, a wonderful swimming spot.

This day offers a fascinating mix of nature and culture, before you take the boat in the afternoon all the way back into Stockholm city.

Accommodation: 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: flexible 5-11km.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel accommodation. If your onward travel arrangements allow (and we strongly recommend making sure they do!), take some time today to explore this beautiful city before you leave. There are many attractions, including Stockholm's Royal National City Park - a unique place, being the first National Park to be situated in a major city.

When it's finally time to leave Stockholm, you may own arrangements for onward travel to the airport, etc, for departure.

Meals: breakfast. Hiking distance: flexible/optional 6-20km.

Option 1: Spring and Autumn Itinerary (7 day/6 nights)

Extra night on Utö can be added as optional extra to extend the tour to 8 days/7 nights.

Option 2: Summer Itinerary - Huvudskär (8 days/7 nights)

Option 3: Summer Itinerary - Fjärdlång (8 days/7 nights)

Accommodation arrangements for families and odd-numbered adult/single supplement:

• With one child: Options 2 and 3: Child will have extra bed in parents' room on all nights.
• With two children: Chidren aged 10-12 will stay in double room for nights in Stockholm and Smådalarö and in family room at Utö and Saltsjöbaden. Children aged 13-18 with dtay in double room except for nights on Utö, where they will share cabin with parents.
• Single supplement: Price given is for adults in even-numbered group wishing to have single accommodation or for adult in odd-numbered group and includes single rooms on all nights (shared cabin with two separate bedrooms for nights on Utö).

Included

Accommodation:

• Option 1 - Spring and Autumn Itinerary:
  • 2 nights in hotel in Stockholm (Day 1 and Day 6). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 3 nights in cottage in Dalarö (Days 2-4). Bed linen and end cleaning included.
  • 1 night in cabin or room on Utö (Day 5).
  • Please see under "Itinerary" for more information on accommodation.
• Options 2 and 3 - Summer Itineraries (Huvudskär and Färdlång):
  • 2 nights in hotel in Stockholm (Day 1 and Day 7). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 1 night in room at country mansion in Smådalarö (Day 2).
  • 3 nights in room or cabin on Utö (Days 3-5).
  • 1 night in hotel room at Saltsjöbaden (Day 6). Double rooms have sea view. Single rooms do not have sea view.
  • All hotel rooms have en-suite WC/shower.
  • Please see under "Itinerary" for more information on accommodation.

Accommodation on Utö (top left shows wooden cabins, other images show example historical buildings close to main building where rooms are located). Photos: Utö Värdshus (top left), Nature Travels (other)

Accommodation at Smådalarö (Options 2 and 3). Photos: NT

Meals:

• Option 1 - Spring and Autumn Itinerary:
  • 6 x breakfast as per itinerary. Additional meals are available to purchase locally.
• Options 2 and 3 - Summer Itineraries (Huvudskär and Färdlång):
  • 7 x breakfast and 1 x tea/cake as per itinerary. Additional meals are available to purchase locally.

Transfers:

• Option 1 - Spring and Autumn Itinerary:
  • Accommodation in Stockholm to/from boat jetty (Day 2/Day 6); Boat transfers and bus/train journeys as per itinerary.
• Options 2 and 3 - Summer Itineraries (Huvudskär and Färdlång):
  • Accommodation in Stockholm to/from boat jetty (Day 2/Day 7); Boat transfers and bus journeys as per itinerary.

Luggage Transfers/Storage:

• Option 1 - Spring and Autumn Itinerary:
  • Dalarö jetty/Dalarö cottage (Day 2) and Gålö (Day 5).
• Options 2 and 3 - Summer Itineraries (Huvudskär and Färdlång):
  • Stockholm-Smådalarö (Day 2); Smådalarö-Utö (Day 3); Utö harbour-accommodation-harbour (Days 3 and 6); Saltsjöbaden harbour-accommodation (Day 6 only - on Day 7 you will walk the 300m with your luggage from the hotel to the boat and take your bags on and off the boat).

Activities::

• Option 1 - Spring and Autumn Itinerary:
  • Hiking as per itinerary..
• Options 2 and 3 - Summer Itineraries (Huvudskär and Färdlång):
  • Hiking as per itinerary.
  • Bike rental (1 day).
  • Visit to Ornö museum.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Meals apart from those specified. Additional meals are available to purchase locally - information on the various options will be given at the start of your tour.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Suitable for adults and active families with older children. Recommended minimum age 10 years.

Hiking is easy-moderate, but you should be comfortable hiking with light daypack at own pace for distances of 6-15km.

Minimum 2 adults normally required. Solo adult travelling with child(ren) may also be possible depending on age and options chosen. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

What makes this "Easy"?

Although self-guided, the tour is supported with luggage transfers, which means it is necessary to hike only with a daypack during the day, and also features comfortable accommodation each night. Daily hiking distance is often flexible and you can choose shorter/longer hikes depending on your preference.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Ticks and TBE:

Note: Ticks occur mostly in grassy areas.

As in the UK and other areas, there are ticks in the Nordic forests which can carry diseases such as Borrelia. You should check for ticks at the end of a day in the outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible by pulling the tick out straight, carefully and slowly, with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Ensure that you do not leave any of the insect's mouth parts attached to your skin. Wash the bite area with soap and water. In the unlikely event that you feel unwell or notice anything unusual around the area of the bite in the coming days, consult your doctor.

As in large areas of mainland Europe, in some localised areas of the Nordic countries, the ticks are known to carry TBE, or Tick-borne encephalitis, and locals spending extended periods in affected areas often choose to vaccinate themselves. For current advice on TBE and inoculations for the area you are visiting, please consult your doctor or see Travel Health Pro.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Combine This With

This experience makes a good combination with the following:

• Guided Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago (1-3 days, start/end Stockholm)
• Self-guided Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago (2 or more days, one hour from Stockholm or transfer included depending on options chosen)

Groups

This experience is also suitable for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.

"The beaches were wonderful. The hiking was great and the instructions sheets made life very easy. Also loved the fact that luggage arrived ahead of us. All went well and our local host was great. We went on a Nature Travels canoe holiday years ago. I was very impressed and the service/holiday was equally as good this time. Thank you!" Adam

"It made planning of a holiday in the archipelago much easier as it would have been difficult to know where to start with so many islands. Our local host was excellent and her planning and attention to detail were marvellous." Linda