Vaxholm, “The Capital of the Archipelago”

With its almost 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is not only one of the largest archipelagos in the world, but it is also a UNESCO heritage site, as it was designated by the UNESCO as a Ramsar Site* in 1989.

Due to its proximity to Stockholm (just 1 hour by car, bus or ferry), Vaxholm is the ideal destination and one of the best ways to enjoy and explore the archipelago is to take a ferry from the center of Stockholm, ​​towards the island of Vaxholm, better known as “The Capital of the Archipelago”.

Vaxholm is named after the Castle and Fortress of Vaxholm, which was built by King Gustav Vasa in the year 1549 to protect the city of Stockholm from any foreign attack, since this is the only sea way to reach Stockholm, inclusive to this day.

Vaxholm Castle, which was operational even during the First World War, was the residence to the different army officers, together with their families, soldiers, servants and prisoners of war.

In the late 1800s, Vaxholm became an exclusive vacation island for Stockholm's high society, and remains today as one of the top destinations in the Stockholm Archipelago. Several of the summer houses that were built in Vaxholm during the 1800s and 1900s are still preserved today. The tradition of having summer houses in the archipelago is a deeply rooted tradition in Swedish culture.

Today those houses have been converted into residences, hotels, quaint restaurants, shops and cafes. Vaxholm is surrounded by a fantastic nature full of hidden beaches, marinas, forests, and is very famous for its water sports. Some of the best water sports clubs in Sweden come to Vaxholm as it is the perfect destination.

Vaxholm, “The Capital of the Archipelago” awaits for you.