Overview
Close to the charming city of Stockholm lies Sweden’s sprawling southern archipelago of 24,000 islands spreading into the Baltic Sea. After spending a night in Stockholm, head out to the beautiful countryside where the air is pure, the water crystal-clear, the summer daylight endless and the wildlife plentiful. Following easy and well-marked coastal and inland paths, take in numerous nature reserves, countless lakes, secluded sandy beaches, tranquil forests, colourful cottages, and centuries-old regal manor houses and castles.
Note that we can organise this trip only in late May, June, late August and early September. For summer departures, please consider our Sörmland & Stockholm Walking Holiday in Summer.
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Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of charming 3-star hotels and cottages. They have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere, cuisine and/or unique services.
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.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available on the route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. You can have dinner at the hotel you are staying at or at the village restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
The grade is easy to moderate, and the longest day is 12km. Daily walking distances are flexible. The walking is not challenging (3-4 hours per day), but it is an undulating landscape with many hills, and some stretches may be a bit boggy if it has rained recently (read more about difficulty grades). The trail follows well-maintained footpaths, and the trails are waymarked. Comprehensive route notes and maps are supplied. You can also call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
We can organise this trip only in late May, June, late August and early September, on selected Thursdays only. For larger groups, we can arrange departures on other days of the week. If you are a seasoned and well-equipped hiker, we can eventually book you on off-season dates.
For summer departures, please consider our Sörmland & Stockholm Walking Holiday in Summer.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
The closest airports are Stockholm Arlanda and Skavsta, which is 100 km south of Stockholm.
By train or bus
- The Arlanda express train takes you from Arlanda Airport to the city centre in 20 minutes.
- Flygbussarna Airport Coaches run buses from Skavsta Airport to the centre of Stockholm, which takes about 80 minutes.
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nights in 3-star hotels and cottages as listed in the itinerary
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer/storage: Dalarö jetty/Dalarö cottage (Day 2), Skälåker, Gålö (Day 5)
- Boat fare: Stockholm/Dalarö (Day 2), Dalarö/Fjärdlång (Day 3), Fjärdlång/Dalarö (Day 3), Alt: Fjärdlång/Kymmendö (Day 3), Alt: Kymmendö/Dalarö (Day 3), Dalarö/Ornö (Day 4), Ornö/Dalarö (Day 4), Årsta Brygga/Utö (Day 5), Utö/Årsta Brygga (Day 6)
- Car transfers: Stockholm accommodation/Stockholm jetty (Day 2), Ornö Brevik/Ornö Kyrka (Day 4), Dalarö/Skälåker, Gålö (Day 5), Skälåker, Gålö/Årsta Brygga (Day 5), Stockholm central station/Stockholm accommodation (Day 6)
- Bus/train fare: Ornö Hässelmara/Ornö Sundby (Day 4), Ornö Sundby/Ornö Brevik (Day 4), Årsta Brygga/Stockholm (Day 6)
- Detailed journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps (emailed before departure and a hard copy provided at first hotel; one set per room)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room – upon request only (shared cabin with two separate bedrooms in Utö)
- This holiday is NOT available for solo travellers
- Extra nights in Stockholm or Utö are bookable upon request
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