The Island hopping guide
Island hopping - a way to discover the archipelago without your own boat
Many of those who are island hopping choose to buy the Båtluffarkort (the Island hopper card) and make a series of daily excursions during the 5 days that the card is valid. For those who choose to make single trips there are cash tickets available onboard. Others choose to hop around different islands and stay overnight at a hotel, youth hostel, camping site or at one of the many bed & breakfast that can be found in the archipelago. Waxholmsbolagets Island hopping map can come in very handy when you are planning your travels. We have divided the archipelago into three basic island hopping routes: the northern, the middle and the southern island hopping trails. Waxholmsbolaget's timetables are also divided into these three areas.
Along each route there is much to see and experience. Information on where to stay, useful phonenumbers and so on can be found in the brochures that are available in our terminals, Sverige Huset or at the archipelago tourist centers.
The whole archipelago or just parts of it
Anyone of the three routes contain enough to fill a whole week of vacation, especially if you make detours from the route. If you want to travel a bit further through the archipelago and switch between the different island hopping routes, Vaxholm is a convient intersection between the northern and middle routes. Changing between the southern and middle route is done easiest in Stockholm. If you don't want to go all the way into Stockholm you can change boats on the small island of Kalvholmen, right on the border of Jungfrufjärden and Nämdöfjärden and make your way further north via Nämdö, Stavsnäs and Sandhamn. The route Nynäshamn - Arholma is approximately 150 kilometers as the bird flies.
If you wish to experience the archipelago from the north to south in it's whole you have to spend the night at a few places to be able to match the boats departures and arrivals to and from Stockholm. There are no signs that indicates the end-points of the routes. It has happened that island hoppers has travelled off in the wrong direction outside the routes. If you're uncertain ask the crew onboard. A few islands like Grinda, Svartsö, and Ingmarsö have landing places on both the northern and southern parts of the island which are served by different boat lines. It's important to pay extra close attention at these places. For instance, Svartsö dock can be found on the northern part of Svartsö and is served buy one boat line. Suggested tours and information on where to change boats are made at the start of each season. These route suggestions can be found where the island hopping card is sold.
Island hopping routes and rowing boats
Along the middle island hopping route there is the possibility to hop a little more adventurously and do exciting route combinations by using the island hopping routes own rowing boats. The rowing boats are placed at a couple of strategic places at sounds. This is for you to be able to row across to the island on the opposite side where you can change to another boat route. One who has a island hopping card can borrow the rowing boats free of charge on the condition that you row over and then tow the other rowing boat back so that no side is left without a boat. The rowing boats have been made available by the Archipelago Foundation (Skärgårdsstiftelsen). Your archipelago (Din skärgård) and the public recreation offices of Värmdö and Österåker.
The island hopping hiking routes
On some of the islands smaller trails and paths connect the boat hopping routes. Some of the islands have special island maps. For an example there are hiking chapters on Utö, Nämdö, Gällnö, Möja, Svartsö, Finnhamn and Ingmarsö. In a few places the trails have been marked with special signs.
Some useful tips
The chances of catching some sun is usually greater in the archipelago than on the mainland. But always bring a rain coat and a warm sweater. You should keep in mind that during the spring and early summer months it can get a little bit cool in the archipelago since that water hasn't had time to warm up quite just yet. The raincoat is also a great wind protector if you want to sit out on deck during your trip. Mosquito repellent, sun block and tweezers in case you get ticks are also great to bring. If you don't have a cell phone a phone card can come in handy. Don't forget to let relatives know where you are. There is often a lack of drinking water on the islands. Bring water bottles if you are going boat hopping. Bring a camping kitchen since lighting a fire is not to recommend in the archipelago and further more it's mostly prohibited.
Shopping for food supplies in the archipelago
There are grocers called Skärgårdhandlarna in the archipelago and by shopping there you support the local dealers and help the inhabitants of the archipelago in their effort to keep their stores open. There is often access to locally grown produce. Many of the grocers even have their own bicycle renting businesses and also bed & breakfasts. You can find information about the Skärgårdshandlarna in all places where båtluffarkortet (island hopping card) is sold.
Hotels, youth hostel and boarding houses
In the brochures that follows with the island hopping card you can find various tips on accommodations. Keep in mind to book your room before you plan your trip in detail. Many of especially the youth hostels are booked full during the summer.
Bed & Breakfast
During the last few years the stayings at bed & breakfast has increased in the archipelago. There is information about where you can book you stay in the brochure Bed & Breakfast in the Stockholm Archipelago. To book, call the host directly.
Camping
There are no officially rated camping grounds on the islands. On Finnhamn, Grinda, Rånö, Nåttarö and Utö there are simple camping grounds. On several of the Archipelago Foundation's nature reserves, there are designated rest areas and camping sites. You can find more information about these sites in Skärgårdsnatur (Archipelago Nature).
Fishing
Stockholm's archipelago offers varied and exciting fishing. Pike, perch, herring and in some areas trout are common to be found. Sometimes also pike-perch and whitefish is caught. On among other islands you can rent rowing boats on Finnhamn, Ingmarsö, Grinda, Gällnö, Rånö and Nåttarö and go for a fishing trip. Fishing in the archipelago is free of charge if fishing with recreational gear. Please note and pay attention to the bird protection areas and never fish closer than 100 meters from professional gear and fish farms. In many places in the archipelago smoked fish is for sale.
Bicycles, canoes, kayaks
Bikes can be rented on approximately 20 islands. Renting is often a better alternative than bringing you own bike, since there oftern is a lack of space onboard the ships. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented and there are suggested rental places in the enclosed brochures.
Island hopping - a form of Ecological Tourism
Island hopping is a small scale for of tourism that is relatively gentle on the archipelago environment. You are travelling with ferries that operates in the area regardless. You shop at the local grocers, eat at the local restaurants and so on. This increases the occupation on the islands which is an absolute condition for a living in the archipelago.
Waxholmsbolaget and the Stockholm's Visitor's Board financially support the environmental project living Archipelago Nature. You contribution is to show consideration towards nature, people and animals and pay special attention to the following:
* Maintain a distance from private houses
* Always close the gate is passing pasture
* Always ask the landowner for permission if you with to camp on a site for more than one day. Camping must be done out of sight of private houses
* Do not make fire on the rocks, they easily crack. There is often a general prohibition for making a fire in the archipelago. You are on the safe side if using a camping kitchen or a camping grill.
* Do not litter. Bring your trash to the designated bins, but do not place them on the ground since animals tear the bags and spread the trash.
* Do not fell trees or break twigs or tree branches
* Only fish using recreational gear and always respect the professional fishermen
* Always show consideration towards animals, especially during spring and early summer when the little ones are small
* Respect the bird protection areas
Welcome to discover the archipelago of Stockholm!