5 photogenic islands in Stockholm’s archipelago that you shouldn’t miss
Just outside of Stockholm you are stepping into a world of pure nature, seemingly untouched by civilization - a cluster of more than 30.000 islands that create an incredible scenery and together compose the largest archipelagoes in the world.
In this blog post, I want to introduce 5 of my favorite islands for photography which you shouldn’t miss when you are visiting Stockholm’s Archipelago. Some of these islands are bigger and easy to reach, others are small and remote. But all of them have their own unique charm, their own story to tell!
1. Landsort (Öja):
The island of Öja, widely known as Landsort, is my absolute favorite island for photography! Located in the southernmost part of the archipelago, this rugged island has everything that you can wish for as landscape and nature photographer - from dramatic coastlines and mystical forests to Sweden’s oldest lighthouse overlooking the Baltic Sea.
My favorite areas to photograph are all located on the southern part of the island. The cliffs around the lighthouse with interesting rock formations and natural pools are perfect for seascape and long exposure photography. The picture-perfect fishing village called Storhamn gives you lots of creative opportunities to play around with fishing huts and views on the magnificent lighthouse. Last but not least, I can recommend to explore the primeval ash forest located approx. 1km north of the village by the main road. You will find lots of gnarly ash trees that make amazing subjects for mystical forest photography.
When to visit:
Landsort is worth a visit all year round!
The most popular season for visitors is obviously summer with long and warm days (even though the island is usually colder and more windy than the mainland). The shoulder seasons spring and autumn are less busy and very beautiful as well! Spring arrives late compared to the mainland. The first flowers will bloom at the beginning/in the middle of April. Autumn on the other hand can last until end of October/beginning of November.
In winter, the ocean can be rough with high waves smashing against the shoreline. Beside this, you might have the chance to experience the island covered in snow! This is also a good season to see the majestic sea eagles on the island or on the boat ride to the island.
Where to stay:
If you are looking for an overnight stay on Landsort, you have two choices. The Hotel Lotstornet is located in the old pilot lookout and offers an incredible view over the island. The budget option is the hostel Landsorts Vandrarhem that offer private rooms in different cabins (shared bathrooms and kitchen).
How to get there:
The only ferry connection runs from Ankarudden south of Nynäshamn (all-year round) which takes approx. 30min. The most convenient way to get to Ankarudden is by car, but there is also a bus connection from Nynäshamn (bus no. 852). Check the ferry schedule on Waxholmsbolaget.
Where to eat:
The small pub Saltboden is definitely recommended! It’s probably the smallest pub you have ever seen! Open onlyb during the summer months. The second option is the Restaurant Svedtiljas which is also only open during summer.
If you visit Landsort any other time than summer, remember to bring food & drinks with you since everything will be closed during these times of the year.
2. Sandhamn (Sandön):
Sandön, or more known as Sandhamn, is a very popular island for sailors and has probably the best “island vibes” in Stockholm’s archipelago. The island has a vibrant village with a couple of coffeeshops, restaurants and bars.
If you like to photograph narrow streets with colorful houses and fishing huts, this is the place to go!
On the south-eastern coast of Sandhamn you will find the beautiful sandy beach called Trouville which is also great to photograph!
When to visit:
The ferry to Sandhamn runs all-year round and the restaurant at the Seglarhotell is open every day throughout the year. So it’s definitely possible and worth visiting all-year round!
However, Sandhamn is very popular in summer (especially from mid July to mid August). I usually try to avoid that time of the year. If you visit any other time of the year, you will have the picturesque streets of Sandhamn for yourself!
My favorite time to visit the island is beginning of June when the lilacs are blooming!
Where to stay:
Sandhamn offers plenty of options if you want to stay overnight. There are two hotels (Sands Hotell, Sandhamn Seglarhotell) and the hostel Sandhamns Värdhus offers several options as well as private cabins that can be rented.
How to get there:
There are several ferry connections to Sandhamn which might vary throughout the season. In spring, summer and autumn you can take the Cinderella Boats from Stockholm (Nybrokajen) which takes approx. 2,5h.
There are also ferry connections from Stavnäs Vinterhamn that go all-year round. One connection is run by Waxholmsbolaget. If you want to save time, you can take Stavsnäs Båttaxi. This is the fastest option in case you want to save time (approx. 30min ferry ride).
