5 Days Archipelago Biking Adventure
This is a sample tour idea for a archipelago biking adventure for a smaller group or self guided tour and we will provide maps, booking services following the below description.
Itinerary Biking and Hiking Packages in Stockholm Archipelago
(link for other areas e.g Copenhagen and Skåne where outdoor programs are outstanding)
Day 1: Stockholm → Tyresta National Park → Dalarö
Your archipelago adventure in Stockholm begins with a transfer from your accommodation in Stockholm to Tyresö Palace from where you trail begins. Tyresö is an imposing palace dating back to the 17th century boasting impressive waterside English gardens. Take a stroll through the gardens or across to the nearby small islands with wonderful views across the sea and forests before you start your cycle journey along quiet country lanes the short way to Tyresta National Park. Tyresta is a protected area of some 5000 hectares with trees dating back over 400 years, sparkling forest lakes and a wealth of wildlife.
Deer roam freely throughout whilst moose wait their turn as dusk falls. Take a break from cycling and instead hike the trails through the endless forests of pine and birch, taking a refreshing dip as you pass by one of the many lakes. Find the perfect spot and enjoy the peace, tranquility and breathtaking nature of Stockholm’s only National Park.
After free time in the park, you take to your bikes again and cycle through fields and woods until you reach the idyllic village of Dalarö, your first taste of Stockholm’s wonderful archipelago. Dalarö is an old customs station that developed into a popular resort town in the latter part of the 19th century due to its picturesque location and charming houses. Explore the picturesque narrow streets of colourful wooden houses, swim from the white beaches of Schweizerdalen or pay a visit to the beautiful 15th century church.
Cycling Distance: 29km/Estimated cycling time: 2½ hrs
Hiking Distance: Not fixed/Estimated hiking time: 3 hrs
Day 2: Dalarö → Ornö → Utö
This morning, you take the morning boat and head out amongst the thousands of islands that make up the southern part of Stockholm’s archipelago, a seemingly endless archipelago of 24,000 glorious islands lying right on Stockholm’s doorstep. Stretching some 80 km east of Stockholm deep into the Baltic waters, it formed during the last Ice Age and is today considered to be one of the world’s natural wonders. Your first stop takes you to the pretty island of Ornö.
Ornö is the largest island in the southern archipelago totaling 14km in length and 6km at its widest part. Ornö has traditionally been less exploited for tourism than some of its neighbouring islands and remains today an island with a living community yet to be discovered by large scale tourism. Today, you have the chance to visit the four corners of the island and enjoy its unique nature , both woodland and open landscape, plus opportunities to swim from the smooth rocks as well as visit historical landmarks en route, such as the wooden church dating from 1885.
For exceptional views over the southern islands, hike up Telegrafberget which is the southern archipelago’s highest point at 63m above sea level. At the end of a day out in the fresh archipelago air, you take the boat from Ornö onwards to the holiday island of Utö.
Cycling Distance: Not fixed/approx. 30km
Boat trip: Dalarö → Ornö, 30 mins & Ornö → Utö, 45 mins
Day 3: Utö→ Fjärdlång
Today you are free to enjoy the popular island of Utö, visited by Stockholmers for its Nature Reserve, exceptional beaches and history. Take your bikes and cycle the length of the island, crossing over a little bridge to the small, isolated island of Ålö where you will find solitude on a white sand beach plus a respected fish restaurant. Utö also offers a wealth of other activities from sea kayaking on its calm waters, to hiking or horse riding along the many trails through forests and open country, stopping to enjoy the smooth waterside rocks and hidden white sandy beaches.
In Utö village itself, Gruvbyn, the iron mine was worked as early as the 1100s and today both the mine and the museum are open to visitors. The village buzzes with life in the summer months and has shops selling interesting local products and a good selection of restaurants and cafes. It is however always easy to find your own quiet, calm spot if you head out of the village and explore the rest of the island.
In the afternoon, you catch the boat onwards to your third archipelago island, Fjärdlång. Despite being on the edge of bustling Stockholm, Fjärdlång could not be more remote and the whole island has been deservedly declared a nature reserve. You arrive in the late afternoon so why not take a swim in the clean, fresh water from the smooth cliffs so characteristic of the archipelago rocks.
Cycling Distance: Not fixed/Approx. 20km
Optional Activities: Hiking, Sea Kayaking
Boat trips: Utö → Fjärdlång, 30 mins
Day 4: Fjärdlång → Stockholm
This morning you arrive early in the morning and have the day to explore the island by foot. Marked footpaths wind their way through the island’s woodland so you can spend the day hiking around the island. Don’t miss a trip to the island’s highest point, Tysta Klint, where you can admire the spectacular views stretching across the archipelago. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to swim from the smooth cliffs so characteristic of the archipelago rocks. Alternatively take to the waters and spend a few hours paddling around the calm waters surrounding the island in a sea kayak.
Moose have been spotted swimming around this island on many occasions – a sight not to be missed!
In the afternoon, you then prepare for your journey back to the buzz of Stockholm city and watch the archipelago change from the more rugged, sparse islands of the outer reaches to the more tightly clustered islands of the inner reaches. Enjoy the spectacular views of Stockholm as you enter the city centre!
Hiking Distance: Not fixed/Approx. 3 hrs
Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking
Boat trip: Fjärdlång → Stockholm, 3 hrs
Day 5: Stockholm
Today we include a self guided bicycle tour through Stockholm’s unique Ecopark – the world’s first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The Ekopark is 27 km2 and is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Here you can cycle through ancient forests, visit palaces and bathe from waterside rocks. Animals such as foxes, badgers, marten, mink and deer roam freely and the greatest number of large oak trees in northern Europe are located right here, in the city centre!
Your self guided tour takes you through this peaceful city hideaway and includes the Royal island of Djurgården where many of Stockholm’s best museums are located, the royal residence of Rosendal and its delightful gardens and café plus the picturesque canal running through the island. Not to be missed along the way is the Kaknäs Tower with its 30 floor high observation deck offering fantastic views across Stockholm city. Head north and you come to Haga Park and Palace – home to the recently wedded crown princess which lies alongside the beautiful Brunnsviken inlet. Further north and you can reach as far as Ulriksdal’s Palace with its well respected restaurant plus relaxing gardens and delightful views.