Stockholm's archipelago spreads out from the city in a scatter of tens of thousands of islands, and Vaxholm is the gateway. It is a small town of turn-of-the-century wooden houses painted in pastel tones, with cafes, restaurants and shops along a harbour that looks across to Vaxholm Fortress on its own islet. Visit Stockholm notes that the town is easily accessible all year, by Waxholmsbolaget boat or by public bus, and the boat is the better choice: the commuter ferries leave from the city centre and thread between islands and summer houses, so the journey is half the point. In summer you can paddle, swim and island-hop further; in the darker months the town is quiet, the light is soft, and the Waxholm Hotel serves a traditional Christmas buffet in season. It is a simple, inexpensive day out that shows a side of Stockholm the museums cannot.
Getting there: check the Waxholmsbolaget timetable, as winter sailings are fewer. Buses also run from the city, and are covered by the Stockholm public transport fare. Many visitors go out by boat and return by bus.
What to do: walk the harbour and the lanes of wooden houses, take the short ferry to the fortress in season, and eat smoked fish or a waterfront lunch. In summer, continue further into the archipelago.
When to go: summer is the classic season, but a clear winter day with low sun on the water is beautiful. Dress warmly for the deck.
What to expect
The experience
A ferry or bus ride to a small archipelago town of wooden houses, with a harbour, cafes and a fortress across the water.
Best time
Summer for the full archipelago experience; a clear winter day for quiet and low light.
How long
Half a day, a full day with lunch and a slow return.
Tips
Check the winter timetable, sit on deck if you can bear the cold, and go out by boat and back by bus.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see Stockholm's islands without a big expedition.
- Families
- An easy, inexpensive boat trip with space to roam at the other end.
- Couples
- A slow ferry ride and a harbour lunch.
- Pair with
- A morning on Djurgården, or Skansen for more of traditional Sweden.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Can you visit Vaxholm in winter?+
Yes, it is accessible year-round by boat and bus, though winter sailings are less frequent.
How do I get to Vaxholm from Stockholm?+
By Waxholmsbolaget boat from the city centre or by public bus; check current timetables.
What is there to do in Vaxholm?+
Walk the harbour and wooden-house lanes, see the fortress, eat by the water and, in summer, paddle or swim.
Is Vaxholm part of the archipelago?+
Yes, it is the best-known gateway town to the Stockholm archipelago.
Is a day trip enough?+
For Vaxholm, yes; for the outer archipelago, consider an overnight in summer.