Since the city of Stockholm is built up on 14 islands who all belongs to the archipelago, nature is never far away. Within an hour from the city you have the possibilities to walk along trails, go canoeing, fishing or just enjoy nature from one of the many steamships that is trafficking the archipelago.

Archipelag

The archipelago contains of no less the 24.000 islands, some of them totally deserted and some have small pittoresk restaurants or even youth hostels or hotels so you could easily spend a night in the archipelago.

Several of the islands can be reached by the many modern boats, or if you want to try one of the older steamboats, leaving from the docks in central Stockholm.

Islands to visit

The closest destination is the northern archipelago town Vaxholm.

Here you could walk along the dock or visit the Vaxholm Fortress which contains a naval museum and served as a prison during the 18th and 19th century.

Fjäderholmarna is another popular visited island close to the city which contains a few restaurants, café and a smokery for fish. It also have regular exhibitions and a museum which displays how life was and is going on in the archipelago. Several shops filled with craftmenship is also available.

Utö is packed with things to see.

The oldest ironmines in Sweden are placed here together with a museum. From the Utö Mill, which is 200 years old, you have a splendid view over Mysingefjärden, the nearest bay. Utö is perfect for an active day out with bike rental aswell as kayak rental.

City Parks

Stockholm has a total park- and green area of 38 hectare with some 35.000 trees.

Of the most notable parks is Hagaparken founded in late 18th century and contains a lot of culture historic buildings as the Coppertents, Gustav III´s pavilion and the foundations of what should have been Gustav III´s castle. He was assassinated before the castle was completed and today it is a popular ground for visitors and theaterplays during the summer. The butterfly house is also nearby.

Another area to explore is Långholmen, which contains an old prison, today converted into a popular youth hostel, aswell as a splendid view over Stockholm from its eastern cape. Together with the oldest shipyard in Stockholm it is a relaxed place to visit