Sweden’s New Stockholm Archipelago Trail Connects 20 Islands

Within months of its debut, Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago Trail is gaining national recognition from some of the biggest names in adventure and tourism.

National Geographic named it one of the “Best of the World 2025” destinations, praising its epic island-hopping experience through Sweden’s rugged coastal wilderness. 

TIME Magazine listed it among the “World’s Greatest Places of 2025” for its gorgeous landscapes, invigorating adventures, and commitment to sustainability. Good Morning America even took a trip to Stockholm’s Archipelago Trail to showcase the experience to viewers.

A 168-mile Trail Connecting 20 Islands

Stockholm’s Archipelago has long been a retreat for Swedes looking for an escape from city life. It is known for its iconic red cottages, windswept pines, and smooth granite shores. The new Archipelago Trail connects some of its most storied locations, from the 13th-century fortress on Vaxholm to the nature reserves of Möja. 

Made up of approximately 30,000 islands and islets, the 168-mile hiking trail links 20 islands, offering opportunities for kayaking, biking, overnight stays, shopping and dining in small villages, and ice skating across parts of the frozen Baltic Sea in the winter.

Stockholm’s Archipelago Trail is designed for anyone who craves outdoor adventure beyond the ordinary.

Exploring Stockholm’s Archipelago, One Island at a Time

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail isn’t just another typical hike. It’s an island-hopping experience that changes with every island, season, and route.

Some sections are pure, untouched nature—no roads, no signs of civilization, just the sound of seabirds and waves crashing against the rocks. Other routes take you through small villages where you can visit local farms and craft shops.

Hikers can expect a combination of well-traveled paths to rocky outcrops. The trail accommodates different skill levels, with sections accessible for day-trippers and other more challenging multi-day routes.

Choose Your Own Island-hopping Adventure

In the summer, expect gorgeous sunsets and swimming off rocky ledges, while fall turns the forests into a sea of red and orange. In the winter, the bravest take to the ice, skating across the water from island to island.

Kayaks can be rented in places like Dalarö, Nämdö, and Grinda, while bike rentals are available on islands like Sandhamn, Utö, and Möja, allowing travelers to explore the trail by both land and sea. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of itinerary where the possibilities are truly endless.

Of course, in true Scandinavian fashion, the project is rooted in sustainability. Local officials and conservation groups are working together to ensure minimal environmental impact while promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Overnight Accommodations

If you love waking up to the sounds of nature, there are wilderness camping spots all along the trail. Overnight options include glamping sites, cabins and houses, hostels, and traditional campsites.

There are also plenty of options for those not interested in camping. STF Möja Hostel is a simple and comfortable spot where you can stay close to the locals and get a feel for island life. If you’re after something a bit more upscale, Sandhamn Seglarhotell is a full-service hotel open year-round on Sandhamn, a popular island known for its sailing culture.

Newer accommodations along the route emphasize low-carbon footprints, with some offering off-grid stays powered by solar energy.

Culinary and Cultural Encounters

Travelers can enjoy freshly smoked fish, locally brewed beers, and traditional Swedish dishes at seaside inns. Pickled herring, cinnamon buns, foraged berries (when in season), and other culinary options can also be found along the trail.

Cultural highlights can be found throughout the experience, with stops at artist retreats, maritime museums, and historic harbors that tell the tale of Sweden’s seafaring past.

Destinations like Vaxholm, often called the “capital” of the archipelago, offer experiences like exploring the beautiful Vaxholm Fortress Museum, which highlights Sweden’s coastal defense history, or visiting a waterfront smokehouse for freshly prepared Baltic herring.

A Swedish Adventure Across Land and Sea

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail has already made a name for itself as one of Europe’s most unique outdoor experiences. It’s a test of endurance for some, a tranquil escape for others, and an ever-changing adventure shaped by the seasons, the terrain, and how you choose to experience it.

One moment, you may be hiking through a forest, and the next, you’re stopping for fresh seafood in a coastal town where fishermen have been setting out to sea for generations.