About the section
Runmarö is the island close to the mainland that makes you feel worlds away the moment you set foot on it, as a sense of calm washes over you. This long section offers a variety of rewards along the way, an 18.5 km stretch of archipelago magic.
Gravel roads lead you through open grazing lands, then onto forest paths through sparse settlements. You will pass through small villages that evoke a sense of the past, follow trails through enchanted forests, discover inviting lakes and experience the sea and skerries beyond. A day’s hike on Runmarö is best finished at Restaurant Svängen, where you can relax after a full day of exploration. Grab some bread from the bakery or do a Swedish Fika across the road, before moving on. Runmarö has among other things a grocery store, a school, a restaurant and a bakery.
Runmarö is a place you will want to linger.
How to hike the section?
The section begins at the pier in Styrsvik. From there, head east on the gravel road toward the shop. Around the corner, a smaller road leads north, guiding you clockwise around the island—an ideal way to experience Runmarö in the right sequence.
As you near the end of the section, you will arrive at Restaurant Svängen and the bakery across the road, a perfect stop to celebrate a great day.
Along the way, several gravel roads offer shortcuts back if you want a shorter hike. Do not miss the view over the sea at Nore.
You can also get off the Waxholms boat at Gatan or Långvik. From there, join the trail and follow it clockwise.
The Runmarö, Sandhamn and Nämdö sections complement each other well, as all are reached from Stavsnäs on the mainland..
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 Runmarö, there are several parts that are accessible by stroller, by wheelchair, or for those with limited mobility. From Styrsvik, you can head north along the trail or east on the gravel road toward Svängen and, if you are feeling strong, all the way to Nore.
The eastern coast and the north-south sections in the center of the island are not recommended, as they involve more rugged paths.
Questions about Runmarö
There is short-term rental of rooms in Styrsvik; Runmarö Rum i Styrsvik. You can find them on facebook.
Additionally, you can find cottages available for rent on well-known rental websites.
In Sweden the common law, The right to roam, gives you the right to pick mushrooms in the forest, unless they are cultivated.
In the south-east corner of Runmarö you can find signs to Telegrafberget, close to Solberga gård. They view up there is spectacular. Prepare yourself for wanting to stay for a while.
About Runmarö
Runmarö is one of the largest islands in the Stockholm archipelago, located in Värmdö Municipality. The island is close to the mainland on its western side, the island’s eastern side opens up to the outer archipelago. Around 300 residents live on Runmarö year-round, but during summer, the population grows to about 3,000–4,000.
Runmarö was first mentioned in writing in the 13th century when King Magnus Ladulås donated the island to the Sankta Klara Convent in Norrmalm and to the Franciscan Monastery on Riddarholmen. During that period, quarrying of ancient limestone began on Runmarö, where it was burned into lime for mortar. This quarrying required vast amounts of wood, resulting in the deforestation of surrounding islands for centuries. The quarry closed in 1730.
Runmarö was heavily affected by the Russian raids in 1719, similar to many other areas in the archipelago. One of the few buildings to survive is the Båtsman’s Cottage in Södersunda.
Today, the island has a variety of amenities, including a grocery store, a school, a restaurant, a bakery, a cinema, cafés, a boatyard with a guest harbor and a chapel.
Plan your trip
You take the ferry to Runmarö from Stavsnäs, year round. It leaves several times per day. Search for Styrsvik, Gatan or Långvik in the Google travel planner below.
Eat, sleep and do on Runmarö
Runmarö offers among other things a great restaurant, a bakery and a grocery store.
You can visit the café and rent kayaks at Solberga Gård. You can rent bikes at the grocery store or at the boatyard in Solberga. You can go on cultural walking tours and explore areas where a variety of rare orchids flourish. The island is also famous for its popular summer running event, RUNmarö, with a half marathon as the longest distance.
Runmarö welcomes visitors with open arms. For ideas on what to explore, visit explorearchipelago, Runmarö i fokus, or the Runmarö Hembygdsförening.
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