StockholmsUtflykter

Day trips in the Stockholm archipelago

According to the County Administrative Board, the Stockholm archipelago has around 30,000 islands. Which island suits a Stockholm archipelago day trip depends mostly on the travel time by boat.

This guide divides the archipelago into the inner, middle and outer archipelago and shows which islands work for half a day and which need a full day.

You'll also find what the day costs and what to pack. Travel times and departures vary with the season – always check the current timetable.

Checked against the sources in September 2026See the sources ↓

Svenska Högarna at the far edge of the outer archipelago, with open sea to the horizon

Stockholm archipelago day trip: choose the right zone

The inner archipelago is 15–40 minutes away by boat or bus, the middle archipelago about 1.5 hours and the outer archipelago 2–2.5 hours. Based on an eight-hour day, about 30 minutes' travel each way leaves around 7 hours on the island, but 2 hr 30 min leaves only around 3 hours.

According to the County Administrative Board, the Stockholm archipelago has around 30,000 islands. How far out you travel decides how much time you get on the island.

The inner, middle and outer archipelago

From the cityOut towards the Baltic

15–40 minutes
approx. 1.5 hours
2–2.5 hours

  1. Inner archipelago

    Sheltered waters and quick trips15–40 minutes

    The inner archipelago is closest to the city and quick to reach by boat or bus.

    Examples
    Fjäderholmarna 15–30 min by boat, Vaxholm approx. 40 min on bus 670.

    Examples Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm

  2. Middle archipelago

    Pine forests, sandy coves and lively guest harboursapprox. 1.5 hours

    The Archipelago Foundation describes the middle archipelago as bare rock, coniferous forest, broadleaf groves and open farmland.

    Examples
    Grinda: 1 hr 30 min on the Cinderella boats and roughly an hour and a half with Waxholmsbolaget from Strömkajen.

    Examples Grinda, Gällnö

  3. Outer archipelago

    Bare granite rocks and an open horizon2–2.5 hours

    Can be shortened with a connecting bus to the outer archipelago's hubs.

    The outer archipelago lies furthest out towards the open sea. You can shorten the boat journey here by taking a bus to Stavsnäs vinterhamn.

    Examples
    Sandhamn: 2 hr 30 min on the Cinderella boat, or bus 433 to Stavsnäs (approx. 50 min) and just over an hour by boat.

    Examples Sandhamn

How much of an eight-hour day is left

Worked example: the return travel time is subtracted from an eight-hour day.

Fjäderholmarnaone way

7 h on the island

Grindaone way

5 h on the island

Sandhamn (direct boat)one way

3 h on the island

Boat tripTime on the island

Fjäderholmarna
Approx. 30 min each way – about 7 hours left on the island.
Grinda
Approx. 1.5 hr each way – about 5 hours left.
Sandhamn (direct boat)
2 hr 30 min each way – about 3 hours left. Going via Stavsnäs can make the journey shorter.

Half day or full day: choosing your Stockholm archipelago day trip

For a half day, choose Fjäderholmarna (15–30 min) or Vaxholm (approx. 40 min on bus 670); for a full day, Grinda (1.5 hr) or Sandhamn (2.5 hr).

How much time you want to spend travelling decides which island suits you best. A good Stockholm archipelago day trip is about the balance between travel time and time on the island.

Archipelago boat heading for Vaxholm in the inner archipelago
Half day · Under 1 hour

Shorter trip

If you're short on time, a quick boat ride from the city centre is enough to reach classic archipelago scenery.

  • 15–30 min · Strömma, Fjäderholmslinjen, Waxholmsbolaget

    Fjäderholmarna

    The archipelago islands closest to Stockholm. Restaurants such as Rökeriet and Fjäderholmarnas Krog, a glassworks, a smithy and other craft studios – open for the season until 13 September 2026.

  • approx. 40 min · Bus 670

    Vaxholm

    Reached on bus 670 from Tekniska högskolan or on Waxholmsbolaget's boat from Strömkajen, where all SL tickets are valid. Here you'll find the old fishing harbour in Norrhamnen and Vaxholm Fortress, which is open to the public in summer.

Svenska Högarna at the far edge of the outer archipelago, with open sea to the horizon
Full day · 1.5–2.5 hours

Full-day trips

For when you want to spend a whole day by the sea and experience a freer island life further out in the archipelago.

