Stockholm Archipelago Cruise

Fjäderholmarna, a small series of islands, is so near to the city center that inclement weather is the only acceptable reason to skip it. If you want to take a short half-day journey into the archipelago without spending a lot of money or venturing too far from the city center, Fjäderholmarna is ideal because it's so simple to get to from Strömkajen (only 30 minutes by ferry).

Vaxholm is known as the gateway to Stockholm’s archipelago – it’s relatively close to the city center and is connected to the mainland by a bridge, but it’s also the first stop for most ferries heading further out into the archipelago. To get there from Strömkajen in central Stockholm, take a Waxholmsbolaget ferry. A one-way journey costs 97 SEK and takes between one hour and 90 minutes, depending on what time of day you leave.

People travel from all over the city on the weekends to Grinda, frequently referred to as the bathing paradise of Stockholm, to enjoy the summer sun, swim, and relax. While the more costly Cinderella boat from Strandvägen takes around 80 minutes longer, the Waxholmsbolaget ferry to Grinda costs about 116 SEK and travels there in about two hours and 20 minutes. Since it will take an additional 30 minutes to go to Norra bryggan, it makes sense to get off at Södra (south) Grinda (the northern boat dock).

The Waxholmsbolaget boats from Strömkajen may take you to Svartsö as well; it's approximately 30 minutes past Grinda. It costs about 143 SEK to travel one way. Although Svartsö is one of the bigger islands in the archipelago and has a sizable settlement of its own, there are only about 100 year-round residents. This makes the uninhabited, distant island a fantastic location to visit and spend some quiet time in nature.

The lovely island of Ingmarsö, which is just outside Svartsö, is a refuge for trekkers. It's a terrific location for hiking, swimming, fishing, or just taking in the tranquil natural surroundings because it has unspoiled woodlands, secluded lakes, marshlands, and sandy bays.While the Cinderella boat travels to Ingmarsö in approximately two hours and costs around 180 SEK each trip, the Waxholmsbolaget ferry takes about three and a half hours and costs about 173 SEK. Although there are just 150 people living on the island, it is well-maintained, includes hiking paths, and offers simple tourist amenities including a bakery, a café, and a few tiny businesses.

The Cinderella cruise line departs from the docks at Strandvägen to take you to Sandön, the location on this list that is the furthest from Stockholm. The excursion must be scheduled in advance on their website and lasts for 2 hours, and 15 minutes. About 340 SEK gets you a round-trip ticket. The time and money spent travelling to Sandön are well worth it because it is a stunning location.