Central Island Hopping - spring/autumn
Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Stockholm
Walking 'Söder' island and Djurgården in Stockholm

Today you arrive to Stockholm and are free to explore this picturesque city. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. And you need never walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic water as it winds past the city walls. Furthermore, stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear.

You may also choose to follow our self-guided walk that takes you on a historic and picturesque tour of Stockholm's southern island, Södermalm. Explore the district's narrow cobblestone alleys, timber cottages dating back to the 1600s, and grand churches. Not to mention stunning views across lake Mälaren towards the old town, city hall and Djurgården. Feel free to take a break during your walk for a spot of shopping or why not pop into one of the museums you pass en route.

You can also extend your walk to Stockholm's unique city park - the world's first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The city park is 27 km2 and is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Here you can hike through ancient forests, visit palaces and bathe from waterside rocks.

Accommodation: Stockholm, hotel
Meals: No meals included
Hiking: optional & flexible distance (4-14 km)

Day 2: Stockholm → Vaxholm
Walking Vaxön loop

Today you take the morning boat from Stockholm to the idyllic village of Vaxholm, passing charming summer houses and a unique landscape of pine-covered islands as you weave your way through this archipelago of 30,000 islands, islets and skerries lying right on Stockholm's doorstep.

Vaxholm is often referred to as the gateway to the Stockholm archipelago due to its location right on the edge of this sprawling multitude of islands. Today you walk around Vaxön island, a 10 km loop that takes you along coastal paths and winding village streets, with opportunities to swim along the way. Time permitting, a visit to the fortress with its defence museum is recommended. Used to defend Stockholm for 400 years, it still today stands guard over the surrounding waters.

For those of you keen to discover more on foot, head to Bogesund nature reserve, a large peninsular connected by bridge to Vaxön, where there are beaches and walking trails through its rich natural and cultural environment.

Tonight you stay at cosy hotel in Waxholm, a traditional archipelago inn located a stone's throw from Vaxholm's busy harbour and village.

Accommodation: Vaxholm
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 10 km
Boat: Stockholm-Vaxholm 1 hr

Day 3: Vaxholm → Grinda
Walking Grinda SAT trail

Today you say farewell to Vaxholm as you take the morning boat and set off into the heart of the archipelago to explore its islands by foot. Stretching some 80 km east of Stockholm deep into the Baltic waters, the archipelago formed during the last Ice Age and is today considered to be one of the world's natural wonders.

Grinda is your next stop. Its landscape is typical of the central archipelago, with forests of pine trees and oaks and open meadows. You follow the Stockholm Archipelago Trail around the whole island, a wonderful coastal walk passing Klubbudden viewpoint and hidden beaches.

At the end of your hike you arrive at Grinda Wärdshus, an art deco inn with restaurant offering classic archipelago cuisine, as well as the harbour restaurant offering simpler cuisine and with archipelago flair.

Accommodation: Grinda
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 10 km
Boat: Vaxholm-Grinda 40 mins

Day 4: Grinda → Ingmarsö → Finnhamm→ Grinda*
Walking the 'island-hopping' trail

Today you have an exciting day on foot as you island hop from island to island using archipelago boats and rowboats. Start with a short walk to the jetty on Grinda, from where you take the archipelago boat to Ingmarsö, a livelier island with a bustling harbour and village life. Crisscross your way over Ingmarsö following both the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and 'båtluffaleden' (island-hopping trail) passing Femsund swimming area. A bridge takes you over to Kålgårdsön and then it is a short walk on to the end of the island where you prepare yourself for a short island hop over to Finnhamn, this time by rowboat.

Once on Finnhamn you pick up the island-hopping trails again which takes you past beaches and open countryside to the jetty. A chance to reminisce over your day as you wait on the cliffs for the archipelago boat to take you safely back to Grinda.

Accommodation: Grinda
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 11-16 km
Boat: Grinda-Ingmarsö 1 hr; Finnhamn-Grinda 1 hr

Day 5: Grinda → Sandhamn
Walking Sandhamn SAT trail

This morning you are back on the boat as you wind your way towards Sandhamn, in the outer reaches of the archipelago. Hike the Stockholm Archipelago Trail following the coast all the way around Sandhamn. There's no denying that Sandhamn is the playground of the rich and famous. A charming waterside village with narrow winding alleys and 17th century houses, it has everything you need despite its remote location on the distant edge of the archipelago.

Leave village life behind and walk a circular loop around the whole of this sandy island passing beaches and windswept pines. You pass by Fläskberget beach and viewpoint, the island cemetery where the worn gravestones still bear the names of sailors from around the world, and Trouville

beach, on the far side of the island. Trouville is what attracts Stockholmers in the summer months and with its long stretch of white sand it'll do its best to tempt you into the refreshing Baltic waters.

Once back at the village, visit the much talked about Sandhamn bakery and indulge in a delicious homemade cinnamon bun!

Tonight you overnight at a respected hotel in the harbour with its own spa.

Accommodation: Sandhamn
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Boat: Grinda-Sandhamn 1 hr

Day 6: Sandhamn → Stavsnäs → Stockholm
Walking Stavsnäs

Enjoy a free morning on Sandhamn to relax at the hotel spa or why not walk to Trouville beach one last time to take in your final moments in the archipelago from this beautiful vantage point.

Then its back on the afternoon boat from Sandhamn to Stavsnäs, a small village on the mainland steeped with history. Walk among its colourful, wooden houses, enjoying its archipelago atmosphere and culture, pausing at beaches and viewpoints over the island landscape.

When you feel ready to return to the buzz of Stockholm, take one of the frequent buses direct to the city centre.

Accommodation: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 5-7 km
Boat: Sandhamn-Stavsnäs 30 mins
Bus: Stavsnäs-Stockholm 50 mins

Day 7: Depart Stockholm

See day 1 for full details

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: optional & flexible distances (4-14 km)