The archipelago at your fingertips
Planning an adventure through the world’s largest archipelago of its kind is now as simple as a few clicks. Following its recognition in National Geographic’s "Best of the World 2025" list, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail has introduced a digital travel planner that allows hikers to synchronise their routes with the Waxholmsbolaget ferry timetables. By entering a date and starting point, the tool suggests the most efficient connections between the mainland and the islands, ensuring that your next stage begins at the jetty exactly when you arrive.
How do I travel between the islands?
While the public ferries provide a reliable backbone, the new BOUT app acts as a digital boat taxi service, connecting hikers with local captains. Often described as an "Uber for the waves", this platform allows for individually bookable trips that supplement the regular ferry schedule. This is particularly valuable in the southern stretches of the archipelago, where it connects islands like Utö, Nåttarö, and Landsort without the need for lengthy detours back to the mainland.
Walking a section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on the island of Utö.
Photo: Roger Borgelid/imagebank.sweden.se (Download)
A tactile passport for the trail
For those who prefer a physical connection to their journey, the new SAT Logbook (Loggbok) offers a way to collect memories rather than just digital data. Available for 100 SEK (approximately £8) at select island country stores, hostels, and tourist offices, this hiking passport allows walkers to gather unique stamps from each stage. It serves as a personal guide and sketchbook, replacing the tradition of "summit crosses" with a uniquely Swedish island-hopping record.
A nation of islands
The ease of access provided by these new digital tools places the trail within the wider context of the 'Your Swedish Island' initiative. A collaboration with the National Property Board (SFV), it highlighted that Sweden is home to more islands than any other country—267,570 in total. While the initiative drew attention to the 'democratised luxury' of Sweden’s vast island world, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail provides the physical gateway for everyone to explore the 30,000 islands located right at the capital's doorstep.
Key facts for the curious traveller
- The Trail: 270 kilometres long, crossing 20 distinct islands.
- The Geography: Part of a wider archipelago of over 30,000 islands and skerries starting right outside the city centre. Granite rocks, ancient pine forests, and sandy beaches like Stora Sand on Nåttarö.
- The Passport: The SAT Loggbok costs 100 SEK and is available at select locations, including the Vaxholm tourist office and Arholma Nord.
- The Access: Reachable from the centre of Stockholm, a city itself built on 14 islands. All exploration is underpinned by 'Allemansrätten', Sweden's Right of Public Access, which allows everyone the freedom to roam as long as they respect the nature around them.
Press photos
https://imagebank.sweden.se/my-selections/16dadku88k
More information
Stockholm Archipelago Trail
https://stockholmarchipelagotrail.com/
Digital Trip Planner
https://map.stockholmarchipelagotrail.com/
Hiking logbook
https://stockholmarchipelagotrail.com/news/the-sat-hiking-passport/
BOUT Taxi Boats
https://www.bout.fi/stockholm-archipelago
Your Swedish Island
https://visitsweden.com/your-swedish-island/
More information about Stockholm
https://visitsweden.com/where-to-go/middle-sweden/stockholm/
About Visit Sweden
Visit Sweden is the official marketing company for tourism in Sweden, on behalf of the Swedish government. As Sweden’s national tourism organisation, Visit Sweden markets Sweden as a tourist destination with the aim of increasing the country’s attractiveness and, in turn, promoting tourism, export revenues and employment. Working closely with the Swedish tourism industry, Visit Sweden targets the most attractive audience segments to support long-term, sustainable tourism. Its headquarters are in Stockholm, with representatives in several international markets.
Welcome to Sweden – a destination that’s different by nature.