Stockholm Archipelago

Stretching eastwards from Stockholm into the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm Archipelago is a remarkable landscape of around 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. From larger, forested islands with little villages and harbours to tiny rocky outcrops barely above the water, there is always something new around the next headland. It is a wonderful place to explore under sail, with sheltered channels, open stretches of water and countless places to drop anchor or come ashore.

Island Hopping, Swedish Style

Life in the Stockholm Archipelago moves at a gentler pace. Summer is the time to make the most of the long days, swimming from the rocks, exploring wooded paths, visiting small island communities and enjoying a meal beside the water. Many islands are accessible only by boat, making a traditional sailing vessel a particularly lovely way to discover this part of Sweden.

There is a strong Swedish tradition of spending the summer outdoors, and the archipelago is at the heart of it. Whether you’re helping sail the boat, relaxing on deck or going ashore to explore, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the best of Scandinavian summer life.

A Sailor’s Playground

The archipelago offers wonderfully varied sailing. Its thousands of islands create a network of channels and passages, with sheltered waters for relaxed sailing and more open stretches where you can really get the sails working. Navigating between the islands is part of the pleasure, with changing views, rocky shorelines, wooded hills and little harbours around every corner.

For anyone who enjoys being involved in sailing, this is a particularly rewarding destination. You can get hands-on with the sails and the ropes, learn from the crew and experience the satisfaction of making progress through this intricate island landscape.

Rock Moorings and Quiet Anchorages

Every voyage in the Stockholm Archipelago is different, thanks to it’s 30,000+ granite islands, each with their own unique character. Typically our ships visits marinas on one or two nights, where guests can shower and the crew can replenish water and provisions. However, much of the time is spent in secluded natural harbours.

With no discernible tidal hight changes to contend with, ships can be held securely to the very islands themselves, using Swedish mooring techniques. This traditional approach, tying lines to tree trunks and rocks, not only provides secure mooring but also an authentic sailing experience.

Some of the 1000’s of potential stops might include:
Möja-Ramsmora: Discover the museum of artist Roland Svensson and swim in the island’s peaceful lake.
Arholma: This larger island, with its permanent population, offers a glimpse into archipelago life and hosts Arholma-Nord, a preserved Cold War-era fortress.
Sandhamn: Once a pilots’ station, now a modern marina, Sandhamn is unique for its sandy landscape amidst the rocky archipelago.
Svenska Högarna: This remote island marks the outermost point of our journey, boasting a lighthouse and dramatic seascapes.

The archipelago is also home to a rich variety of wildlife and coastal habitats. Seabirds, rocky shores and pine-covered islands provide a constantly changing backdrop, while the sheltered waters make for some wonderfully peaceful evenings at anchor.

Stockholm – City and Sea

The archipelago begins almost at the edge of Stockholm itself, where the city gradually gives way to islands, woodland and open water. Depending on your voyage, there may be an opportunity to experience the Swedish capital before or after sailing, combining a city visit with time spent exploring one of the Baltic’s most beautiful cruising grounds.