7 day self-guided hiking adventure through Stockholm and its surrounding archipelago
Hike in Tyresta National Park among ancient forest and wildlife
Island-hop by boat to Huvudskär, Kymmendö and Utö, exploring wild coastal paths
On Utö, cycle and hike across the island and nearby Ålö, with sea views and beach stops
Walk on Ornö’s western coast, through nature reserves and heritage trails
Final days include coastal trails, a boat transfer back to Stockholm, and free time to explore the city further
From £938 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing the accommodation for 6 nights with breakfast, selected boat transfers, and including information pack with route and luggage transportation. Local buses and boats will be paid for locally.
This roughly converts to 1,116 EUR | 1,210 USD
Departure Days: This trip has set departure dates throughout the Summer. June 19th & 26th – July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – and August 7th. Contact our team to check availability.
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.
Today, you can choose to take a walk through Stockholm’s unique Royal National City Park – the world’s first national park to be located within a bustling city. The park is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Hike through ancient forests, visit palaces, and bathe from waterside rocks—all right here, in the city centre!
Alternatively, concentrate on the vibrant ‘Söder’ region (Södermalm) of Stockholm and walk the many quaint alleys, passing historic cottages and churches, and enjoying a handful of impressive viewpoints across the city.
Accommodation: Stockholm
Meals: None
Hiking Distance: 6-20 km (flexible & optional)
Hellsten’s Malmgard is located at Sodermalm in the heart of Stockholm, one block from the metro station Zinkensdamm. It is also within walking distance of the Old Town and many other attractions.First built in 1770, the hotel has been known as Queen Christina’s Hunting Palace, but today, this mansion-like building is converted into a delightful hotel. Strong colors in the rooms, walls and furniture in typical Gustavian style, some antiques from different parts of the world. The buildings are built around around the cobblestoned yard, contributing to a relaxing environment. There is also an old chestnut tree in the yard, which was planted when the building was built 240 years ago. All this contributes to the feeling that time and the centuries stand still. The breakfast is served on the veranda or in the garden during the summer season.
This morning, you will be transferred to Tyresta National Park – a protected area featuring trees dating back over 400 years, sparkling forest lakes, and a wealth of wildlife. Deer roam freely throughout the day whilst moose appear as dusk falls.
Hike the trails through the endless forests of pine and birch, taking a refreshing dip as you pass by one of the many lakes. Find the perfect spot and enjoy the peace, tranquility, and wonderful nature of Stockholm’s national park.
You then continue on towards the idyllic village of Dalarö, your first taste of Stockholm’s extensive archipelago. Tomorrow, you will have more time to explore Dalarö's picturesque narrow streets, but you might find time today to swim from the local sandy beach before taking the short bus ride to your accommodation for the night at Smådalarö.
Accommodation: Smådalarö Gård
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 14–18 km
Bus: Dalarö → Smådalarö (10 minutes)
At Smadalaro Gard, in the middle of Hemviken near the gate to Stockholm’s southern archipelago, you will experience the archipelago when it is at its best – whatever the season. When staying at Smadalaro Gard, take the opportunity to just rest or spend time enjoying some of the activities available, such as swimming or easing aching muscles in a wood-fired sauna, golf and tennis. The manor house was built in 1810 as a dinner and party room for the original owner. The main building has then been supplemented with a hotel grand piano, a dining room and an orangery. Next to the shoreline, there are now two sauna buildings and a stone’s throw from the manor house is Gits Hus – a separate hotel building which previously served as a summer residence for the revyd queen Git Gay.The farm has 56 rooms in the main building and six rooms in Gits Hus. All rooms are beautifully decorated and have a very high standard with access to room service and wireless Internet.
Hellsten’s Malmgard is located at Sodermalm in the heart of Stockholm, one block from the metro station Zinkensdamm. It is also within walking distance of the Old Town and many other attractions.First built in 1770, the hotel has been known as Queen Christina’s Hunting Palace, but today, this mansion-like building is converted into a delightful hotel. Strong colors in the rooms, walls and furniture in typical Gustavian style, some antiques from different parts of the world. The buildings are built around around the cobblestoned yard, contributing to a relaxing environment. There is also an old chestnut tree in the yard, which was planted when the building was built 240 years ago. All this contributes to the feeling that time and the centuries stand still. The breakfast is served on the veranda or in the garden during the summer season.
