While planning our trip to Stockholm, we quickly realized that the city faces the Baltic Sea. We had also seen reports praising the beauty ofthe Stockholm archipelago. So we were eager to explore this part of Sweden, with its many islets and colorful wooden houses surrounded by greenery.
We planned our boat trips based on advice from friends living abroad in the Swedish capital. Here are the different options for exploring the Stockholm archipelago, their practical considerations, and our thoughts.
How to Explore the Stockholm Archipelago by Boat? [map]
Stockholm spans 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. Beyond the city, its archipelago comprises nearly 30,000 islands, islets, and reefs in the Baltic Sea. It is indeed an archipelago, not a fjord.
During our guided tour, our guide explained to us, using vivid imagery, that even the smallest island above water contributed to this impressive total.
The right choice depends mainly on how much time you have and how much independence you’re looking for. The SL water buses and the amphibious bus are primarily for seeing Stockholm from the water. To truly explore the archipelago or set foot on an island, opt for a longer cruise—such as the Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm, or Grinda routes—or a private charter.
| Option | Estimated time | Ideal for | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Cruise | 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours | A preliminary overview without logistics | Duration and route vary depending on the season; commentary in English |
| SL 80 and 82 Water Buses | Short trip, about 1 hour depending on the line | See the city from the water at an affordable price | It’s not a deep dive into the archipelago |
| Fjäderholmarna | Half a day | Get a quick foothold in the archipelago | Routes and services, mostly seasonal |
| Vaxholm | Half a day to one day | City, Fortress, and Coastal Walk | The crossing takes about 1 hour, depending on the departure time |
| Grinda | A day | Nature, Hiking, and Kayaking | About 2 hours each way, depending on the schedule |
| Private boat | Half a day or more | Explore at your own pace | Skipper, license, deposit, and minimum duration may vary |
Travel times are approximate and depend on the date, departure point, and the day’s schedule.
Guided Cruise Through the Stockholm Archipelago
Our Top Pick ❤️: To explore the archipelago without having to arrange your own transportation, you can take a guided cruise. Strömma currently offers several options ranging from about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours. We chose the 2.5-hour tour: it allowed us to admire Stockholm from the water and to venture far enough among the lush green islands.
The tour departs from Strandvägen, at the pier specified when you made your reservation. The guide shares information about Stockholm and its archipelago. This is a good option if you only have a few hours.
Cruises are offered year-round, but the duration, route, and frequency vary by season. This cruise is therefore a viable option during a winter visit to Stockholm, provided you check the schedule for your chosen date.
Please note: The cruises are narrated in English. Swedish is also listed for the 2½-hour and 3-hour tours, but no narration in French is indicated.
Strömma, the company that operates this cruise, has a good reputation. We have fond memories of this trip among the islands of the Baltic Sea.
We recommend that you book your tickets for a cruise in the Stockholm archipelago in advance during peak periods. Prices vary depending on the duration and date, so it’s best to check the price listed at the time of booking.
The Amphibious Bus: A Fun Tour of Stockholm
These blue or pink, whale-shaped amphibious buses first travel through downtown Stockholm before heading into the water. The tour lasts about an hour and combines a city tour with a boat ride along Södermalm.
Based on the reviews we’ve read, this is a unique and fun experience. It lets you see Stockholm from the street and from the water, but it’s no substitute for a trip to the archipelago. If you try it out, feel free to let us know what you think in the comments.
SL Water Buses: See Stockholm from the Water at an Affordable Price
Since we planned to take multiple trips, we chose a 72-hour SL pass, valid on public transportation and public water bus routes. As of September 10, 2026, a 75-minute adult ticket costs 43 SEK and a 72-hour adult pass costs 360 SEK. These fares are subject to change.
We took the opportunity to try out the water buses. Their network requires a bit of planning: our first trip didn’t take us anywhere near where we wanted to go.
Waterbus 82 currently runs from Räntmästartrappan, near Slussen, to Allmänna gränd on Djurgården, with a stop at Skeppsholmen. During our stay, we took it to Allmänna gränd, near Gröna Lund and the museums on Djurgården. There, you can visit the Vasa Museum and Skansen, among other attractions.
