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IN BRIEF
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Just a stone’s throw from Stockholm, Sweden unveils a majestic marine nature park — Nämdöskärgården — the first of its kind on the east coast, covering more than 250 km² and encompassing over 1000 islands, islets, and reefs with preserved forests.
easily accessible in one hour by boat from downtown, this jewel of the Stockholm archipelago promises encounters with wildlife, walks on foot or by kayak, all in the spirit of sustainable tourism.
Just a stone’s throw from Stockholm, Sweden has just opened a new marine national park that is already captivating nature lovers: Nämdöskärgården. This gem of over 250 km² brings together more than 1000 islands, islets, and reefs bathed by the Baltic Sea, fringed with preserved forests and crystal-clear waters. Easily accessible in one hour by boat, the site promises walks, kayaking, and nights outdoors in the heart of the Stockholm archipelago, embodying the excellence of Swedish sustainable tourism.
Nearby Stockholm, Sweden unveils a majestic marine nature park encompassing over 1000 islands and preserved forests
Recently inaugurated, the Nämdöskärgården National Park becomes the 31st in the country and the first true marine park on the Swedish east coast. Its territory, scattered across a myriad of often wooded islands and reefs, forms a natural labyrinth where wildlife thrives on land, in the air, and underwater. From tiny granite beaches to sheltered bays, one transitions from a string of wind-swept islets to calm coves where the Baltic reflects the pines and birches.
Practically speaking, the escape begins in the municipality of Värmdö, right in the heart of the Stockholm archipelago. Here, nature comes right to the doorstep of the capital: one embarks from downtown, and an hour later, one sets foot on islets that seem timeless. Summer shuttles ease access, and in season, one can extend the experience with a night in local cabins or inns, always in a spirit of environmental respect.
A gem an hour by boat from the capital
Difficult to make it simpler: from Stockholm, frequent maritime connections crisscross the archipelago. You land on one island, then another, at the rhythm of the buoys and anchorages: it’s a gentle expedition, a long one, that begins with the first wave. The journey itself becomes an immersion: the salty air, the diaphanous light, the horizon broken by the silhouettes of the islets… and suddenly, Nämdöskärgården appears, grand as a miniature world.
Nearby Stockholm, Sweden unveils a majestic marine nature park encompassing over 1000 islands and preserved forests: how to enjoy it without leaving a trace
The strength of Nämdöskärgården lies in its simplicity: walk, paddle, observe. The trails wind through the preserved forests, follow the sun-warmed rocks, and open up to viewpoints that seem suspended over the sea. By kayak, we glide from bay to bay, brushing against reefs where the water turns turquoise, slaloming between islands covered in lichens. All in the Swedish spirit of friluftsliv: life outdoors, with respect and moderation.
To protect this ecologically valuable site, adopt simple gestures: stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, bring back all your waste, and prioritize public transport or cycling when possible. Booking a sustainable accommodation and reducing the use of disposable plastic also actively contribute to preserving this unique landscape.
Walking and kayaking through the preserved forests
The hiking routes, sometimes short, sometimes more ambitious, reveal panoramas of pink granite, coastal meadows, and pines sculpted by the winds. On the sea side, kayaking reigns: between paddling strokes, we stop on a discreet beach, observe seabirds, and picnic sheltered by a rock. The islands, all different, form an infinite playground, perfect for a day or for a getaway of several days.
Spending the night in the archipelago: cabins and inns
To experience the archipelago from sunrise to sunset, nothing beats a night on-site. In season, local offerings include simple, cozy cabins or inns, often near the docks. In the morning, the scent of resin mingles with the briny air; in the evening, we watch for shades of gold and copper on the water. A discreet and sustainable luxury.
Nearby Stockholm, Sweden unveils a majestic marine nature park encompassing over 1000 islands and preserved forests: the archipelago and its great trail
With about 30,000 islands, the Stockholm archipelago is the largest in Sweden. Since 2024, it is also traversed by the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, a beautiful marked trail of 270 km divided into 20 varied stages. One can walk à la carte, according to one’s level and the desire of the day, combining ferry, boat-bus, and walking segments to create a tailor-made island itinerary.
This mosaic of land and water is explored without haste: walk in the morning, navigate in the afternoon, stop for a swim, then continue later. Several islands close to the capital are also accessible by road, making the adventure possible even for a quick getaway. But the secret remains the same: let time unfold, and let the archipelago tell its stories of granite and sea.
A green escape in Värmdö and beyond
A vital point for many crossings, Värmdö allows easy outreach to nearby islands. Visitors often alternate between days in Nämdöskärgården and exploring fishing villages, small cafés by the water, and artisan workshops that enliven island life. Each island has its personality; together, they make up a vibrant and undeniably natural archipelago.
Nearby Stockholm, Sweden unveils a majestic marine nature park encompassing over 1000 islands and preserved forests: a sustainable and welcoming capital
Voted among the most welcoming cities in Europe, Stockholm maintains a genuine lead in sustainable tourism. Well-coordinated public transport, eco-friendly accommodations, clean energy, active pollution control: everything helps make the discovery fluid, pleasant, and virtuous. This is one of the reasons why the archipelago is so easy to explore without a car, following boats and cycling paths.
Before heading out, check practical information and seasonal conditions, verify ferry schedules and local rules for protected areas. The official site visitstockholm.com centralizes all essentials to prepare for your journey between islands, forests, and rocks.
Preparing your journey on the water
Best time? From late spring to early autumn, to enjoy the long days and frequent connections. Consider layered clothing, shoes suited to the rocks, and a reusable water bottle. And if the call of the open sea captures you, reserve a kayak or an additional crossing: the archipelago is a treasure chest of surprises, and Nämdöskärgården is its discreet jewel.
Salty inspiration: if you love coasts and islands
Head towards other shores to satisfy your dreams of marine escapes. Want to see arches of rocks sculpted by the surf? Explore these marine caves in France with their azure reflections. Dreaming of an eternal spring? Opt for a Portuguese island at 25°C where the ocean cradles every walk. Need an immersion in a tropical forest between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific? Let yourself be tempted by the discovery of a paradisiacal Costa Rica rich in biodiversity.
For American-style wide open spaces, between canyons and spectacular waterfalls, see these ideas for camping in California near waterfalls. And if your compass points east, choose from a selection of the most beautiful islands in Asia, where the meeting of sand and jungle creates postcard-perfect panoramas.
