A Weekend Trip to Sweden’s Idyllic Islands

A beach getaway might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a trip to Sweden, but once the long-awaited warmth of summer reemerges, Swedes wake from hibernation and celebrate by escaping to the coasts to catch some rays. Many of the most popular summer destinations are amongst the more than 200,000 islands (yes, more than 200,000) that dot the water off the mainland. While only around 1,000 are inhabited, the potential traveler still has a daunting number of options. Fret not. Here is a guide to the most idyllic islands that are worth a weekend visit during your next summer trip to Sweden.

If you’re beginning your Sweden vacation in Stockholm, after sightseeing in the old town, exploring Söder’s booming dining scene, and shopping around Stureplan, a relaxing getaway will be in order. If you’re interested in an island escape, it’s fairly easy to navigate the thousands of islands via ferries or taxi boats (and even by bridge between some of the smaller villages).

Head to Fjäderholmarna, only 20 minutes away by boat. Start with a meal at Fjäderholmarnas krog and a visit to the island’s chocolate factory. A little farther out in the archipelago is Sandhamn, an idyllic island with a lovely hotel, Sandhamn Seglarhotell, perfect for a lunch outside in the sun or a night’s sleep. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab a seglarbulle (“sailing bun”) at the local bakery, Sandhamns bageriet. If you’re interested in glamping, drop anchor at Island Lodge, located on a secluded island in the middle of Stockholm’s archipelago.

If you are craving an even more remote escape away from Stockholm’s bustling city, hop on a three-hour ferry or a less than one-hour flight to Gotland. You will arrive in Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whose cobblestone streets, timeworn fortresses, and 12th-century churches will transport you back in time. Visby actually has the largest number of preserved ruins in all of northern Europe, and the city celebrates its medieval heritage during “Medieval Week” every August. But the island also has quite a selection of great restaurants. If you’re looking to grab a bite, your first stop should be Supper’s leafy backyard for South American–influenced dishes. Or try Vinäger, a lush oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for lunch or mojitos in the afternoon. End the night at the Chinese restaurant Surfers.

If you’re interested in a food crawl, head to Fårö and start the day with breakfast at Prima Gård. There, enjoy yogurt made of milk from the cows outside, berries from the garden, and eggs from Prima Gård’s own hens. The perfect lunch stop is at Leva Kungslador for the heavenly lunch buffet. Satisfy your afternoon sugar craving with a homemade ice cream (made with homegrown strawberries) at Lilla Bjers. The wise old saying “calories never count on vacation” could be a good one to remember now, since you simply can’t leave without trying the crepes at Hablingbo and the cinnamon buns at both Själsö Bageri and Rute Stenugnsbageri. Still hungry? Visit Orlando’s Jamaican, where the smell of Caribbean spices and the sound of Bob Marley welcome you. Finally, Bungenäs Matsal should not be missed. Ready for some relaxation after all of that food? Don your bathing suit at Fridhem beach, the blue lagoon or the green lagoon, or go for a walk and gaze at the “rauks” (a result of wave erosion). Once you’re ready to turn in for the night, check in at the adorable boutique hotel Stelor, enjoy the untamed nature at hotel Fabriken Furillen, or unwind by Djupvik Hotel’s pool.

Gotland’s little sister, Öland, also shares a rich medieval history, and is also one of Sweden’s sunniest places (translation: heaven on earth for Swedes). Öland has two award-winning restaurants: StrandNära, voted the best organic restaurant and cafe in Sweden; and Hotell Borgholm’s restaurant, which earned a Michelin star last year. While you’re here, be sure to visit Borgholm Castle, a fortress ruin from the 17th century, and Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish royal family and site of a lovely park that is open daily during the summer.

For even fresher air, saltier water, and tastier seafood, trade east for west and explore Sweden’s other coast. Spend a few days in Gothenburg before trading the hectic city life for a more Zen experience in the archipelago. A great first stop is Styrsö, a car-free island about 15 minutes away by boat from Gothenburg. Stay at Pensionat Skäret and eat as many meals as possible at Café Öbergska. One of the neighboring islands, Vrångö, has great walking paths, and is said to be one of the best islands in the archipelago for swimming. A little farther north of Gothenburg is Marstrand, a prominent vacation hub ever since King Oscar II built a summer house on the island in the late 19th century. Try to get a room at the king’s old residence, today known as Grand Hotel Marstrand during the famed sailing event Match Cup Sweden that is held on the island each year in July. Check out the 17th-century fortress Carlsten Fästning or go for dinner at Marstrands Wärdshus and drinks at Societetshuset (or “Wärds” and “Såsen” as the locals call them).

Another west coast pearl is Salt & Sill on Klädesholmen, a floating restaurant and hotel. Enjoy the innovative seafood dishes (try the signature “herring board”) and snap a few pictures of the astounding view from the rooftop sun deck. Two other acclaimed eateries in the archipelago are Petersons Krog and Simsons Prästgård on the island Käringön. Come here for a sunset dinner but skip the dessert. Instead, head to the nearby island Gullholmen to get a homemade treat from the ice cream shop across from the grocery store in the harbor.

Smögen is a popular destination for sailors, Norwegian tourists, and party animals alike. Its famous pier, Smögenbryggan, is full of shops, cafes, and boats, but there is especially one gem that makes it worth a visit: the restaurant Lagergrens. Order the summer salad with fresh berries and goat cheese, accompanied by the drink called “L.” If you need a longer break from Smögenbryggan’s crowd, hop on a boat to the neighboring island Hållö, a nature reserve with the oldest lighthouse on the west coast, or Bohus-Malmön, an idyllic island that is home to one of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches, Pärlane.