The Stockholm Archipelago, known for its impressive landscape covering approx. 30,000. islands and islets, is just gaining a new attraction that will connect 21 of them. The route, with a total length of 270 kilometers, is expected to become one of the most beautiful in Europe and, with its charm, attract both nature lovers and active leisure enthusiasts.
Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago, located east of the Swedish capital, is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Baltic Sea. It consists of more than 30,000 islands, islets and rocks, only a small part of which are inhabited. This unique landscape, stretching from Stockholm to the Åland Islands, offers not only beautiful views, but also a wealth of nature and a wide range of tourist attractions.
Prominent among the archipelago’s most popular islands are Sandhamn with its charming beaches and hiking areas, Grinda with its picturesque nature reserves, and Vaxholm, where you can visit a 16th-century fortress. Each island has its own unique character and history, and numerous hiking and biking trails encourage visitors to explore the region’s diverse corners.
Stockholm Archipelago Trail – a future tourist attraction
A new 270-kilometer hiking route connecting 21 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago is poised to become one of the most beautiful attractions in Northern Europe. The scenic route will allow tourists to hike through some of the most charming islands in the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the ferries that will connect them, it will be accessible to both hikers and tourists who prefer to travel by bicycle. The unique route is scheduled to open later in October.
Route plan
The route of the route passes through islands stretching from northern Arholm to southern Landsort, covering both popular and lesser-known locations. Electric ferries will make it easier for tourists to travel between the islands, reducing emissions and protecting local ecosystems.
The trail is designed as 20 sections of varying length and difficulty, allowing hikers to tailor their trips to their individual preferences and abilities. The shortest, measuring just 1 km, is located on the scenic Brottö. In contrast, the longest section is the Utö section (16.7 km), which can be considered the essence of the entire Stockholm Archipelago Route. It is a route that combines all the key aspects of this unique region: vibrant communities, wild, unspoiled nature, and Sweden’s rich history and culture. On this hike, you’ll encounter open spaces as well as gravel roads, forest paths and technical trails among rocky terrain.
Who is behind the project?
The project to build a new Stockholm Archipelago Trail was initiated by Michael Lemmel, co-founder of the extreme Ötillö Swimrun race, in cooperation with Marie Östblom, a promoter of sustainable tourism. Funding for the project is partly supported by funds from the European Union. The investment aims not only to promote active recreation, but also to protect the archipelago’s natural ecosystems, minimizing the environmental impact of tourism.
The project is also supported by Visit Sweden and local economic institutions, which see the project as having the potential to attract more tourists outside the summer season, which can affect the development of local communities. The goal of launching the route is to extend the tourist season and improve the quality of life for islanders by creating more stable tourism infrastructure, including ferry connections and services for tourists.
The main goals of this project include both environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable tourism to make the archipelago more accessible while taking care of its fragile ecosystems.
Sustainability and environmental protection
An important element of the new project is its sustainability. The Stockholm Archipelago is an area of special natural value, so it is crucial to minimize the negative impact of tourism on local ecosystems. The trail has been designed in such a way as to protect nature – the routes are marked, and tourists will only be able to follow designated paths, which will prevent soil erosion and destruction of natural habitats.
In addition, eco-friendly solutions are being installed on the islands, such as charging stations for electric ferries that will serve tourists. In this way, the project will not only enable the development of tourism, but also promote ecological innovation, which is key to protecting the environment in such a sensitive area.
Benefits for the region
In addition to nature conservation, the new trail will also bring economic benefits to local communities. The development of infrastructure and the extension of the tourist season can contribute to economic growth in the region. Local businesses, such as guesthouses and restaurants, will be an ideal addition.
According to a study conducted in 2022, only 26 percent of tourists visiting Stockholm chose to take a trip to the Stockholm Archipelago. The new route aims to increase that number by facilitating access to the lesser-known but equally attractive islands. Better ferry connections and a developed tourism infrastructure could attract more tourists while improving the quality of life for locals.
Photo. main: Arild Vågen , CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia