Stockholm Archipelago Walking Holiday in Spring and Autumn

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Day 1: Arrive Stockholm

Arrive in Stockholm and enjoy some free time to explore this picturesque city, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its location on 14 islands and its infinite presence of water. Stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town. Alternatively, visit the vibrant Söder neighbourhood. For those of you keen to start hiking, we can offer you an optional self guided hiking tour of Djurgården island, or Stockholm’s unique Ekopark – the world’s first National Park to be located within a bustling city, a 27 sq. km green oasis.

• Accommodation: Hellstens Malmgård Hotel, Hellsten, Hellsten Glashus, Rex Hotel or a similar 3/4-star hotel

Day 2: Stockholm to Dalarö | 4-10km

Today your walk starts on your doorstep. It takes you on a historical and picturesque tour of Stockholm’s southern island, Södermalm. Explore the district’s narrow cobblestone alleys, timber cottages dating back to the 1600s, and grand churches. Take in the stunning views across lake Mälaren towards the old town, city hall and Djurgården. Then take the late afternoon boat from central Stockholm to the idyllic village of Dalarö, passing houses of the rich and famous lining the shore as you leave Stockholm and then into a unique landscape of pine-covered islands as you weave your way through this archipelago of thousands of islands. Dalarö is your first taste of archipelago village life, as the village starts to enjoy its first guests in the spring months and wind down after a busy summer in the autumn months. 

• Walking for the day: 4-10km
• Accommodation: a charming cottage in Dalarö, see examples here, here and here

Day 3: Fjärdlång Island | 7-12km

This morning you can explore the picturesque village of Dalarö, with its narrow streets of colourful wooden houses, before taking the boat out to Fjärdlång island. Despite being on the edge of bustling Stockholm, Fjärdlång could not be more remote and the whole island has been declared a nature reserve. Marked footpaths wind their way through the island’s woodland so you can spend the day hiking around the island. Don’t miss a trip to the island’s highest point, Tysta Klint, where you can admire the spectacular views over the archipelago. There is also the chance to island-hop to Kymmendö on either your way to Fjärdlång or way back to Dalarö, where August Strindberg spent many summers and got the inspiration for his novel Hemsöborna.

• Walking for the day: 7-12km
• Accommodation: a charming cottage in Dalarö, see examples here, here and here

Day 4: Ornö Island | 12-15km

This morning you take the ferry over to Ornö, and then a connecting bus takes you the short way to the start of your hike around Mane Äng. Ornö is the largest island in the southern archipelago that remains today an island with a living community yet to be discovered by large-scale tourism. Your hike takes you through the nature reserve, passing forests, open landscapes and coastal scenery. You can also take advantage of the island’s pod taxi to take you to the start of the walk up to Ornö’s viewpoint on Telegrafberget, the southern archipelago’s highest point. You then take the boat from Ornö Kyrka, Ornö’s small village with its picturesque church and waterside cafe, back to Dalarö. If you missed it on the previous day, in the autumn, you have the choice of visiting Huvudskär, an island boasting a stunning location in the outer reaches of the archipelago.

• Walking for the day: 12-15km (optional)
• Accommodation: a charming cottage in Dalarö, see examples here, here and here

Day 5: Gålö Peninsula, Årsta and Utö Island | 5-12km

Today a taxi transfers you to Skälåker on Gålö peninsula where there is a spectacular loop walk passing through changing scenery of woodland and coast with views at every turn. Your hike ends at a beautiful sandy beach, the perfect place to rest your weary feet. Enjoy the scenery and calmness until the taxi collects you and takes you to the jetty at Årsta Brygga, where you meet the boat that takes you to the holiday island of Utö (30min).

• Walking for the day: 5-12km
• Accommodation: Utö Värdshus or similar

Day 6: Utö Island / Stockholm | 6-12km

Enjoy the calmer pace that Utö offers in the spring and autumn seasons and walk the loop in the nature reserve around the northern end of the island, stopping to enjoy the smooth waterside rocks, white sandy beaches and breathe the fresh, pure archipelago air. The small village of Gruvbyn also has something to offer with its mine, museum and windmill high up on the hilltop. Shops and restaurants give it a friendly atmosphere, even off high summer season. You then say farewell to the islands and catch your late afternoon boat back to the mainland. You then take the connecting bus and train back to Stockholm.

• Walking for the day: 6-12km
• Accommodation: Hellstens Malmgård Hotel, Hellsten, Hellsten Glashus, Rex Hotel or a similar 3/4-star hotel

Day 7: Departure

Departure after breakfast.

Click to view default hotels/cottages

• Days 1 and 6 – Stockholm:

Hotel Hellstens Malmgård 3*- Located in a calm part of Stockholm’s southern district Södermalm, this 18th century hotel features quiet and individually decorated rooms filled with period furniture.

Hotel Hellsten 4*- This centrally located hotel, is a hotel with a difference. Every room has its own unique atmosphere, filled with stylish designs and daring colours.

Glashus Hotel – Located in the heart of lively Söder region of Stockholm, this newly opened hotel boasts exciting architecture and plenty of charm. Glashus, as with all Hellsten hotels, offers an exciting environment and daring colours.

Hotel Rex 3*- Located right in the city centre, this boutique hotel offers a very homely feeling. The owner’s varying artistic and international background is reflected in the
design of the hotel, its vision and the permanent exhibition of black and white photos.

• Days 2, 3 and 4 – Dalarö: a characterful cottage

We use a selection of centrally located cottages with modern standard. All are within walking distance of Dalarö’s restaurants and the boat harbour. The cottage chosen depends on availability and personal preferences. See examples here, here and here

• Day 5 – Utö Island:

Utö Värdshus – Utö Värdshus is located minutes from the village and harbour perched high on a hill with wonderful views over the islands in the southern archipelago. Rooms are either located in the historical building or in cosy wooden cabins. A nice restaurant can be found at the Inn – one of the archipelago’s best!

*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.