5 Mesmerizing Islands Near Stockholm You Won’t Want to Miss

Surrounded by an impressive archipelago located between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Sweden’s capital city has carefully maintained this collection of around 30,000 islands, islets, and reefs, with approximately 150 being permanently populated. Here are our top five picks among them.

Vaxholm, the nearest

Beyond being merely a small harbor (often bustling on pleasant days) and a quiet pine forest (with serene beaches), this ‘capital’ of the archipelago offers picturesque scenes featuring pastel-colored wooden homes, cobblestone lanes, and a former fortress now converted into a museum detailing the region’s protective history. To fully appreciate everything, consider taking an island stroll (approximately 10 kilometers). This leisurely walk should take around four hours.

• 25 km to the northeast of Stockholm
• 1 hour away by boat from Strandvägen

Värmdö, the most cultural

The island has become beloved locally due to the well-loved Gustavsberg porcelain factory (founded in 1825). Nowadays, this town houses a center dedicated to showcasing ceramic arts, complete with a museum, factory store, studios for ceramists, and cafes. Additionally, the person who established the globally recognized baby carrier company BabyBjörn initiated an art and design foundation called Artipelag on the same island.

• 25 kilometers to the east of Stockholm
• 30 minutes by bus from Slussen

Grinda, the most coastal

Feel like taking a swim? Grinda should be your go-to spot; this island is beloved by Stockholmers for its sandy shores and craggy coves. Interestingly, it was home to Stockholm’s inaugural beach retreat back in the 1940s, which you can tell from the assortment of quaint wooden cottages up for rent—some even come equipped with their own saunas. Truly embodying the essence of the Swedish way of life.

• 50 kilometers northeast of Stockholm
• A 2-hour boat trip from Strandvägen

Sandhamn, the most famous

TV show

The Sandhamn Murders

Place the island on the map, even though it retains an air of timelessness—or perhaps an atmosphere reminiscent of early autumn—similar to how the Isle of Wight returns to its permanent residents once the bustling summer regattas have concluded. The perpetual essence of Sweden permeates the area with its vibrant red homes along one shore and untamed beaches lining the opposite side.

• 50 kilometers east of Stockholm
• 3 hours away by boat from Strömkajen (during summertime)

Utö, the wildest

Not only is it the wildest but also the biggest inhabited island, boasting the highest amount of sunshine due to its southernmost location, and remains one of the least spoiled areas. There are three compelling reasons why visitors should consider coming here: the opportunity to explore on foot (a coastal path runs along the north shore, approximately 15 kilometers long which takes about five hours as a return journey); traveling via kayak; or cycling—passing by pristine beaches caressed by turquoise waters on one side and rugged cliffs on the opposite, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Baltic Sea at every turn.

• 50 kilometers south of Stockholm
• 2.5 hours by boat from Strömkajen during the summertime