This morning, take the local bus back to Dalarö, and enjoy a few hours to explore the village following our self-guided walk through its picturesque, narrow streets of colourful wooden houses. Don’t miss a walk up to the beautiful viewpoint on Lotsberget with stunning views across the archipelago.
Back in the harbour, you will catch the small boat and head out amongst the thousands of islands that make up the southern part of Stockholm’s archipelago—a seemingly endless expanse of 24,000 glorious islands lying right on Stockholm’s doorstep. Stretching some 80 km east of Stockholm, this area formed during the last Ice Age and is today considered one of the world’s natural wonders.
Your first stop is the exotic island of Huvudskär. Due to its location in the outer reaches, you will be one of the few to venture this far. Walk in an untouched environment and enjoy its magical light that captivates artists. Explore all corners of this small island, hugging its shoreline and enjoying the far-reaching views out to sea. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals or sea eagles soaring in the skies above.
You then island-hop to Kymmendö on your way back, where August Strindberg spent many summers and which inspired his novel Hemsöborna. Your final stop today is the holiday island of Utö, where you will spend the next three nights.
Accommodation: Utö Värdshus
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Boat trips: Dalarö → Huvudskär (1 hour); Huvudskär → Kymmendö (45 mins); Kymmendö → Utö (15 mins)
Bus: Smådalarö → Dalarö (10 mins)
At Smadalaro Gard, in the middle of Hemviken near the gate to Stockholm’s southern archipelago, you will experience the archipelago when it is at its best – whatever the season. When staying at Smadalaro Gard, take the opportunity to just rest or spend time enjoying some of the activities available, such as swimming or easing aching muscles in a wood-fired sauna, golf and tennis. The manor house was built in 1810 as a dinner and party room for the original owner. The main building has then been supplemented with a hotel grand piano, a dining room and an orangery. Next to the shoreline, there are now two sauna buildings and a stone’s throw from the manor house is Gits Hus – a separate hotel building which previously served as a summer residence for the revyd queen Git Gay.The farm has 56 rooms in the main building and six rooms in Gits Hus. All rooms are beautifully decorated and have a very high standard with access to room service and wireless Internet.
The Uto Vardshus story begins in the late 1800s when the whole island of Uto was sold to a wealthy merchant. Shortly after the purchase he turned the northern part of Uto from a drab former mining town into a fashionable seaside resort with a spa hotel, which became the venue of choice for society balls, frequented by contemporary celebrities and high society people. A stay at here is to become part of the hotel’s colourful history. The large main wooden building with a veranda houses the dining area and reception. The accommodations, including individual cottages and historic rooms, are scattered about several acres of grounds.
Today, you enjoy your first day on Utö island to take in its bustle and picturesque scenery. Bikes are included so you can cycle the length of the island, crossing over a bridge to the small island of Ålö.
Here, you will hike your first stretch along the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, a new route running north to south of this magnificent archipelago. Cling to its rocky coast as you enjoy non-stop sea views and impressive viewpoints along the way. You will also pass its delightful white sand beach plus a seaside fish restaurant for a touch of local charm. Afterwards, it’s back on the bikes to Utö’s busy village. (A taxi or moped can also be arranged on site instead of bikes).
Accommodation: Utö Värdshus
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 10 km
Cycling: 22 km (option to take a taxi/moped instead)
The Uto Vardshus story begins in the late 1800s when the whole island of Uto was sold to a wealthy merchant. Shortly after the purchase he turned the northern part of Uto from a drab former mining town into a fashionable seaside resort with a spa hotel, which became the venue of choice for society balls, frequented by contemporary celebrities and high society people. A stay at here is to become part of the hotel’s colourful history. The large main wooden building with a veranda houses the dining area and reception. The accommodations, including individual cottages and historic rooms, are scattered about several acres of grounds.
This morning, take the short boat ride over to Ornö for the start of your hike along its western shore, following parts of Ornö’s section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail.
