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10 summer excursions in Stockholm archipelago

2026-05-21

Tips for the perfect daytrip in and around the Stockholm Archipelago

Summer, sun, and soon time for a vacation. Have you started making plans? Maybe you are planning for a holiday in Sweden? If you visit Stockholm, an excursion in the archipelago or Mälaren is a must-do. We have listed our 10 best tips for perfect day tours in and around the Stockholm Archipelago. The map at the end of this post shows the destinations and departure points for the boats.

1. Guided Boat Cruise, porcelain & shopping

A guided boat trip through Stockholm archipelago to the quaint town of Gustavsberg where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery, have lunch or a traditional Swedish “fika” and visit the popular porcelain factory from 1839.

Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 14
Estimated time: 6 hrs
Price from: SEK 450 - return ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book Grand Canal Cruise to Gustavsberg

MS Gustafsberg VII i Baggenstäcket.jpg

2. Thousand Island Cruise - a full day excursion in the archipelago

Discover the beautiful Stockholm archipelago with this full day cruise on board classical M/S Waxholm III, which was built in 1903. You will enjoy excursions on three picturesque archipelago islands as well as a delicious lunch and dinner, prepared and cooked freshly on board.

Departs from: Nybrokajen, berth 9
Estimated time: 11 tim
Price from: SEK 1995 (includes lunch, two course dinner and guided excursions)

Here you can read more and book Thousand Island Cruise

3. Strömma Canal Tour to Sandhamn - guided boat tour

A guided canal cruise that will take you through the scenic views of Strömma Canal to the popular archipelago town of Sandhamn. Here you can join us for a guided tour of the island or explore the beautiful surroundings on your own.

Departs from: Nybrokajen, berth 10
Estimated time: 8 hrs
Price from: SEK 495 - return ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book Strömma Canal Tour to Sandhamn

4. Explore the archipelago town of Vaxholm

Vaxholm is often called “the capital of archipelago” and is a must-visit during the summer months. Explore the quaint town with its cobbled streets, sea views and cosy eateries.

Departs from: Strandvägen
Estimated time: 50 min
Price from: SEK 190 - one way ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book Boat to Vaxholm

The Drottningholm castle

5. Boat to Drottningholm Palace

Discover The Royal Palace of Drottningholm and the surrounding grounds, which are published on UNESCO:s list of World Heritage. The historic ships S/S Drottningholm, M/S Prins Carl Philip and M/S Angantyr will take you on a beautiful cruise from central Stockholm through the inner archipelago.

Departs from: Klara Mälarstrand, berth 4/5
Estimated time: 1 hr one way
Price from: SEK 350 - return ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book a boat tour to Drottningholm Palace

6. Explore the archipelago on your own

Island-hopping is the perfect way to explore the archipelago on your own! The Stockholm archipelago are full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!

Departs from: Strandvägen
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book the Cinderella boats for a trip in the archipelago

7. Travel through time to Birka, the Viking City

The Viking City of Birka, situated on the island of Björkö, is regarded as Sweden’s first city and one of the most important trading centres for Vikings. Here you can visit the unique reconstructed Viking village, wander through the historical landscapes and join a guided tour of the archaeological fields.

Departs from: Klara Mälarstrand, berth 3
Estimated time: fr. 7 hrs
Price from: SEK 565 - return ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book a tour to Birka, the Viking City

Birka Vikingastaden - vikingabyn.jpg

8. Boat to Fjäderholmarna - Stockholm's closest archipelago island

Fjäderholmarna is a small island only 30 minutes from Stockholm and is the perfect place to visit for a day trip. Here you can find cosy restaurants, stunning nature views and small boutiques selling handcrafted goods.

Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 13
Estimated time: 30 min one way
Price from: SEK 205 - return ticket
Other: Café and Restaurant onboard

Here you can read more and book boat to Fjäderholmarna - Stokcholm´s closest archipelago island

9. Sightseeing by bus or boat

Our sightseeing tours are the perfect way to discover Stockholm. There are several bus and boat tours to choose from and there is something to suit everyone.

Here you can read more and book our sightseeing tours in Stockholm

10. Stockholm Archipelago Highlights Boat Tour

Experience Stockholm from the water on a guided cruise through the inner archipelago. Enjoy beautiful views, iconic landmarks, and fascinating stories about the city and surrounding islands along the way.

Departs from: Skeppsbron & Strömkajen
Estimated time: Available in three lengths: 45 min, 1 hr 15 min, and 1 hr 45 min
Price from: From SEK 375
Other: Café and restroom available on board

Here you can read more and book Stockholm Archipelago Highlights Boat Tour

Map - 10 best summer excursions in Stockholm & Mälaren

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