Stockholms skärgård is Sweden’s largest and one of the world’s most beautiful – a swarm of islands, skerries and islets spreading miles east from the city, from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south. Here the city meets the open sea, and for the sea kayak there is hardly richer paddle water in the country. The area lies mostly in Uppland.
Paddling in three zones
The archipelago is usually divided into inner, middle and outer archipelago, and they have quite different character:
- Inner archipelago – leafy, sheltered bays and sounds near the city, forgiving for beginners and shorter trips.
- Middle archipelago – more open fjärds mixed with island groups such as Möja, Svartsö and Finnhamn, classic multi-day paddling between natural harbours.
- Outer archipelago – bare skerries and open sea towards the Baltic, exposed and for the experienced.
Along the way you meet rich birdlife – white-tailed eagle, eider and Arctic tern belong to the everyday on the water.
Good to know
Rent a sea kayak and SUP at Skärgårdens Kanotcenter in Vaxholm, Möja Outdoor farther out, or Ragnars Kajak & SUP on Finnhamn. Many islands can also be reached by archipelago boat if you want to shorten open crossings.
Open water needs respect: check the forecast, plan crossings for wind and waves, and stay in sheltered sounds if you are unused. Always wear a life jacket. See more trips and rentals on the map, and read our guide to planning a multi-day trip.