We then took Line 80 to Frihamnen. In nice weather, this roughly 30-minute ride allowed us to see beautiful houses, moai statues, and even a giraffe. Frihamnen is now a stop on the line, not its permanent terminus. The ride was very pleasant, but it didn’t take us far enough into the archipelago for our liking.
For another scenic route, Line 84 connects Ålstäket on Värmdö to Strömkajen, passing through Norra Lagnö and Slussen, among other stops. Service may vary, so always check the day’s schedule.
To check departure times, platforms, and connections for your travel date, use the official SL planner.
If you prefer a sightseeing tour with stops located near the main attractions, you can choose a hop-on, hop-off bus and boat pass. You can hop on and off at your own pace for the duration of the ticket’s validity. This option is primarily designed for sightseeing and operates on a seasonal schedule: be sure to check the operating dates before booking.
Fjäderholmarna: The Closest Getaway
If you want to visit the archipelago without spending an entire day on the excursion, Fjäderholmarna is the closest option to the city center. The crossing usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the departure time. Ferries, restaurants, and workshops are mainly open during the high season, so be sure to check which services are operating on your travel dates.
Visit Vaxholm by boat from Stockholm
“I chose this option on my first city trip to Stockholm,” says Floriane. “It’s one of the things to do around Stockholm. Waxholmsbolaget’s boats serve Vaxholm and many other islands in the archipelago, including Grinda.”
Starting in 2025, all SL tickets will be valid year-round between Strömkajen and Vaxholm, in an area that includes 44 ferry terminals. The exact pier depends on your chosen departure point. When the journey continues beyond Vaxholm—for example, to Grinda—an additional Waxholmsbolaget ticket is usually required. It can be purchased in the SL app or on board for the relevant leg of the trip.
What to do in Vaxholm?
Vaxholm is one of the best-known and most easily accessible gateways to the archipelago, but it is not the island closest to Stockholm. The crossing from downtown usually takes about an hour, depending on the boat and the stops. Waxholmsbolaget tickets do not allow you to reserve a seat: on summer weekends, on sunny days, and during Midsummer, it’s best to arrive early.
Once you arrive, you can explore the small town of Vaxholm and its fortress, then walk along the coast. If the weather permits, take the opportunity to go for a swim at one of the beaches around Stockholm. We loved strolling among the colorful wooden houses in a beautiful natural setting and sampling the wild berries we came across along the way. Plan to set aside a full day to enjoy this getaway.
Grinda: A Day Spent Closer to Nature in the Archipelago
We had considered Grinda, which is farther away, because you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards there and then enjoy the trails and beaches. An expat friend had suggested this to us, and we’re saving it for a future trip to Stockholm. Expect the crossing to take about 2 hours each way from downtown, depending on the departure time and any stops.
For Grinda, be sure to check the exact connection and the required ticket. An SL ticket may cover the trip to Vaxholm, but the Vaxholm-Grinda segment generally requires an additional Waxholmsbolaget ticket.
Rent a private boat in the Stockholm Archipelago
To explore the archipelago at your own pace and swim in peace, you can rent a private boat. This option requires more planning than a cruise or a regular ferry.
Conditions vary depending on the boat: some listings require a skipper or a minimum rental period, while others allow for bareboat rentals, provided you meet the required skill level and have the necessary documentation. Be sure to check the security deposit, included equipment, and authorized sailing area before booking.
The SamBoat platform lets you compare several boats in the Stockholm area. Enter your dates, then filter the listings by boat type, whether a skipper is included, and sailing conditions.
Where to sleep in Stockholm?
To make the most of your stay, choose a neighborhood that fits your plans. Norrmalm and Östermalm are convenient for staying close to the city center and major transit hubs, while Södermalm offers a different vibe. Check out our detailed guide to neighborhoods where to stay in Stockholm.
In Norrmalm, the City Backpackers Hostel is a beautifully decorated hostel located near the central station. Floriane had stayed there during her first visit to Stockholm.
See the top-rated accommodations in Stockholm
We hope you have a wonderful trip. Don’t miss Stockholm’s museums, where you can learn while having fun—yes, it’s possible!
Feel free to leave us a quick note or a 5-star rating below to let us know if you’re planning this trip. You can also ask us any questions you have here or on Instagram —we’d be happy to answer them.
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