Ornö is the largest island in the southern archipelago and has traditionally been less exploited for tourism than some of its neighbouring islands. It remains today an island with a living community yet to be discovered by large-scale tourism. Your hike takes you through the nature reserve, passing forest, open landscape, and coastal scenery, and includes beautiful viewpoints along the way, such as the very impressive Telegrafberget view tower, the southern archipelago’s highest point.
From here, hike a loop back to Ornö Kyrka (option to take the local bus), Ornö's small village with its picturesque church and local museum. You are welcome to visit the museum for an afternoon tea break. Time permitting, you can also hike the Levassastigen heritage trail with information boards explaining the cultural history of the island.
You then take the boat back from Ornö Kyrka to Utö.
Accommodation: Utö Värdshus
Meals: Breakfast & tea/cake
Hiking distance: 10-16 km
Boat trips: Utö → Ornö (50 mins); Ornö → Utö (50 mins)
Bus options: Ornö Kyrka → Sundby (10 mins); Brevik → Ornö Kyrka (10 mins)
The Uto Vardshus story begins in the late 1800s when the whole island of Uto was sold to a wealthy merchant. Shortly after the purchase he turned the northern part of Uto from a drab former mining town into a fashionable seaside resort with a spa hotel, which became the venue of choice for society balls, frequented by contemporary celebrities and high society people. A stay at here is to become part of the hotel’s colourful history. The large main wooden building with a veranda houses the dining area and reception. The accommodations, including individual cottages and historic rooms, are scattered about several acres of grounds.
This morning, you have the chance to visit Utö village, where you can head up to the windmill built in 1791 to enjoy one of Utö’s best views. Alternatively, visit the mine museum and learn about the interesting history of this mining community.
You also have time to further explore Utö nature reserve on foot, following the third stretch of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail along a beautiful coastal path. This stretch offers varying lengths of hike, so you might choose to also fit in a tour on sea kayaks. As well as wonderful sea views, you will pass sandy beaches and smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic lunch in the fresh sea air.
You then board the archipelago boat and enjoy a scenic boat trip, passing island after island as you journey back to the buzz of Stockholm city.
Accommodation: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 5-11 km
Optional activities: Sea kayaking
Boat trip: Utö → Stockholm (4 hours)
The Uto Vardshus story begins in the late 1800s when the whole island of Uto was sold to a wealthy merchant. Shortly after the purchase he turned the northern part of Uto from a drab former mining town into a fashionable seaside resort with a spa hotel, which became the venue of choice for society balls, frequented by contemporary celebrities and high society people. A stay at here is to become part of the hotel’s colourful history. The large main wooden building with a veranda houses the dining area and reception. The accommodations, including individual cottages and historic rooms, are scattered about several acres of grounds.
Hellsten’s Malmgard is located at Sodermalm in the heart of Stockholm, one block from the metro station Zinkensdamm. It is also within walking distance of the Old Town and many other attractions.First built in 1770, the hotel has been known as Queen Christina’s Hunting Palace, but today, this mansion-like building is converted into a delightful hotel. Strong colors in the rooms, walls and furniture in typical Gustavian style, some antiques from different parts of the world. The buildings are built around around the cobblestoned yard, contributing to a relaxing environment. There is also an old chestnut tree in the yard, which was planted when the building was built 240 years ago. All this contributes to the feeling that time and the centuries stand still. The breakfast is served on the veranda or in the garden during the summer season.
Enjoy a final day in Stockholm, allowing you the opportunity to explore any sights you may have missed on Day 1. See Day 1 for more information and activity suggestions.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 6–20 km (flexible & optional)
Hellsten’s Malmgard is located at Sodermalm in the heart of Stockholm, one block from the metro station Zinkensdamm. It is also within walking distance of the Old Town and many other attractions.First built in 1770, the hotel has been known as Queen Christina’s Hunting Palace, but today, this mansion-like building is converted into a delightful hotel. Strong colors in the rooms, walls and furniture in typical Gustavian style, some antiques from different parts of the world. The buildings are built around around the cobblestoned yard, contributing to a relaxing environment. There is also an old chestnut tree in the yard, which was planted when the building was built 240 years ago. All this contributes to the feeling that time and the centuries stand still. The breakfast is served on the veranda or in the garden during the summer season.
