Vaxholm Stockholm
A picturesque island town in Stockholm's archipelago, Vaxholm offers charming wooden houses, historic fortresses, and scenic ferry rides.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Vaxholm Stockholm
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque island town in Stockholm's archipelago, Vaxholm offers charming wooden houses, historic fortresses, and scenic ferry rides.
"Vaxholm is a delightful escape, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and Swedish charm."
🚢 Scenic Ferry Ride
Take the SL ferry from Strömkajen for stunning archipelago views. It's part of the SL public transport system!
🚌 Faster Bus Option
Bus 670 from Tekniska Högskolan is a quicker way to reach Vaxholm if time is limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vaxholm Fortress
Island fort
Explore this historic island fortress, a key defense for Stockholm, offering great views and a glimpse into military history.

Charming Wooden Houses
Vaxholm town
Wander through picturesque streets lined with beautifully preserved colorful wooden houses, a photographer's delight.

Archipelago Views
Various viewpoints
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the Stockholm archipelago, especially stunning during sunset from spots like Ivar Los park.
Fika Break
Cafes in Vaxholm
Indulge in the Swedish tradition of 'fika' with coffee and pastries at a local cafe, a perfect way to relax.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry vs. Bus to Vaxholm
Embrace the Archipelago Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Scenic Ferry Ride
Take the SL ferry from Strömkajen for stunning archipelago views. It's part of the SL public transport system!
🚌 Faster Bus Option
Bus 670 from Tekniska Högskolan is a quicker way to reach Vaxholm if time is limited.
🏰 Explore Vaxholm Fortress
Don't miss the historic fortress; it's a main attraction and offers great photo opportunities.
🍰 Enjoy a Fika
Savor Swedish 'fika' with coffee and pastries at a local cafe. Many have lovely waterfront views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Scenic Ferry Ride
Take the SL ferry from Strömkajen for stunning archipelago views. It's part of the SL public transport system!
🚌 Faster Bus Option
Bus 670 from Tekniska Högskolan is a quicker way to reach Vaxholm if time is limited.
🏰 Explore Vaxholm Fortress
Don't miss the historic fortress; it's a main attraction and offers great photo opportunities.
🍰 Enjoy a Fika
Savor Swedish 'fika' with coffee and pastries at a local cafe. Many have lovely waterfront views.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Streets
Wander through Vaxholm's charming streets lined with colorful wooden houses.
☀️ Pack for the Weather
Even in summer, the archipelago can be breezy. Bring layers and be prepared for changing weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Vaxholm for its picturesque charm, especially the colorful wooden houses and the scenic ferry journey from Stockholm. It's considered an ideal, accessible day trip into the archipelago, offering a relaxing escape with historical sites like the fortress. Some find the dining options a bit limited or pricey, and swimming opportunities aren't always the main draw.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have two main options: take the SL ferry from Strömkajen (near Grand Hotel) or Slussen, which takes about an hour and offers scenic archipelago views. Alternatively, you can take bus 670 from Tekniska Högskolan, which is a faster option. Both are covered by the SL public transport system.
Yes, the Waxholmsbolaget ferries to Vaxholm are part of the SL public transport network, meaning you can use your SL card for the journey.
The ferry offers a more scenic and leisurely experience, passing through the beautiful archipelago. The bus is generally faster and a more direct route. Both are convenient options for a day trip from Stockholm.
The boat trip from Strömkajen to Vaxholm typically takes around one hour, offering a pleasant journey through the islands.
Yes, you can board the SL boat (number 83) to Vaxholm from Slussen, as well as from Strömkajen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, if you have a valid SL travel card (like a day pass or period ticket), it covers the ferry journey to Vaxholm as it's part of the public transport system.
While exploring the town of Vaxholm is free, there might be an entrance fee to access the interior of Vaxholm Fortress itself. It's advisable to check their official website for current admission prices and opening hours.
Opening hours for Vaxholm Fortress can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Vaxholm Fortress website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, you can find various boat tours that explore the Vaxholm archipelago. Some may include stops at the fortress or other islands. Check with local tour operators like Stromma for options.
Absolutely! Bus 670, which travels to Vaxholm, is a public transport route, so your SL card is valid for this journey as well.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include exploring Vaxholm Fortress, wandering through the charming streets with colorful wooden houses, enjoying 'fika' at local cafes, and taking in the beautiful archipelago views.
Yes, Vaxholm is a very popular and highly recommended day trip from Stockholm. It's easily accessible by ferry or bus and offers a delightful escape to the archipelago.
At Vaxholm Fortress, you can learn about its history, explore the grounds, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago. It's a significant historical site.
While Vaxholm is known for its archipelago setting, swimming spots might be limited or seasonal. Some locals suggest taking ferries to nearby islands like Rindö or Ramsö for better swimming opportunities, though water temperatures can be cool.
It's possible to rent bikes in Vaxholm. Inquire at the local information kiosk by the docks or check with local rental shops to explore the island and surrounding areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Vaxholm offers charming cafes for 'fika' (coffee and pastries) and several good fish restaurants by the boats. For something different, Dee Dee Thaikök offers a Thai buffet.
There are several cozy cafes in Vaxholm perfect for 'fika'. Look for places near the docks or in the town center for a delightful coffee and pastry experience.
Yes, Vaxholm has several restaurants by the waterfront that are known for serving fresh fish and seafood, making it a great spot for a meal with a view.
'Fika' is a Swedish concept that means taking a break for coffee and a sweet treat, like a pastry or cake. It's a cherished social tradition in Sweden.
While Vaxholm is known for its fish restaurants, many cafes will offer some vegetarian options for pastries. For more extensive vegan/vegetarian choices, you might need to plan ahead or consider dining back in Stockholm.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful wooden houses, the historic Vaxholm Fortress, and the stunning archipelago landscapes. Sunset views from Ivar Los park are particularly breathtaking.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light for photographing the charming town and archipelago. Sunsets can be spectacular.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both town details and wider landscape shots. A wide-angle lens is useful for the expansive archipelago views.
Vaxholm is famous for its well-preserved, colorful wooden houses with intricate details. The Vaxholm Fortress also provides a dramatic historical backdrop.
Absolutely! The ferry ride itself offers fantastic opportunities to photograph the islands, the water, and the approaching town of Vaxholm. Sit on the side facing the archipelago for the best views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit