Just beyond the vibrant, cosmopolitan energy of Stockholm lies a sanctuary of serenity: the Stockholm Archipelago. Stretching across more than 650 square miles, this breathtaking cluster of over 30,000 islands and islets is where city energy melts into wild, peaceful beauty. From Fjäderholmarna, that’s close to the city, all the way out to the remote Svenska Högarna islets in the east, from abandoned fortifications on Arnholma in the north to the lonely lighthouse on Landsort in the south, the archipelago is a world apart — yet never far from the city’s heartbeat.
The magic of the Stockholm Archipelago is perhaps most palpable in the late summer and early autumn, a period locals affectionately call the “Magic season.” During this time, long golden evenings and calm waters invite visitors to breathe deeply and reconnect with nature. It’s a landscape that feels raw yet restorative, where the same balance, freedom, and progressive spirit that defines Stockholm flows across open waters, forested shores, and hidden coves. Here, you don’t escape who you are — you celebrate it.
Islands of character and charm
Each island has its own personality. Ingmarsö, a jewel in the southern archipelago, is dotted with colourful wooden summer houses and wind-shaped pines. Its gently undulating terrain reveals hidden swimming coves and quiet forest trails. Summer visitors flock to the small café by the jetty for freshly baked cinnamon buns before taking a sunset swim from the rocky shores. Art lovers will appreciate the island’s year-round sculpture park, and with no cars to disturb the soundtrack of lapping waves and birdsong, Ingmarsö feels delightfully off-grid. Yet its sense of community and rustic charm make every visitor feel at home.
Further out, Finnhamn, a pair of sister islets in the central archipelago, is a car-free haven renowned for rugged granite shores and tree-lined bays. A regular ferry from Strömkajen delivers visitors to its sheltered harbours, where woodland trails carpeted in lingonberries await exploration. Picnics on sun-warmed rocks, swimming in crystalline waters, and casual seafood lunches at the simple harbour café are all part of the experience. Rustic cabins and a historic sailor’s inn offer cosy overnight stays, while candlelit paths guide evening wanderers to panoramic viewpoints, where the archipelago melts into silvery sea under the midnight sun.
Closer to the city, the Fjäderholmarna offer a quick escape, just 20 minutes by ferry. Here, local craft shops, seafood restaurants, and small galleries make it a perfect introduction to the archipelago’s blend of nature, culture and relaxed charm.
Art and wellness by the water
For those seeking a mix of culture and calm, Artipelag on Värmdö is a must-visit. Nestled in a landscape of pine forests and rocky cliffs, this contemporary art and design centre is a striking example of architecture harmonising with nature. Beyond exhibitions and installations, Artipelag hosts workshops and performances overlooking the Baltic Sea. Its café and restaurant champion local, seasonal ingredients – and Nobel-worthy chefs – so visitors can experience the flavours of the archipelago while soaking up the view.
Wellness in the Stockholm Archipelago isn’t just about formal routines. Many islands offer lakeside saunas, guided meditation on the cliffs, and kayak tours that double as gentle workouts. The slow rhythm of ferry crossings, the sound of lapping water, and the scent of pine and salt air all contribute to a sense of well-being that feels effortlessly immersive.
Set in the tranquil reach of Stockholm’s southern archipelago, Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa is a retreat where comfort, natural beauty, and mindful relaxation meet. Just 45-50 minutes from central Stockholm, this spa hotel sits by calm bays and forest-lined shores, offering 62 modern rooms, a luxe spa complex, and plenty of space to unwind. You can spend your day floating between sauna, indoor and outdoor pools, or take advantage of outdoor activities like tennis, padel, or a round on the 9-hole golf course. The food here roots you in place: Brasserie & Bränneri serves fresh, season-inspired dishes — seafood, local produce, hearty Scandinavian flavours — all enjoyed with views over the water.
For more active explorers, the archipelago is a playground. Kayaking from islet to islet, stand-up paddleboarding across sheltered bays, or hiking forest trails provide endless opportunities to connect with nature and escape the world’s bad news. Birdwatchers, photographers, and wannabe painters will find constant inspiration in the ever-changing light, mirror-like waters, and dramatic granite cliffs. Even the simplest activities — reading a book on a sun-warmed rock, enjoying a picnic of fresh seafood, or taking a twilight swim — feel elevated in this extraordinary environment.
A place to belong
The Stockholm Archipelago is Stockholm’s other side — not a retreat from who you are, but a quiet celebration of it. Here, the city’s values of inclusivity, openness, and balance extend into the natural world. You don’t have to choose between city life and the great outdoors; you can inhabit both. Whether you’re seeking solitude, social connection, culture, or adventure, the archipelago welcomes all kinds of travellers. Its calm waters meet open minds, and for anyone who ventures here, it’s hard not to feel at home.
For more, check out www.visitstockholm.com
Photography by Tomasso Fornoni, Oskar Scheller and courtesy of StockholmLGBT and Visit Stockholm.
This article is in partnership with StockholmLGBT and Visit Stockholm.
Stockholm. You belong here.
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