Have you started planning this year’s summer vacation yet? Even if the plans are not finalised it’s always fun to gather inspiration for things to do – either on your own or with friends or family. The staycation trend has grown even more popular during the pandemic and for everyone looking to explore what gems Sweden has to offer, the Stockholm archipelago is one of the most popular destinations. Read our best vacation tips for summer 2021 and guide to the best locations, accommodation and boat trips in the archipelago. The map at the bottom of the page shows where you can find the accommodations in this article.
Grinda is a popular and family friendly island located only an hour by boat from central Stockholm. The island sports two restaurants, Framfickan and Grinda Wärdshus, a farm shop and café, a guest harbour, swimming spots, hotel, beautiful nature, walking paths, a campsite and cabins. Want to stay overnight? Book one of the 27 cabins located on the south part of the island. You can choose from cabins with 2, 4 or six beds. They offer a calm atmosphere and have their own patio so that you can really relax and enjoy nature.
Vacation at Grinda – practical information
Boat: Cinderella Boats - book your ticket here
Travel time from Stockholm: Ca. 1hr
Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 14
Accommodation: Cabin (2, 4 or 6 beds)
Have you dreamt of staying in a historical fortress? Step onboard classic archipelago ship S/S Stockholm and travel all the way from central Stockholm to the small island of Vaxholmen that holds Vaxholm’s Kastell. If you book a stay at Kastellet’s Bed & Breakfast you will sleep in one of the rooms located in the old officer’s mess, all tastefully decorated and with arched ceilings and thick stone walls. On the island there are plenty of things to do in the summer – Vaxholms Fästning’s museum, a souvenir shop and art galleries featuring artist Lena Linderholm, amongst others. In the Bistro you can enjoy a delicious lunch, home baked bread, a refreshing drink and ice cream. You can also take the line ferry to Vaxholm and explore he quaint archipelago town.
Vacation at Vaxholm’s Kastell – practical information
Boat: S/S Stockholm - book your ticket here
Travel time from Stockholm: Ca. 1,5 hr
Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 16
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (single-, double-, triple- or family room)
In the outer parts of the Stockholm archipelago you can find the popular and picturesque island of Sandhamn. With the Cinderella Boats you can travel there from central Stockholm in just under two hours. On the island you can stay at Sandhamn’s Seglarhotell, a popular spot located right by the bustling harbour. The hotel has a spa and heated pool if you fancy a special treat. This is the perfect destination if you are looking for stunning nature, beautiful beaches and good food from one of the many restaurants on the island.
Vacation at Sandhamn – practical information
Boat: Cinderella Boats - book your ticket here
Travel time from Stockholm: Ca. 2hrs 10 min
Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 14
Accommodation: Hotel (single-and double room)
In the middle of the harbour in the charming town of Gustavsberg you can find Hotell Blå Blom. The hotel’s premises are two of the old porcelain factory’s most renowned buildings – “The old factory” and “the old sludge house”. All rooms are individually decorated, and you can feel the atmosphere from the town’s glory days. You can travel to Gustavsberg via car but for an extra special experience we recommend that you travel with classic archipelago ship M/S Gustafsberg VII that takes you from central Stockholm and through the beautiful Skurusundet and Baggenstäket all the way to Gustavsberg. Don’t forget to visit the famous porcelain factory while you are there!
Vacation in Gustavsberg – practical information
Boat: M/S Gustafsberg VII - book your ticket here
Travel time from Stockholm: From 2hrs
Departs from: Nybrokajen, berth 8
Accommodation: Hotel (single-and double room)
In the middle of the archipelago you can find Svartsö, one of the largest islands in the Stockholm archipelago. The easiest way to get here is with the Cinderella Boats. There is a farm shop where you can hire a bike and explore the island and leafy forests, fields with grazing animals, smooth rocks and restaurants. There is a cosy hostel where you can stay and there is a communal kitchen available to your disposal. If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking we recommend booking a table at well renowned Svartsö krog.
Vacation at Svarstö – practical information
Boat: Cinderella Boats - book your ticket here
Travel time from Stockholm: Ca. 1 hr 30 min
Departs from: Strandvägen, berth 14
Accommodation: Hostel (rooms with 2-,3- and 4 beds)