A third full-day option is Utö, reached by archipelago boat all year – most easily from Årsta brygga, which you get to by bus from Västerhaninge, and in summer also directly from Stockholm. The Archipelago Foundation highlights bike hire, the Mining Village (Gruvbyn) with traces of iron mining since the Middle Ages and Sweden's oldest preserved windmill, and beaches such as Rävstavik, Barnens bad and Ålö Storsand.

  • 1.5 hr · Cinderella

    Grinda

    Nature reserve with child-friendly swimming at both steamboat piers, a nature and heritage trail, kayak and SUP hire at the harbour office, Grinda lantbruk farm with cows and horses, and Grinda Wärdshus.

  • 2.5 hr · Cinderella

    Sandhamn / Sandön

    Trouville, with white sand on the south side of the island, about a 20-minute walk from the harbour, and Sandhamns Värdshus, whose pub is open all year.

The archipelago with kids: the best islands for a family day out

With kids, Fjäderholmarna is 15–30 minutes away, Vaxholm about 40 minutes and Grinda 1.5 hours. A pushchair with a child under 7 travels free on Waxholmsbolaget.

With children, the travel time, swimming spots and food close to the pier matter most.

Top picks for families: Grinda, Fjäderholmarna and Vaxholm

  1. 15–30 minfrom the city

    Fjäderholmarna

    Small children · short on time

    The shortest boat ride. Strömma mentions restaurants, cafés and an ice cream bar, and a row of craft workshops. The ground around the shops and restaurants is flat.

  2. 1.5 hrfrom the city on the Cinderella boat

    Grinda

    Full day · nature and swimming

    Child-friendly swimming at both the southern and northern steamboat piers, according to the County Administrative Board. Cows and horses graze at Grinda lantbruk, and kayaks and SUPs can be hired at the harbour office.

  3. approx. 40 minon bus 670 · or by boat from Strömkajen

    Vaxholm

    Slightly older children · any weather

    You can go all the way by bus. The fortress is open in summer with the family activity Fångarna på Kastellet (the Fortress Prisoners), and Eriksöbadet has a child-friendly sandy beach.

Taking an archipelago boat with a pushchair

This is what applies to pushchairs on the boats:

  1. At the quay

    Boarding

    You board via a gangway. At low water it can slope steeply.

  2. On the boat

    On board

    Park the pushchair in the pushchair area or wherever the crew shows you. On the Cinderella boats, pushchairs are left at the entrance – ideally a foldable one.

  3. Waxholmsbolaget

    Price

    A pushchair with a child under 7 travels free on Waxholmsbolaget. Without a child, or with an older child, it costs SEK 65.

Packing list for a stress-free day trip with kids

  • Windproof, waterproof jacketsIt's often chilly and windy out on the open water, even on warm summer days.
  • Life jackets for younger childrenReassuring to have on already at the quay and near steep rocks and piers.
  • Plenty of snacks and water bottlesAvoids meltdowns if the queue for the ice cream kiosk or restaurant is long.
  • Swimwear, UV protection and a sun hatSunlight reflecting off the water makes UV radiation considerably stronger.
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitiserIndispensable for picnic stops and toilet visits in nature reserves.
  • Blister plasters and a small first-aid kitFor scrapes after playing on rocks and trails.

Boats and logistics: how to plan your Stockholm archipelago day trip

Waxholmsbolaget runs all year from Strömkajen, and all SL tickets are valid between 44 piers. The Cinderella boats leave from Strandvägen, berth 14, from 30 April to 27 September 2026, and bus 433 takes you to Stavsnäs vinterhamn in about 50 minutes.

Getting around the archipelago is easy once you know the departures, tickets and hubs. With the right planning you make the most of your time on the islands and avoid needless waiting at the quay.

Waxholmsbolaget's boat M/S Sandhamn
All year

Waxholmsbolaget: timetables, tickets and the 5-day ticket

Waxholmsbolaget has served the archipelago every single day, all year round, since 1869.

  • Timetables Timetables change between seasons – look up your departure with Waxholmsbolaget.
  • Buying tickets Buy a single ticket in the SL app or with Visa/Mastercard on board. Tap your card on board and the ticket reader prints a paper ticket. The boats don't take cash.
  • 5-day ticket SEK 595 for unlimited travel on all services for five days.
  • SL ticket All SL tickets are valid all year between 44 piers from Strömkajen to Vaxholm and the surrounding area. In the low season, 14 September–29 April, SL's 30-day, 90-day and annual tickets are valid on all services.
The Cinderella boat Cinderella II out in the archipelago on a sunny day
Fast

The Cinderella boats from Strandvägen

The Cinderella boats depart from Strandvägen, berth 14, and stop at Nacka Strand, Vaxholm, Grinda and Sandhamn, among others. The 2026 season runs from 30 April to 27 September. A ticket guarantees you a place on board, but not a specific seat.

CompareWaxholmsbolagetStrömma & Cinderella
ServiceAll year30 April–27 September 2026
Departs fromStrömkajen and Stavsnäs vinterhamn, among othersStrandvägen, berth 14
TicketZone fares SEK 61–186, no seat bookingFrom SEK 190, booked online in advance
SL ticketValid between 44 piers all yearNot valid

Shortcut via Stavsnäs vinterhamn

To Sandhamn you can take the bus part of the way:

  • Stavsnäs vinterhamn

    1. SlussenSL bus 433
    2. Stavsnäs vinterhamnWaxholmsbolaget
    3. Sandhamn

    Bus 433 from Slussen to Stavsnäs vinterhamn takes about 50 minutes, and the boat to Sandhamn just over an hour.

Raise the semaphore: how to signal the boat

Many piers are request stops – the boat only stops if someone is getting off or has signalled from the shore.

  1. 1Find the semaphoreAt the end of the pier there is a round, folding sign.
  2. 2Raise itFold it up into the vertical position and point it towards the boat – that way the crew can see someone wants to board.
  3. 3In darkness or fogSignal the boat with a light, for example a torch, and stand where you can be seen on the pier.
  4. 4Fold it down againFold the semaphore down when you board. The boat only stops at the pier when someone has signalled from the shore.

Schematic – how the semaphore works, not exactly how it looks at every jetty.

Before heading home

Secure your journey home and avoid getting stranded

Three things to check before the journey home:

  • Plan with a marginKnow when the last boat home leaves, and expect it to be full on a sunny summer day.
  • Check the pier nameSeveral islands have more than one pier – for example Grinda Södra and Grinda Norra, and Utö with Gruvbryggan, Näsudden and Spränga.
  • Say where you're getting offTell the crew which pier you're going to – otherwise the boat may pass it.
Waiting room at Ramsmora pier on Möja on a winter day

Stockholm archipelago day trip budget – what does it cost?

An adult single on Waxholmsbolaget costs SEK 61–186 depending on distance, and the 5-day ticket SEK 595. The Cinderella boats cost from SEK 190 each way – for example Grinda SEK 235 and Sandhamn SEK 255 (2026).

A Stockholm archipelago day trip can be tailored completely to your budget. Here the costs of boat travel, food and activities are broken down so you can plan your day easily.

Boat travel and transport costs

Prices depend on the operator and the distance:

How the boat trip is priced

  • WaxholmsbolagetSEK 61–186Zone fare for an adult single ticket, six fare levels by distance. The ticket is valid for 180 minutes.
  • 5-day ticketSEK 595 · 5 daysUnlimited travel on all Waxholmsbolaget services for five days. Not available at a reduced price.
  • Strömma / Cinderella boatsFrom SEK 190Fixed price per route – for example Grinda SEK 235 and Sandhamn SEK 255 (2026).
  • SL ticketBetween 44 piersValid all year on Waxholmsbolaget's boats between Strömkajen and Vaxholm and the surrounding area.

Food and drink: picnic versus archipelago restaurant

  • Your own packed lunchSEKSEKSEK

    Best value

    The best-value option. Bring a packed lunch, coffee and water from the city and settle down on the rocks.

  • Cafés and bakeriesSEKSEKSEK

    Lighter lunch

    Coffee and fika – for example Café Eldrimner on Birka or the café on Grinda in summer.

  • Classic archipelago restaurant and innSEKSEKSEK

    The full experience

    For example Grinda Wärdshus, Sandhamns Värdshus or Restaurang Rökeriet on Fjäderholmarna. Check the opening hours – several are only open in season.

Activities and equipment hire

Spending time in nature is free, but some activities and attractions charge a fee:

  • FreeNature, hiking and swimming from the rocksThe nature itself, the hiking and swimming from the rocks are completely free.
  • HireKayak and SUP hireFor example at the harbour office on Grinda.
  • AdmissionMuseumsFor example the Birka museum, which is included in Strömma's ticket from Klara Mälarstrand.

