Best way to explore the Stockholm archipelago – a local perspective
By Heidi Ekberg 4 min read
19 APRIL 2026
The Stockholm Archipelago is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the world. With over 30,000 islands, it’s also one of the most complex – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. But once you’re here, a natural question comes up: What is actually the best way to explore it? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. And as a small, family-run business with deep roots in the archipelago, we’d like to share a more local perspective.
There are many ways to explore – but they are very different
If you’re visiting Stockholm, you’ll quickly notice how central the archipelago is to the experience – something also highlighted by official tourism sources like Visit Stockholm. Most visitors choose between a few main options:
– Public ferries
The ferry system is extensive and reliable. It’s a great way to reach larger, well-known islands like Vaxholm or Sandhamn. But ferries follow fixed routes and schedules. You don’t choose where to stop – and you won’t reach the smaller, quieter islands in between.
– Kayak or self-drive
For those with time and experience, kayaking or renting a boat can be a beautiful way to explore. But the archipelago is not as simple as it looks on a map. Distances are long, weather changes quickly, and navigation can be tricky – even for locals.
– Private boat tours
This is where the experience becomes something entirely different. Instead of following a route, you follow the moment. You can slow down, stop for a swim, explore a quiet island, or just take in the landscape as it changes from open sea to narrow passages between rocky shores.
Why local knowledge makes all the difference
The Stockholm Archipelago isn’t just a destination – it’s a place people live in, grow up in, and return to year after year. For us, it’s exactly that. Our family has been part of this landscape for generations, with houses both in the outer archipelago and closer to Stockholm. We’ve spent summers navigating these waters long before GPS and marked routes. That kind of local knowledge changes how you experience the archipelago.
* Knowing which route is calm on a windy day
* Finding a small island where you can be completely alone
* Understanding where to go depending on light, weather, and time of day
These are things you don’t find in guidebooks.
Small-scale experiences vs. crowded routes
There’s a big difference between seeing the archipelago and experiencing it. Large boats and standard tours often focus on the highlights – and for good reason. But they also mean sharing the experience with many others. A small-scale, family-run boat tour is something else entirely. It’s quieter. More personal. More flexible. You’re not one of many – you’re part of a shared experience shaped by the day, the weather, and your preferences.
So, what is the best way?
If your goal is simply to visit an island, the ferry might be enough. But if you want to truly understand why the Stockholm Archipelago is so special – how the islands connect, how the light changes, how life moves between them – then a more personal approach makes all the difference.
A final note from us
We didn’t start Stockholm Boating to offer “just another boat tour”. We started it to share something we’ve been part of our whole lives. If you’d like to experience the archipelago through local eyes – with the flexibility to explore beyond the obvious – you’re always welcome aboard.