Stockholm Archipelago

Vacations spent in Stockholm resulted in a series of eye-catching photos. In several upcoming posts, I’ll share my impressions of interesting attractions in Sweden’s capital.

Stockholm, inhabited by just under a million people, stretches across 14 charming islands connected by 53 bridges. But if you think that 14 islands within one city are a lot, what would you say about the Stockholm Archipelago? It covers an area of nearly 5,000 square kilometers and, according to various sources, boasts over 30,000 islands and islets. Can you imagine that? It’s truly impressive—thirty thousand islands! What’s more, some of these islands are privately owned. If you have a few million euros to spare, there’s even a chance you could become the owner of your own little island. And if you add a bit more, you could acquire an island with a ready-made house! This information surprised me too—I used to think that private islands were exclusive to distant countries. But here’s the surprise: private islands in the Baltic Sea! Thankfully, it’s not in Poland; otherwise, each of those islands would probably be fenced off with a “beautiful” fence :P

A cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago is an essential part of any vacation in Stockholm. Our little adventure involved a cruise on the S/S Stockholm ship to the town of Vaxholm. Although Vaxholm is a small town, it’s one of the largest in the archipelago and captivated us with its charm. The cruise wasn’t just enjoyable; it provided an excellent opportunity to admire numerous private yachts, motorboats, and other vessels gliding between the islands. We also saw fascinating private homes and apartment buildings lining the Baltic Sea coast. In one of the photos, you’ll even notice an ambulance helicopter. I should also mention our guide, who narrated interesting tidbits about the places we passed during the cruise in both Swedish and English.

When planning a trip to Stockholm, remember: a cruise through the archipelago is a must!

Below, I’ve included photos for you to admire Stockholm and its surroundings from a maritime perspective.

Here comes the link to the website where you can buy tickets for the same cruise we took. And if you decide to embark on this adventure, remember this tip: arrive at the quay early to be at the front of the queue waiting for the cruise. This way, you’ll board the ship as one of the first passengers and secure a spot on the upper, open deck, ensuring unobstructed views.