Three example day budgets per person

Three set-ups built from the options above. The total is added once prices have been checked.

  • Day budget

    Picnic and rock swimming

    SEKSEKSEK

    • BoatWaxholmsbolaget, single or return ticket
    • FoodYour own packed lunch
    • ActivityHiking and rock swimming (free)

    Total / person

    Price being checked

  • Day budget

    Café and museum

    SEKSEKSEK

    • BoatWaxholmsbolaget or Båtluffarkortet (5-day ticket)
    • FoodCafé or bakery
    • ActivityA museum, for example Birka

    Total / person

    Price being checked

  • Day budget

    Restaurant and express boat

    SEKSEKSEK

    • BoatStrömma / Cinderella boats
    • FoodArchipelago restaurant or inn
    • ActivityKayak or SUP hire

    Total / person

    Price being checked

The best time for a day trip in the Stockholm archipelago

The Cinderella boats run from 30 April to 27 September 2026, and Fjäderholmarna's seasonal businesses are open until 13 September. In the low season, 14 September–29 April, SL's 30-day, 90-day and annual tickets are valid on all Waxholmsbolaget services.

The Stockholm archipelago changes character with the seasons. A good archipelago day trip from Stockholm is largely about timing the right season for what you want to experience – from lively summer days with swimming to crisp autumn walks and quiet winter landscapes.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecThe yearin the archipelago

  • High summer

    Mid-June – August

    In summer there's the most on offer:

  • Shoulder season

    May–June · September–October

    In spring and autumn there's less on offer:

  • Winter and early spring

    November – April

    In winter there's the least on offer:

High summer (mid-June to August): swimming, busy boats and open restaurants

On the boatMost boatsThe Cinderella boats run from 30 April to 27 September 2026, and in summer Waxholmsbolaget also runs to Sandhamn from Strömkajen.
The experienceOpen for the seasonCafé Eldrimner on Birka is open 22 June–9 August 2026, and Grinda's café is open in summer.
Food and servicesRestaurantsThe restaurant at Sandhamns Värdshus is open every day from mid-June to mid-September.

Shoulder season (May–June and September–October): fresh air and quiet trails

On the boatSeason start and endStrömma runs to Fjäderholmarna from 1 May, and the Cinderella boats stop on 27 September (2026).
The experienceThe islands closeFjäderholmarna is open for the season until 13 September.
Food and servicesWeekendsOutside summer, the restaurant at Sandhamns Värdshus is mainly open at weekends.

Winter and early spring (November to April): icy expanses and crackling fires

On the boatWaxholmsbolagetServices all year, via Stavsnäs to Sandhamn. Ice can affect services.
The experienceSL ticketFrom 14 September to 29 April, SL's 30-day, 90-day and annual tickets are valid on all Waxholmsbolaget services.
Food and servicesAll yearThe pub at Sandhamns Värdshus is open all year. Birka is closed from November to April.

Outside high season

Seasonal timetables: check the schedule carefully outside high season

When you plan a trip in spring, autumn or winter, you need to be extra careful with the logistics:

  • Fewer departuresTimetables vary with the season – check the departures and the last boat home.
  • Closed on the islandSeveral restaurants, cafés and museums are only open in season. Bring your own packed lunch outside summer.
  • Check on the daySee Waxholmsbolaget's service updates for delays and changes.
The archipelago steamer S/S Waxholm in the ice on a clear winter day

Checklist and golden rules for a Stockholm archipelago day trip

Dogs must be kept on a lead in the countryside from 1 March to 20 August, and in the Grinda and Björnö nature reserves they must never be off the lead.

Getting the most out of a Stockholm archipelago day trip takes a little forward planning. Out on the islands the margins are smaller than in the city, and the archipelago makes its own demands. Here are the most important rules and packing tips for a trouble-free day on the water.

Pack before you go

  • Windproof jacket
  • Extra base layer
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Cap
  • Sturdy trainers or hiking shoes
  • Fully charged power bank
  • Bank card or Swish

Plan the journey home with a margin

Don't plan the journey home too tightly.

A margin

Aiming for an earlier boat gives you a buffer if a departure is full or delayed.

