Questions and answers

Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a hiking trail through the Stockholm archipelago. The trail is approximately 260 km long and consists of around 20 stages on different islands. The trail is sometimes abbreviated as SAT.

These islands with trail sections are located in the following municipalities: Norrtälje, Österåker, Värmdö, Haninge, and Nynäshamn.

You can reach all sections using the public boat network, with departures from the above-mentioned municipalities as well as Stockholm, Vaxholm, Nacka, and Tyresö.

Currently, trail sections exist on the following islands: Arholma, Lidö, Furusund, Yxlan, Finnhamn, Ingmarsö, Brottö, Svartsö, Möja, Grinda, Sandhamn, Runmarö, Nämdö, Fjärdlång, Ornö, Utö, Ålö, Rånö, Nåttarö, and Landsort.

All trail sections are marked with yellow/blue signage, except for Furusund and Yxlan, where you will need to use the interactive map available on each section’s webpage.

Getting to the Trail by Ferry

Here are departure points for ferries to trail sections:

• From Norrtälje: Simpnäs (Arholma), Räfsnäs (Lidö)
• From Furusund: Car ferry to Yxlan
• From Åsättra: Svartsö, Brottö, Finnhamn, Ingmarsö
• From Stockholm & Vaxholm: Grinda, Sandhamn, Möja, Svartsö, Brottö, Ingmarsö, Finnhamn, Furusund, Yxlan, Lidö and Arholma.
• From Stavsnäs: Runmarö, Sandhamn, Nämdö
• From Dalarö: Ornö, Fjärdlång
• From Nynäshamn: Nåttarö, Rånö, Ålö, Landsort

The North-South Line

From late June to mid-August, the North-South Line operates.

• This ferry connects all islands on the Stockholm Archipelago Trail twice per day.
• The route runs from Norrtälje to Sandhamn, where it meets a southbound ferry from Nynäshamn.

Archipelago Transport: Island-Hopping Boat Ticket

You can buy a Boat Hopping Pass on Waxholmsbolaget’s ferries, allowing unlimited travel within set periods.

Water & Toilets Along the Trail

Each ssection page includes a step-by-step guide indicating:

• Water refill stations
• Toilet locations

Tips:

• Carry at least 2 liters of water from the start to avoid refilling.
• If you must relieve yourself in nature, follow these guidelines:
  • Go away from the trail and buildings.
  • Dig a small hole (cover it afterward) or create a rock pile.
  • Carry used toilet paper/wet wipes in a plastic bag and dispose of them in mainland trash bins.
• If you buy something at a café or restaurant, you can use their toilet.
• Do not use private water sources or toilets without permission.

Waste Disposal in the Archipelago

• Carry your trash back to the mainland and dispose of it there.
• Waste management is difficult and costly on the islands.
• If necessary, use public waste stations in boat harbors.
• Do not throw trash in private waste bins (green ones).
• Never leave anything in nature!

Start & End Points of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail

Each section is independent, meaning you can choose the order in which you hike.

• To hike the entire trail, start at either Landsort or Arholma.
• The easiest time to do this is mid-summer when the North-South Line ferries operate.
• This ferry service runs from the week before Midsummer until mid-August.
• To minimize impact on the islands, we recommend hiking before Midsummer or after August 5.

Packing for the Stockholm Archipelago Trail

You can hike the Stockholm Archipelago Trail with a daypack containing:

• Extra clothing for warmth
• Rain gear
• Some food and drinks

Most islands have:

• Hotels, hostels, or similar accommodations
• Restaurants, cafés, or grocery stores

You can mix camping with other accommodation options.
Pack according to weather conditions and your ability—avoid carrying too much.

Camping in the Archipelago

Many islands are nature reserves. You will find this information on each section page under “About” the island.

• In nature reserves, there are stricter regulations on camping.
• Generally, one-night camping is allowed as long as it does not disturb people or wildlife.
• Check the local nature reserve regulations for each island. These are found as you enter the reserve.
• Some islands have designated campsites where you can pitch your tent.
• There are no campsites on Sandhamn, Svartsö, Ornö, and Brottö.

Fire Safety in the Archipelago

The archipelago is extremely vulnerable to fire. The forests are dry, and the wind is often strong. There are no fire services on the islands, so a fire can quickly turn into a disaster.

• You must only make fires at designated fire pits.
• These fire pits are for cooking, not for large bonfires.
• Use extreme caution, keep water nearby, and fully extinguish the fire.
• Never make fires in the terrain, on rocks, or on beaches.
• Leave the fire pit in the condition you would like to find it.

Multi-Day Hikes – Five Suggested 4-Day Routes

Below are five suggestions for four-day hikes that can be combined into longer treks.

Option 1

• Day 1 – Stockholm / Vaxholm to Grinda
• Day 2 – Grinda to Svartsö
• Day 3 – Svartsö to Ingmarsö to Finnhamn via rowing boats
• Day 4 – Finnhamn to Möja to Stockholm / Vaxholm

Option 2

• Day 1 – Stockholm / Vaxholm to Möja
• Day 2 – Möja to Sandhamn
• Day 3 – Sandhamn to Runmarö to Idöborg
• Day 4 – Idöborg to Nämdö to Stavsnäs / Stockholm

Option 3

• Day 1 – Stockholm / Norrtälje to Arholma
• Day 2 – Arholma to Lidö
• Day 3 – Lidö to Furusund
• Day 4 – Furusund to Yxlan or Finnhamn to Vaxholm / Stockholm

Option 4

• Day 1 – Stockholm / Årsta Brygga to Utö
• Day 2 – Utö to Ålö to Rånö or Nåttarö
• Day 3 – Nåttarö to Nynäshamn to Ankarudden to Landsort
• Day 4 – Landsort to Nynäshamn / Stockholm

Option 5

• Day 1 – Stockholm / Dalarö to Ornö
• Day 2 – Ornö (full day)
• Day 3 – Ornö to Fjärdlång
• Day 4 – Fjärdlång to Utö to Årsta Brygga / Stockholm

Mega Hike – A Month of Hiking in the Stockholm Region

If you want to hike for a month in the Stockholm region, you can take on the Mega Hike.

You connect Stockholm City with Norrtälje via the Roslagsleden Trail, then continue on the Stockholm Archipelago Trail down to Nynäshamn and Landsort before returning to Stockholm via the Sörmlandsleden Trail from Nynäshamn.

This results in over 500 km of fantastic hiking through diverse environments.

If you contact info@traveloccas.se, they can put together a hiking package for you.
We can also assist with different solutions.

Most people in Sweden speak excellent English. If this does not work use google translate or similar and have a great conversation with the locals.