About the section
The Arholma section is a delight to hike. From the harbor and the cozy country store, the gravel road leads you north, past fields and forests, to the wilder side of the island. There, you will find peaceful spots with expansive views over the Åland Sea, small coves for swimming, and wonderfully winding paths that meander back and forth. Take the time to enjoy the tranquility. The farms along the way are well-maintained, the gardens are beautiful, and you are warmly welcomed everywhere. Stay for a day or two to explore more of the island. Why not visit the battery at Arholma Nord?
How to hike the section?
The trail starts at the pier on Arholma, where you will find the country store, which is worth a visit. We recommend hiking the trail clockwise. This way, you will begin heading north along the gravel road. Just before Arholma Nord, you turn right onto a forest path heading east, unless you’re planning to visit the battery at Arholma Nord.
Once you have entered the forest, the trail leads you east, then north, until you reach the sea, where you can enjoy the view. From there, the trail heads south along the eastern coast, offering magical spots to pause. Here, the trail becomes a bit more technical. From the memorial grove and further south, you are back on a gravel road. You can either follow this road to the pier at Granö or head north past Bull-August and the church to Båken. Take in the view before passing by the summer restaurant and returning to the harbor. A delightful hike awaits you.
The Arholma and Lidö sections complement each other beautifully.
Trail Markings
Follow the trail marked with ribbons and arrows where blue represents the sea, the yellow represents the sun, and a reflecting center line represents the shimmering horizon. This also makes the trail visible in the light of a headlamp.
The marking of the trail is done in one direction, either clockwise or anti-clockwise according to “How to hike the section?”. Where it is obvious where you should walk the marking is sporadic, where it is unclear or at intersections the marking is much closer together. If you do not see a marking continue straight on the path you are on or check out your position in the digital map.
Accessibility on the trail
On Arholma, there are several sections where you can get around with a stroller, with a wheelchair, or if you have limited mobility. From the pier on Arholma, you can follow the gravel road up to Arholma Nord. You can also head south on gravel roads, either to Granö or eastward to the memorial grove, passing by the beautiful Bull-August along the way.
Frequent questions about Arholma?
Batteri Arholma was a top-secret defense installation built inside the mountain at Arholma Nord. It was completed in 1968. Today, you can visit it on a guided tour and experience something truly unique.
Book your guided tour here.
There is a beautiful campsite just north of the ferry quay. Here, you can enjoy the evening sun and a swim. It is a short walk along the gravel road heading north.
About Arholma
Arholma is one of the most well-known islands in the Stockholm archipelago, situated as an outpost in the northern part with an expansive view over the Åland Sea. Located in Norrtälje municipality, it was here that the Russian raids began in 1719 due to its strategic location. For the same reason, the Arholma Battery was built during the Cold War to protect the northern approach to Stockholm. In the 19th century, the island was known for shipbuilding, which led to the development of large farms and profitable agriculture.
Today, Arholma is a destination offering great food, various accommodation options, and many activities. The nature is rugged on the northeastern side, while fertile pasturelands dominate the center of the island. The local store is open year-round, and the passenger boat runs multiple times a day to the mainland. Arholma is a wonderful island to visit.
The island’s beautiful nature and picturesque environment have been well-preserved, largely thanks to the fact that much of it is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Archipelago Foundation.
Plan your trip
You can take the ferry to Arholma year-round from Simpnäs. During the summer you can also go directly from Norrtälje. Search for Arholma in the Google travel planner below.
Eat, sleep and do on Arholma
Arholma offers a wide range of accommodations, food and activities.
Arholma Nord, Bull-August and Österhamns Pensionat all offer places to stay. In the harbor, you will find a country store and quit close by is a summer restaurant. Both Arholma Nord and Österhamns Pensionat also serve food.
Arholma is well-known for its outdoor activities and welcoming atmosphere. For more ideas, check out Explore Archipelago.
The right of public access – an obligation when venturing into nature
In Sweden we have a common law called “The Right of public access”. It is fantastic to have the freedom to roam but it comes with obligations. The existence of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is solely thanks to the goodwill of all landowners. In nature, we respect all people, all animals, and all protected areas. We leave only footprints behind and we take only memories with us.
Please take whatever garbage you generate back to the mainland where waste management works and is available. On the islands it is expensive and complicated. Please use public toilets or make sure that there is no trace left behind.
From March to September, dogs must always be kept on a leash.
Respect fire bans and absolutely do not light fires on the rocks. They crack.
Read more here