Where to eat:
In summer, you have plenty of options to choose from. In off-season, the restaurant at the Seglarhotell is open all-year round.
3. Utö
Utö is another really fascinating island for photography!
Located in the southern part of the archipelago, Utö is an island with a long and unique history. Long ago there was an iron mine on the island, the remains of which can still be seen. The simple red houses of the former mining village make great subjects for your photography.
The main landmark of Utö can be seen from far away: it’s a windmill overlooking the ocean from the top of the hill. One of my favorite views on the windmill and the harbor village is from the pier on the neighbouring island Stora Persholmen.
Utö also features very interesting seascapes. I really like to photography the eastern coastline with its secluded bays, barren cliffs and interesting rock formations. You will reach that area by following Rävstaviksvägen southwards.
When to visit:
You have the chance to visit the island all-year round with the ferry from Årsta Havsbad. As many other islands in the archipelago, Utö is especially popular during summer. For me, the shoulder seasons and especially winter has it’s charm when the island is covered in snow and the shoreline is featuring interesting ice formations.
Where to stay:
If you want to stay on the island overnight, Utö Värdshus offers plenty of options, from hotel rooms and cabins to a simple bed in the hostel. Besides this, there are also a couple of private cabins that are rented out during the summer months.
How to get there:
Utö can be reached by ferry from the jetty in Årsta Havsbad and the connection usually takes around 40min. There are several stops on Utö since it’s quite a big island, but the most convenient stop is at the village “Gruvbryggan”. Check the ferry schedule on Waxholmsbolaget.
Where to eat:
During the summer months you will have plenty of options for lunch and dinner, e.g. Utö Värdshus, Seglarbaren or Nya Dannenkrog. If you visit in off-season, the restaurant at Utö Värdshus might be open on the weekends (please check their homepage beforehand).
4. Nåttarö:
Nåttarö is located just south of Utö and offers a variety of serene nature!
For me, the most interesting part on Nåttarö for photography is the eastern coastline where you will find dramatic stone beaches next to white sandy beaches like Storsand. This is a great place to take long exposures of the fascinating seascapes.
The island also has an interesting pine forest which is great for woodland photography. Worth a visit is the cave called “Drottninggrottan” , located more or less right in the middle of the island.
When to visit:
It’s possible to visit the island all-year round since the ferry from Nynäshamn runs even in off-season. The island is popular in summer due to its sandy beaches. If you come in the shoulder seasons, you have the island all for yourself!
Where to stay:
Nåttarö Gård & Resort offers several summer cabins to rent which are available from spring to autumn. Besides this, there is also a campsite on the island that is run by the same company as the cabins.
How to get there:
The ferry connection from Nynäshamn runs all-year round and it takes about 30min to reach Nåttarö. Check the ferry schedule on Waxholmsbolaget.
Where to eat:
In summer, there are several options to eat lunch and dinner, e.g. Nåttarö Krog or Sixtens Bodega. If you visit Nåttarö in off-season, remember to bring food & drinks with you since all shops and restaurants will be closed.
5. Bullerön
Far east in Stockholm’s Archipelago lies the remote island of Bullerön. Visiting this island feels like entering a world where deep mystical forests meet barren, rocky landscapes and beautiful open meadows with blooming wild flowers.
Many Swedish artists like the painters Bruno Liljefors and Anders Zorn stayed on Bullerön and found inspiration for their paintings on the island. And after visiting this fascinating island, I can totally understand why! I was totally overwhelmed by the diverse nature and colorful vegetation.
When to visit:
It’s only possible to visit the island from May to Septembers since this is the period when the ferry runs (if you don’t have your own boat). I visited Bullerön in August and it was gorgeous since the vegetation was in full bloom during that time!
Where to stay:
If you want to spend the night on the island, you can either bring a tent or rent one of the cottages. The cottages are very simple and without running water, so don’t expect too much.
How to get there:
The ferry runs from Stavnäs Vinterhamn, but only during summer. Check the ferry schedule on Stavnsäs Båttaxi.
Where to eat:
The island doesn't have any shops or restaurants, so make sure you bring food and drinks for yourself when visiting this island.
