This calm island town in the Stockholm archipelago centers around its 16th-century fortress, waterfront restaurants, and active harbor filled with local boats.
Vaxholm, an hour from Stockholm by boat or bus, spreads across 70 islands in the Stockholm archipelago. The town center on Vaxön island has narrow cobblestone streets lined with red and white wooden houses built in the 1800s. You can climb the stone walls of the 16th-century fortress, swim from the granite rocks at Norrhamnsbadet, or follow hiking trails through oak forests to the 1650s Bogesund Castle.
Getting to Vaxholm from Stockholm
You can reach Vaxholm from central Stockholm in several ways. The archipelago boats depart from Strömkajen, taking about an hour while passing through the inner archipelago waters. Bus 670 runs from Tekniska Högskolan station to Vaxholm in 45 minutes. If you're driving, follow the road bridges that connect Vaxholm to the mainland. During summer weekends, arrive before 10 AM to find parking in the town center.
Walking Through Vaxholm's Streets
The town center covers the eastern part of Vaxön island. Red, yellow, and white wooden houses from the 1860s line the narrow cobblestone streets, built when Vaxholm became a summer resort for Stockholm residents. Along Hamngatan, the main street, you'll find wool shops, bakeries, and flower stores. Several art galleries on Rådhusgatan display paintings and ceramics by archipelago artists.
Swimming and Water Activities
At Norrhamnsbadet, on the northern shore, you can swim from smooth granite rocks into the Baltic Sea. The west side of the island has a rowing club and water-skiing school. You can rent single or double kayaks at the harbor to explore the surrounding islands, or take scheduled water taxis that connect to other archipelago communities.
The Military Fortress
Take the three-minute cable ferry to reach Vaxholm Fortress on its own island. Built in 1549 by Gustav Vasa, the fortress protected Stockholm from naval attacks for centuries. The current granite structure from the 1800s contains exhibits about coastal defense history. From April through September, you can eat at Bistro Kastellet in the fortress courtyard.
Bogesund Nature Reserve
Cross the bridge to reach Bogesund Nature Reserve on the mainland. The marked trails lead through oak and maple forests, with signs explaining local flora and wildlife. In winter, the trails become groomed cross-country skiing tracks. The yellow Bogesund Castle from the 1650s opens for guided tours between June and August. Next to it, the converted prison building serves as a youth hostel.
Winter Activities
Vaxholm remains active during winter. Local restaurants serve traditional Swedish Christmas dishes in December, and the town square hosts weekend markets. When snow falls, you can rent cross-country skis to explore the 15 kilometers of prepared tracks in Bogesund. The fortress museum stays open year-round, and most cafes and shops in the town center maintain regular hours throughout winter.
