About the section
Section Landsort is the southernmost of the SAT sections, on the island of Öja, Stockholm archipelago’s southernmost outpost. This section offers a truly unique experience, combining nature, history and a charming small community that you will not find anywhere else along the East Coast. It is no wonder that so many birds stop here on their migratory routes, both north and south.
Hiking on Landsort has it all. The narrow island (Öja) provides access to the sea from every angle. You will explore narrow trails through dense forests, walk along expansive rocky cliffs, encounter remnants of the past, traverse rugged landscapes and meet grazing animals. In the village, there is also a fantastic restaurant. Did you know Landsort is a favorite spot for birdwatchers?
The 13,6 km of this hike feels like it should not end. Landsort is a place to linger and enjoy.
How to hike the section?
The section starts at either the North, East, or West harbor, depending on where the Waxholm ferry docks, which in turn is determined by the weather. We have chosen to start from the East Harbor and highly recommend hiking the section counter-clockwise if you plan to complete the full loop. This way, you get to experience everything the route has to offer.
You can also hike it as a figure-eight loop. Head south from the East Harbor towards the lighthouse, where you will be amazed by the view. Continue down to the southernmost tip to feel the closeness of the sea, then return on the eastern side, passing the excellent restaurant Svedtiljas and the Lotstornet B&B before heading north. From here, join the trail at the football field, where you can follow the trail markers parallel to the local blue and white ones. At the campsite in the northern end, the trail loops beautifully around the northern cape before the gravel road takes you back down to the village of Landsort.
The trail is technically challenging on the single track along the eastern side and around the northern cape. Otherwise, it is mostly on gravel roads.
The stages of Landsort, Nåttarö, Rånö, and Ålö fit very well together, as they can all be accessed in various ways from Nynäshamn.
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 Landsort, there are several sections where you can get around with a stroller, a wheelchair or if you have limited mobility. From the various ferry quays, there is a gravel road that leads to and around the village of Landsort, where the sea is close, and the views are stunning.
If the Waxholms boat has to dock at Norra Hamn due to weather, there is a bus service to transport you to the village. Everywhere, especially in early summer, you will hear birdsong.
Questions about Landsort
Landsort is the name of the lighthouse and the small community. Öja is the name of the island. Commonly the island is also called Landsort.
Öja and Landsort were once a key part of the defense for the southern entrance to Stockholm. As a result, you will see many defense installations around the island. You can visit the Ersta Battery, one of the large cannons located in the middle of the island, by booking a tour in advance. Book your visit here.
The lighthouse on Landsort is Sweden’s oldest, built in the 17th century.
About Landsort
Landsort is the name of Sweden’s oldest lighthouse, located on the island of Öja in the southernmost part of the Stockholm archipelago. The island, commonly referred to as Landsort, is part of Nynäshamn Municipality. It has around 20 permanent residents but attracts many visitors during the summer and when migratory birds pass by.
Evidence suggests that the island was an important fishing location even before the 11th century. By the mid-1500s, Öja was described as a fishing camp. Around 1840, pilots took over the harbor, and by the late 19th century, customs officials also moved to the island. The lighthouse stands on one of Sweden’s oldest preserved lighthouse sites. Originally made of wood, it was replaced with the current stone structure after the wooden one burned down.
The bird station on Landsort is one of the country’s most important, as the migration route crosses directly over the island.
In 1719, the entire island was burned down during the Russian raids, except for one house where a woman was baking. The Russians spared the house in exchange for bread.
From the 1930s until the early 2000s, Öja was an important military site with several visible and hidden defense installations. All of which have been decommissioned.
Today, Landsort is renowned for its unique nature, rich birdlife, and as a place offering a special experience. Throughout the village, you will find statues and art pieces that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
Landsort and Öja is a nature reserve owned by the National Property Board of Sweden and managed by the County Administrative Board.
Plan your trip
You travel to Landsort year-round by ferry from Ankarudden, on Torö. You can take a bus from Nynäshamn to Ankarudden. The ferry and bus is synchronized. Search for Landsort in the Google travel planner below.
Eat, sleep and do on Landsort
On Landsort, nature takes center stage. To fully experience it, there are several accommodation options, including a hostel and a B&B.
Svedtiljas restaurant is reputed to offer fantastic food, and it also provides B&B lodging. In Västerhamn, you will find a shop, a café and a pub, as well as options for cottage and bike rentals.
Take the opportunity to visit Landsort, but be prepared—you may find it hard to leave!
For more ideas, check out explorearchipelago and Landsort.com.
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