Vaxholm short break

A 2-day cycle tour island hopping through the central Stockholm archipelago to the islands surrounding idyllic Vaxholm.

An archipelago boat trip from Stockholm takes you to Tynningö island boasting grand archipelago houses and sea views round every corner. The coastal road passes the heighest point Tynningö Klack as well as hidden beaches. From Tynningö it's just a short island hop over to Rindö island where impressive Oskar-Fredriksborgs fort protects these vital waterways into Stockholm. Vaxholm is your destination with its lively harbour and picturesque alleys. Another island hop takes you over to Ljusterö with spectacular views at both Ljusterö Huvud and onwards to Svartsö full of local charm.

Enjoy an unforgettable cruise back to Stockholm city winding your way past islands, canals and idyllic waterside summer houses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Stockholm* → Tynningö → Rindö → Vaxholm

Archipelago boat from Stockholm to Tynningö
Cycle around Tynningö passing Tynningö Klack
Boat from Tynningö to Rindö
Cycling on Rindö passing Oskar-Fredrikborgs fort and Rindö Redoubt
Boat from Rindö to Vaxholm 

This morning you take the archipelago boat form Stockholm to Tynningö island, an island boasting grand villas lining its scenic shore. The pretty coastal road takes you around the island and sticking as close to the shore as possible you pass beaches and the impressive viewpoint at Tynningö Klack. Back on the coastal road you wind your way to the north of the island and take the afternoon boat to your next stop, Rindö. 

Rindö is well known for its military establishments including Oskar-Fredriksborg fort and Rindö Redoute, both forts strategically positioned to protect these vital waterways into Stockholm. Explore the island by bike and enjoy a break and refreshments at lively Rindö harbour with its local cheese makers, brewery and waterside restaurant.

A short island hop on the car ferry takes you to the charming village of Vaxholm, often referred to as the gateway to the Stockholm archipelago due to its location right on the edge of this sprawling multitude of islands. Enjoy the atmosphere of this idyllic archipelago village with its busy harbour, colourful wooden villas and views over to the imposing fortress.

*The trip can also start at Nacka Strand & Hasseludden in Nacka, or Gåshaga Brygga on Lidingö

Accommodation: Vaxholm
Cycling Distance: 21-26 km
Boat trip: Stockholm → Tynningö 1 hr & Tynningö → Rindö 15 min, & car ferry Rindö → Waxholm 5 min

Day 2: Vaxholm → Ljusterö → Svartsö → Stockholm*

Boat from Vaxholm to Ljusterö
Cycle on Ljusterö passing Linanäs, Lagarsvik and Ljusterö Huvud view point
Boat from Ljusterö to Svartsö and visit to Storträsk lake. Opt dinner on Svartsö
Boat from Svartsö to Stockholm

This morning, you and your bikes head back onto the archipelago boats to explore Ljusterö island. Ljusterö is one of the largest islands in the archipelago and offers plenty to discover. Your journey starts with the coastal road along the west coast passing the lively harbour at Linanäs and the scenic fishing village of Laggarsvik. En route you make the short detour to Ljusterö Huvud where you will be treated to mile-wide views of this glorious archipelago.

This afternoon you follow the country lane to the jetty for your onward journey to Svartsö, one of the archipelago's most charming islands. You crisscross the island by bike on dirt tracks discovering all its nooks and crannies, enjoying a rest at scenic Storträsk lake.

If you want to make the most of your archipelago adventure, why not treat yourself to a dinner; Svartsö has two recommended restaurants from which to choose.

Then its back on the boat where you can sit back and enjoy an unforgettable journey passing island after island until you reach lively Stockholm.

*The trip can also end at Nacka Strand & Hasseludden in Nacka, or Gåshaga Brygga on Lidingö

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: Not fixed/approx. 25-51 km
Boat trip: Vaxholm → Ljusterö 1 hr & Ljusterö → Svartsö 20 min & Svartsö → Stockholm, 2 tim 15 min 

Accommodation in Vaxholm

Level

The first cycle day is a more gentle cycle around Tynningö and Rindö islands with just over 20 km on undulating terrain on a mix of dirt track and tarmac. The second day on Ljusterö is 16.5 km and on Svartsö the distance is flexible depending on how much of the island you want to explore. If you visit all four corners of Svartsö then allow 17.5 km but this can be shortened.

Note that you do not have the whole day to complete the cycles. On day 1 you have approx. 3.5 hrs to complete the 12.5 cycle. On day 2 you have approx. 2.25 hrs to complete the 16.5 km cycle on Ljusterö. On Svartsö you have a minimum of 2 hrs to complete the 17.5 km cycle tour, although the distance can be shortened and you can also ake the evening boat back to Stockholm. 

Dates 2026

Monday 22 June – Thursday 13 August
Trip departs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Price 2026

SEK 500 for GPX files, introduction, route information & local information
Bikes, boats and accommodation organised privately 

Gallery