Publication date: 05/20/2026
One of the major advantages of starting from Svinninge or Gåshaga is how quickly you reach the open archipelago. Many marinas around Stockholm require a long passage before you actually reach areas with natural anchorages and guest harbours. From our marinas, you are out there straight away.
Hidden gems in the Stockholm archipelago
Svinninge Marina is located in Täljöviken in Åkersberga, at the gateway to the northern archipelago. From here, a sailor’s paradise stretches all the way to Arholma and Norrtälje, with Vaxholm, Möja and Finnhamn among the most popular destinations along the route.
Vaxholm
The capital of the archipelago and a natural first stop.
This picturesque wooden town, with its waterside restaurants and boutiques, is easy to fall in love with, but it is Vaxholm Fortress in the middle of the strait that truly sets the atmosphere. The fortress was founded by King Gustav Vasa in the 1540s to protect the entrance to Stockholm and successfully defended against attacks twice: the Danish fleet in 1612 and the Russian fleet in 1719. The fortress is still known today as “The Lock of Stockholm,” and it is easy to understand why when sailing past it. Today, the well-preserved granite walls house a fortress museum.
The guest harbour is lined with charming boathouses offering everything from handicrafts and jewellery to second-hand finds. A short walk away, on a headland overlooking northern Vaxholmsfjärden, you will find Vaxholm’s heritage café, one of the archipelago’s most talked-about cafés, famous for its table overflowing with homemade cakes, buns and pastries. If you want to explore Vaxholm’s islands and nature reserves, bicycles can be rented directly at the guest harbour.
Finnhamn
Finnhamn is the collective name for the islands of Stora Jolpan, Lilla Jolpan and Idholmen. The islands are part of a nature reserve with hiking trails, swimming cliffs and sheltered coves. The guest harbour at Paradisviken offers dock berths as well as anchoring options. Finnhamn’s inn, located by the steamship pier, serves classic archipelago cuisine and features a rooftop bar open during summer evenings. At the beach kiosk, you can rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards and rowing boats. There is also a farm shop on Idholmen selling organic produce from the island’s own agriculture. Expect a couple of hours’ sailing from both Svinninge and Gåshaga, depending on wind and route.
Möja
One of the larger islands in the Stockholm archipelago and one of the region’s most beloved destinations. Möja rewards those who take their time. In the village of Ramsmora on the island’s northern side, you will find one of the archipelago’s most renowned fish restaurants. In Berg, on the southern side, you can rent kayaks and paddle around Möja’s waters. Ostholmen features a public sauna. Guest harbours are available in several locations around the island, including Kyrkviken and Ramsmora.
Sandhamn
Located at the outer edge of the archipelago and considered a classic destination among sailors. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) operates guest harbours in Sandhamn, Lökholmen and Telegrafholmen. Sandhamn Seglarhotell, the inn and the bakery famous for its “sailor buns” are recurring reasons for boaters to stop here. It is a longer journey from Svinninge, but well worth planning for one or several overnight stays.
Grinda
The guest harbour in Hemviken on the island’s western side offers berths with electricity, showers and toilets. By the docks, you will find “Framfickan” for simpler meals, a bakery and a marine fuel station with an activity centre where you can rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards. Grinda Wärdshus, located a short walk uphill from the harbour, has welcomed sailors since 1906 and is considered by many to be one of the archipelago’s finest restaurants. The island itself is a nature reserve with marked hiking trails, swimming areas and a sauna by the water. The viewpoint at Klubbudden is well worth the walk from the harbour.
Natural anchorages along the way
One of the great pleasures of having your base at Svinninge or Gåshaga is how quickly you reach waters where nature takes over. The northern and central archipelago are full of uninhabited islets and coves where you can anchor peacefully, far from crowded guest harbours and neighbouring boats. Sweden’s Right of Public Access allows you to move freely in nature and go ashore on most beaches and rocky shores, but it is based on respect: do not disturb, do not destroy, and keep your distance from private properties and residential areas.
Practical planning tips
Nautical charts
The Swedish Maritime Administration’s leisure boating chart Stockholm Norra covers the northern archipelago and is the relevant chart if you are departing from Svinninge. Stockholm Mellersta covers the central archipelago and works well for routes from both Svinninge and Gåshaga. Both charts include Möja, which lies on the border between the two areas. Always keep updated charts on board, whether physical or digital. Skippo is an excellent Nordic app for digital navigation in the archipelago, featuring nautical charts, information about harbours, waterfront restaurants, fuel stations and local facilities.
Weather
Weather conditions in the archipelago can change quickly, and it is wise to check more than one source. The Swedish Sea Rescue Society’s app Kustväder is designed specifically for recreational boating and provides local marine forecasts with wind strength, wind direction and thunderstorm warnings along the coast. Skippo combines nautical charts, harbour information and weather forecasts in one tool, and its wind overlay makes it easy to understand conditions along your planned route. Always double-check the forecast before casting off.
High season
July is peak season, and the most popular harbours such as Sandhamn and Grinda can become very busy during summer holidays. Plan to arrive early in the day or have alternative harbours nearby. Some marinas in Sweden and the Stockholm archipelago are connected to Dockspot, a booking system for guest harbours. It can be a useful option if you want to secure a berth in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Which harbours are closest to Svinninge Marina?
Grinda, Linanäs and Vaxholm are among the nearest natural stops and can be reached relatively quickly. From there, the rest of the northern and central archipelago opens up before you.
Which harbours are closest to Gåshaga Marina?
From Gåshaga on Lidingö, you quickly reach the archipelago. Vaxholm and Grinda are natural first destinations, but the location also provides easy access to Fjäderholmarna and Wasahamnen on Djurgården for those looking for a livelier, more urban atmosphere along the route.
Do I need to buy nautical charts?
Nautical charts are not legally required for recreational boats in Sweden, but they are essential for safe navigation in the archipelago and are strongly recommended on board. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s leisure boating charts are available both as printed charts and digitally through various navigation apps.
Start from Svinninge or Gåshaga
Svinninge Marina in Åkersberga is located at the gateway to the northern archipelago, with quick access to Vaxholm, Möja and Finnhamn. Here, you can either handle all maintenance yourself or leave it to the specialists on site.
Gåshaga Marina on Lidingö is the perfect starting point for the southern and central archipelago, with Sandhamn, Grinda and Bullerö all within reach. The marina’s team takes care of all the practical details so you can focus on enjoying life at sea.
As a berth holder with us, you become part of the Port Adhoc network and gain access to our loyalty programme. This includes up to 28 free nights per year in network marinas across Sweden, France, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as 25% off additional overnight stays.
Thinking about keeping your boat with us? Request a personalised quote!
