Stockholm's Archipelago

A self-guided circular trip that offers a relaxed exploration of city, coast, countryside and island life, all at your own pace.

Your journey begins in cool Stockholm, often described as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Built across 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, it’s a city full of green spaces, striking architecture, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead.

From here, you’ll hop between islands by ferry and bike, exploring a region where land and water come together in stunning fashion. With over 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago was recently named one of National Geographic’s top 25 places to visit in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. You'll experience a variety of scenery, from peaceful forests and quiet bays, to open coastline and sandy beaches.

Over 5 days in the saddle, you’ll cover around 220 km on a mixed terrain of quiet roads, cycle paths and gravel trails. Along the way, you’ll pass through nature reserves, along lakeside paths, and welcoming towns like Vaxholm, often called the “capital of the archipelago” and Gustavsberg, known for its pretty harbour and local character.

A standout is the island of Sandön, home to the village of Sandhamn. With its colourful houses, lively marina and long stretches of beach, it’s a place beloved by sailors, holidaymakers and fans of Nordic Noir alike.

Daily distances range between 30 and 55 km, offering plenty of time to take in your surroundings and enjoy regular stops. Between areas of quiet calm nature, you’ll find cafés, bakeries and waterside restaurants along the route, perfect for a relaxed lunch or an afternoon coffee with a view. By the end of the week, you’ll have explored Sweden’s stunning capital, experienced its coastal culture, and enjoyed a memorable journey through a landscape shaped by both land and sea.

This is a relaxed and rewarding cycling holiday that offers a fresh perspective on Sweden, ideal for those looking to combine gentle adventure with great scenery, local culture and charm.

Holiday Highlights

• Exploring scenic Stockholm
• Island hopping by ferry and bike through coastal Sweden
• Riding forest trails and waterside routes
• Exploring harbour towns like Vaxholm and Gustavsberg
• Discovering Sandhamn’s beaches, boats and colourful charm
• Stopping for fika, lunches and sea views along the way
• Soaking up the archipelago’s unique mix of nature and culture

You’ll be pedalling along a lovely mix of quiet roads, scenic gravel paths and well-marked cycle paths, ideal for soaking up the archipelago’s relaxed pace. A fair proportion of the route is traffic-free, with only the occasional stretch alongside busier roads, particularly when connecting between islands.