Vaxholm - Capital Of Stockholm's Archipelago

With such a huge archipelago, there are many beautiful places and towns where visitors can enjoy the swedish charm of being out in the water and arriving at an isolated island full of cute wooden buildings and beautiful Nature all around. But for those wanting to experience a real city in Stockholm's archipelago, there's no better option than to head to the capital of the archipelago: Vaxholm.

If you want to reach Vaxholm by road, you are in luck: there is a bus going all the way from the city (at Tekniska Högskolan) to Vaxholm, in less than 40 minutes. Choosing this option guarantees you amazing views of the countryside and water around Stockholm.

Another great way to reach Vaxholm is by boat. There are Stromma and Waxholmsbolaget boats leaving regularly from Stockholm's city center and taking passengers to Vaxholm in less than an hour. From Strömkajen it is even possible to take a public SL ferry (pendelbåt in Swedish) headed to Vaxholm - plan your trip here.

When arriving in Vaxholm, either by bus or boat, visitors will be greeted by the amazing scenery of the glittering water, the boats constantly passing by and the castle sitting peacefully on an island across the water.

View from Vaxholm's harbor

In such a small city, exploring is quite easy and pleasant. Simply head up Hamngatan, a super charming street full of cozy local stores, and then turn right to Rådhusgatan, another quaint little road leading up to the town's square.

The charming streets of Vaxholm

With a lovely yellow gazebo, a big chess board on the ground and the City Hall overlooking it, the main square (Rådhustorget) is one of the many places in Vaxholm that will make you fall in love with Stockholm's archipelago.

Rådhustorget in Vaxholm

After taking a while to admire the surroundings in Rådhustorget, walk down the road to Norrhamnen: a beautiful little harbor where you will be able to see Vaxholm's typical colorful houses and the boat traffic that gives the town so much life especially during the summer.

Sailing boats in Vaxholm

Close by the harbor there is a charming café with outdoor sitting where plenty of people enjoy a relaxing break by the water: Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café.

Right next to it there is another harbor where people can take in the views and relax in one of the benches overlooking the water. Walk towards the café and you will find the most perfect place in the city to sit by the water, as well as a tiny beach where you can venture down to dip your feet in the water.

A perfect place to enjoy the nice weather close by to Norrbergshamnen

To start exploring the other side of the city, head up Fiskaregaten street, turn left on Vallgatan and then left again on Cronhamnsgränd. A big part of enjoying the city of Vaxholm is walking around the streets and seeing the beautifully decorated houses and gardens, especially during the summer.

Views of Fiskaregatan and Cronhamnsgränd

These picturesque streets will lead you to Vaxholm's small beach where plenty of locals swim and enjoy the nice weather during the summers. From there you will get privileged views of Norrhamnen and its surrounding houses once again, as well as you will have plenty of cliffs to sit on and enjoy the boats passing by.

Views from Vaxholm's beach at Cronhamnsgränd

If you would like to get an even better view of Vaxholm, the water and the surrounding archipelago, head up the wooden stairs at the beach. Up there, you will find a charming lonely bench where you can sit and contemplate the beauty all around.

A viewpoint above Vaxholm's beach

The last must-see in Vaxholm is, of course, the Castle. Head back to Fiskaregatan street, which then turns into Strandgatan street, where you will get to enjoy privileged views of Vaxholms Kastell.

At the castle there are plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy. Visitors can either spend the night, enjoy a Fika or a light meal at Bistro Kastellet, get involved in activities similar to the currently trendy escape rooms or even visit the biggest museum in Stockholm's archipelago.

At Kastellet Museum, visitors can learn more about the defense of Stockholm's archipelago and how Vaxholm's Castle and fortress played a role in it during 500 years.

Vaxholm's Castle