The best places to visit in the Stockholm archipelago this summer

It's been a long Scandinavian winter to test the hardiest of endurance levels, and while it's not quite over yet, it's never too early to plan for summer. And the Stockholm archipelago, where the birds are singing, there’s a gentle ocean breeze and there are water views for days, makes for the perfect, long-awaited getaway.

Our picks for the summer include an updated island classic, architectural gems on the water and glamping experiences, all within easy reach of Sweden's capital for a summer weekend or a week-long retreat to remember.

Related: 5 places to see the midnight sun in Scandinavia this summer

Welcome to the “hottest spot north of Stockholm,” an idyllic locale where sand and sea meets leisure, sport, music, and art. Their self-proclamation is no exaggeration. Ellery Beach House, situated on the furthest tip of Lidingö, is a little oasis reminiscent of warmer shores and playful days across the Atlantic. A pocket of Palm Springs, but with a Scandinavian twist. Here you can bathe in hot pools year-round, enjoy a smorgasbord of treatments for both body and soul, and wrap it all up with a cocktail in one of their four(!) bars. It’s not hard to believe the promise of a full rejuvenation. It is, after all, “the destination for the very best version of you.”

From 2,140 SEK per night

New this summer, Harö Natur offers an utterly Instagrammable experience out in the outer archipelago, reachable by boat or boat taxi. This unique setup of individual cabins includes a floating greenhouse right on the deck with views of the swans, and geometrically-shaped buildings in the woods with vast windows for maximum nature exposure. Packages include a five-course dinner, breakfast and access to the gym, sauna and kayaks.

From 5,500 SEK per night.

A boutique hotel on Värmdö, the archipelago’s biggest island, Siggesta Gård has plenty of ways to get in touch with nature, including glamping and outdoor cooking classes. It also offers a unique ‘silent yoga’ session modelled on the silent disco phenomenon. This summer it opens a new wing with 60 new rooms so that even more people can enjoy the serenity of this special location. It’s an easy drive out of the city and all reachable by car or public transport.

From 2,000 SEK per night

Also on Värmdö in a beautiful location between the water and the trees, the 17-room Villa Soludden is an island hideaway with bay views from its central house, designed in the 1990s by Finnish architect Reijo Hillberg. It’s a chic spot where you can sunbathe, swim, take the speedboat for a ride or relax in the hot tub, all within easy reach of the city. An idyllic getaway for a romantic break.

From 1,595 SEK per night

Sandhamn Seglarhotell is a classic hotel dating back to the 1800s on the island of Sandön in the outer archipelago. The place has been given an upgrade for 2022, with the newly-renovated hotel hosting a new chef in the kitchen and a new orangery dining area serving seafood with a side order of evening sun that opened last year. Expect long relaxing days in nature, afternoons on the sandy beach and activities including padel tennis, kayaking, nature walks and tennis.

From 1,790 SEK per night

Vaxholm Bed & Breakfast is delightful two-room spot in a 1930s villa with archipelago adventures on the doorstep. Kayak, hike or take the wood-fired sauna raft out on the water, or enjoy a pizza night in the Greenhouse. They also offer private boat trips in the summer where you can have breakfast on an island clifftop for a sublime start to the day.

From 1,295 SEK per night

One of Sweden’s largest spa hotels, Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa is in Dalarö, around 50 minutes by car from Stockholm city centre. Bedrooms are gorgeously designed with nautical shiplap, muted harbour colours and lightly sprigged wallpaper, and promise a restful stay. It’s a great spot for a girls’ weekend – the spa has Sweden’s only group treatment room and is stocked with Kerstin Florian products for some beautiful spa and sauna rituals.

From 1,900 SEK per night