Missed the last boat

Then you're left arranging a water taxi or accommodation on the island.

Know when the last boat leaves: Check the last departure home when you arrive.

Clothing for sea winds and sudden weather changes

Out by the sea it's windier than in the city.

Layer up: Always have a windproof jacket and an extra base layer in your backpack.

Sun protection and a cap: UV radiation is strongly amplified when it reflects off the water and the pale rocks. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.

Footwear: sturdy soles, not flip-flops

Do: Choose sturdy trainers or light hiking shoes with good rubber grip.
Don't: Leave flip-flops, flat-soled sandals and smarter fabric shoes at home.

On the islands you often walk on rocks, roots and gravel paths.

Payment and phone

  • CashlessWaxholmsbolaget's boats don't take cash, and places such as Artipelag and Hellasgården are cashless. Bring a card or Swish.
  • BatteryCharge your phone – you'll need it for app tickets and timetables.

Nature reserve rules

Do: Only light fires at designated places – that's the regulation in Grinda and Björnö nature reserves, among others.
Don't: Don't camp outside designated places in reserves where it's prohibited.

Several of the islands are nature reserves with their own regulations, for example Grinda and Björnö:

  • LitterTake your litter home.
  • DogsIn Grinda and Björnö nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a lead. Elsewhere in nature, dogs must be on a lead from 1 March to 20 August.

Frequently asked questions

5 questions

01

Can you visit several islands on the same day trip?

Yes, if the timetable allows. Waxholmsbolaget's boats to Grinda go from Strömkajen via Vaxholm, so you can combine Vaxholm and Grinda. Check the departures in advance.

02

Do you need to book tickets for the archipelago boats in advance?

Waxholmsbolaget: You can't book a place – you just board. Cinderella boats: Booking online guarantees a place on board but not a specific seat, and if a departure sells out online, no tickets are sold on board.

03

What happens if you miss the last boat home?

Then you're left arranging a water taxi or accommodation on the island. Plan the journey home with a margin.

04

Can you bring a dog on the boat and to the islands?

Dogs travel free on Waxholmsbolaget's boats and must be on a lead on board – signs show where pets are allowed. On the Cinderella boats, pets aren't allowed in the cafeteria. In nature reserves such as Grinda and Björnö, dogs must be kept on a lead.

05

Which island in the Stockholm archipelago is best if you only have 3–4 hours?

Fjäderholmarna – Strömma states 30 minutes from Strandvägen, and Fjäderholmslinjen runs from Slussen. The island has restaurants and craft studios during the summer season.

Combine with

Sources

Details checked against these sources in September 2026.

The facts on this page are based on these sources. Under each one you can see which details we took from it. Opening times, prices and departures change – always check with the source before you go.

  1. Cinderella boats – timetables and travel times
  2. Strömma: Fjäderholmarnadeparts from Strandvägen berth area 13 and Nacka Strand, 30 min
  3. County Administrative Board of Stockholm: Archipelago facts – graphic maps 2019 · in Swedishapprox. 30,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago
  4. Waxholmsbolaget: 5-day ticket / island-hopping ticket · in Swedishadult SEK 595, no reduced price
  5. SL timetable bus 670 Tekniska högskolan–Vaxholm · in Swedishvalid 17 August–12 December 2026
  6. Waxholmsbolaget: Destination Utö · in Swedishpiers Gruvbryggan/Näsudden/Spränga, services from Årsta brygga
  7. Waxholmsbolaget: timetable 21 Utö–Årsta brygga · in SwedishÅrsta–Spränga approx. 15 min; Gruvbryggan and Näsudden without fixed departure times; valid 2/4–18/6 and 17/8–12/12 2026
  8. Archipelago Foundation: Grinda · in Swedishmiddle archipelago; café in summer; Grinda lantbruk
  9. County Administrative Board of Stockholm: Grinda nature reserve · in Swedishchild-friendly swimming; rules on dogs, fires and camping
  10. Strömma: FAQ about the Cinderella boatsberth 14; stops; season 30 April–27 September 2026; a place but not a seat
  11. The Archipelago Foundation: Utö · in Swedishboats all year via Årsta brygga, bus from Västerhaninge, summer boats from Stockholm; bike hire; the Mining Village with iron mining since the Middle Ages and Sweden's oldest preserved windmill; Rävstavik, Barnens bad, Ålö Storsand