Most visitors have left the archipelago during what we call the magical season—from August to October. This time of year, you can enjoy breathtaking nature, tranquillity, and summer warmth lingering on the cliffs and the water. Now is the time to find secluded bays and hidden spots only accessible by boat. Now is when you discover a unique place brimming with peace, vibrant, untouched nature, delicious food, hiking, and culture. Explore at your own pace, with silence and serenity as your best companions.
When you want to step ashore to discover more, hiking trails lead you across cliffs, open meadows, enchanted forests, and charming small villages. The newly opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail covers 270 kilometres of trails across 21 islands. Bring a basket on your walk; you might pick mushrooms and berries for your evening meal onboard. The Swedish ”Right of Public Access” lets you enjoy the Stockholm Archipelago experience fully.
Nature’s spectacle is at its finest in autumn, with forests dressed in bright reds and yellows. Crisp, slightly cool, deep-blue nights invite you to lie back and gaze at a starry sky – perhaps even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Curious seals may watch you from the water, and graceful deer may dart away at the forest’s edge.
The archipelago offers large guest harbours with full service, shops, and everything needed for a few days or weeks in this unique environment and peaceful natural harbours on small, uninhabited islands. You’ll find genuine archipelago communities where you can meet locals, savour the regional cuisine, and enjoy sunsets over calm seas.
Would you like to extend your stay on land? Why not check into a luxurious spa? Or savour gourmet food, cosy down duvets, and fine drinks by a fire in one of the hotels and restaurants here on the coastal edge. The combination of closeness to nature and comfortable luxury is unparalleled. Many places also rent kayaks or bicycles, letting you uncover more of the secrets of this island world.
The Stockholm Archipelago in autumn is not just a destination – it’s an experience for the soul. Discover why this magical season is one of the world’s best-kept secrets.
Guest harbours
Bullandö – Stockholm’s archipelago’s largest marina boasts over 1,400 berths. It is a place where top-notch service meets a genuine archipelago atmosphere. Bullandö offers everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stop.You will find everything from a fuel station and boat workshop to restaurants and shops here. The harbour’s restaurant serves first-class dishes with a focus on locally produced ingredients, and from the terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the water.The marina is a perfect starting point for exploring Stockholm’s unique archipelago, which has thousands of islands.
Grinda – In the heart of Stockholm’s archipelago, Grinda is a nature reserve and one of the most charming and popular islands. Here, you are welcomed by a complete guest harbour with space for up to 100 boats and all the services you might need, including toilets, showers, and pump out station.Take a dip in the clear water, enjoy the beaches, or explore scenic hiking trails. On Grinda, you can also rent kayaks, SUP boards, and other equipment for water activities.Here, you’ll find the classic Grinda Wärdshus offering traditional Swedish dishes, simpler eateries, and a cosy bakery where you can buy freshly baked bread and pastries.
Gustavsberg – A modern and well-equipped guest harbour in a sheltered bay on the Kattholmen peninsula. The harbour provides many services, including showers, toilets, laundry facilities, and pump out station. There is also access to boat mechanics and spare parts for those in need. Staying here is convenient, with shore power and fresh water at every berth.You will find grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, and other amenities within walking distance of the harbour. The area is also renowned for its historic porcelain manufacturing, and you can visit the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum for a dose of culture.The harbour is an ideal base for exploring Stockholm’s archipelago or taking a day trip to Stockholm City, which is easily accessible by bus.
Saltsjöbaden – Saltsjöbaden Hotellviken – A paradise for sailors, located at the KSSS (Royal Swedish Yacht Club) in Saltsjöbaden. Here, you are welcomed by a marina that combines sailing tradition with modern comfort, perfect for both shorter stops and longer stays. With 35 well-equipped guest berths including showers, laundry room, bicycles and a cosy grill cabin, the harbour offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The KSSS guest harbour is also known for its helpful harbour staff who are happy to assist with arrivals and mooring. If you want to enjoy good food, casual restaurants and the luxurious surroundings including historic Grand Hôtel Saltsjöbaden, KSSS guest harbour is something very special. Also, Stockholm city is less than 30 minutes away using public transportation.
Skansholmen – A true gem in Stockholm’s southern archipelago, perfect for nature-loving boaters. With over 100 berths and top-class services, the harbour is a popular short and long-stay stop.Here, you will find various amenities, including restaurants serving Nordic dishes, a fuel station, and a small shop for basic groceries. Skansholmen is also famous for its massive ice cream buffet, a favourite among both young and old.For those seeking activities, there is plenty to do. Play mini-golf, fish, or hike. The nature around Skansholmen is magical – with some luck, you might even spot elk.
Stavsnäs – Stavsnäs Winter Harbour is the gateway between the city and the archipelago. Stavsnäs combines archipelago charm with various activities for those arriving by private boat. Here you can rent a kayak or a bicycle. Visit the historic Archipelago Museum, which offers fascinating stories about life in the archipelago.A short walk away is the charming Stavsnäs Summer Harbour and the well-known Stavsnäs Hembageri with delicious pastries, food, and drinks.Stavsnäs is also close to central Stockholm. Hop on a bus from the harbour, and you’ll be in central Stockholm in 45 minutes!
Utö– Utö is a lively archipelago island with a rich history as an old mining site. It features one of Sweden’s oldest iron ore mines, which visitors can still explore and see remnants of.The harbour is the natural starting point for exploring the island. On Utö, you can rent bicycles, mopeds, segways, or kayaks. Play mini-golf, grab a coffee at the bakery, or enjoy well-prepared meals at the inn. Utö is the finish line for the classic Swimrun race Ö till Ö. The island also has a grocery store where you can stock up.
Waxholm – The guest harbour is located in the heart of the picturesque, historic town of Waxholm. An oasis where the archipelago’s serenity meets the city’s pulse. Here, you can moor your boat at modern docks equipped with every conceivable convenience, all within walking distance of charming cafés, restaurants, and shops. Waxholm is rich in history, with beautiful old buildings, narrow alleys, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. It’s more than just a stopover—Waxholm is a destination that perfectly balances relaxation and adventure.The harbour is an excellent starting point for further excursions into the archipelago, taking you to Stockholm archipelago’s most idyllic and unspoiled spots.
Nynäshamn – Nynäshamn was a small fishing village that, in the early 1900s, transformed into a true holiday destination, complete with summer homes and seaside hotels. During the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Nynäshamn was chosen to host the sailing competitions. Water sports remain one of Nynäshamn’s major attractions, and it boasts one of the country’s best surfing beaches.The guest harbour accommodates small and large recreational boats, ferries, and archipelago boats. It is protected by one of Northern Europe’s longest floating breakwaters and the nearby island of Bedarön.The harbour offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, and cosy shopping huts. Enjoy cold drinks and smoked fish and seafood.The town centre, with shopping, grocery stores, and the train and bus station, is just a short walk away. The train to Stockholm will take you there within an hour.Close to Nynäshamn is Landsort, the southernmost point of the archipelago, home to Sweden’s oldest operational lighthouse.
