Norrtälje: Archipelago, Hiking Trails and Culture

Archipelago landscapes, nature reserves and cultural heritage trails define Norrtälje. When planning your trip, one question is a good place to start: would you mainly like to spend time outdoors, experience island nature or discover places and stories on a walk? Options range from arriving by boat at a national park to taking a literary tour of the town.

Archipelago and nature reserves

Ängsö National Park is accessible only by boat. You can arrive in your own boat or kayak, take regular seasonal services from Stockholm or Furusund, or book a water taxi. The park’s landscape alternates between archipelago, mixed forest, and meadows and grazing land. Its special features include flower-rich meadows, trails through woods and meadows, and a diverse birdlife. Guided tours are available in spring and early summer. There are no overnight accommodations or places to eat in the park, so bring your own food, drinks and drinking water.

Svenska Högarna Nature Reserve also combines marine nature with a distinctive outer archipelago landscape. It is Sweden’s largest marine nature reserve; its marine life is rich in species, while bare, water-smoothed rocks shape the rugged landscape. On Storön, several trails run around Ytterhamnen, Innerhamnen and the lighthouse. A stone labyrinth, a stone maze and a cemetery add to the sights along the way.

In and near Riddersholm Nature Reserve, birch groves, pastures, hazel woods and coastal meadows alternate. Walking trails and a swimming beach are among the visitor attractions, as are a campsite, a hostel and a guest harbor; these are located in or near the reserve. To get there by bus, take the service from Tekniska Högskolan towards Norrtälje, then change at Norrtälje bus station for the service towards Kapellskär and get off at Riddersholm. Check the timetable before you travel.

Hiking trails and walks

Stage 7 of the Roslagsleden trail, from Penningby to Norrtälje, is 16 kilometers long. Historical sites along the way include Länna kyrka and an ancient hillfort near Kyrksjön. Another option on the Roslagsleden is to walk from Kärleksudden along a scenic waterfront promenade into central Norrtälje.

For a walk through local history, try the Å-promenaden. It follows the Norrtäljeån from Lommaren to the river mouth at the harbor and is about 3 kilometers long. Thirty-seven signs explain historical sites and the history of buildings; there are also recorded audio guides with information narrated by actress Molly Malmros. The distance comparison shows the difference in scale: about 3 kilometers on the Å-promenaden compared with 16 kilometers on Stage 7 of the Roslagsleden.

On Singö, you can follow marked trails to visit scenic parts of the island. Bus stops are located along the trail network on Singö and Fogdö: you can take a bus to a stop and then hike back. Check the current bus timetable for your journey.

Culture and experiences in Norrtälje

Vänligheten is a digital literary walking experience in Norrtälje, based on a novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It starts in front of the town library and takes you on a roughly 45-minute route through town using a mobile phone and headphones. It combines a walk with the novel to create a unique way to experience the town.

Wira bruk is a preserved historic cultural landscape and Sweden’s first blade forge. A museum is housed in the Äldstehuset; by the Viraån, there is a small café with outdoor seating. Penningby slott also tells the story of the area: the castle was built in the late 15th century and was a fortified castle in the Middle Ages. Its two basement levels retain their original medieval character.

Other options offer different experiences: Borgmästarholmen has barbecue areas and opportunities to walk through varied natural surroundings. Visitors to Vigelsjö Nature Reserve can use five pétanque courts. At Färsna gård, you can go for a walk, visit the animals and have a picnic outdoors. Norrtälje Municipality also has 31 swimming spots. For a canoe trip, the Roslagsbro–Kvisthamraviken route is one of the municipality’s canoe routes.

Your planned activities can help you choose a hotel: arriving by boat with your own provisions, hiking a longer stage and taking a shorter cultural walk all make for different daily plans. First decide which experiences you want to shape your stay; it is worth checking the timetables for seasonal boat services and buses.

Discover more destinations: Svanberga, Väddö, Yxlan, Södersvik, Vagnsunda, Skebobruk, Hallstavik, Rimbo, Blidö, Vätö, Rånäs, Edsbro, Grisslehamn, Gräddö, Herräng, Norrtälje, Bergshamra, Spillarsboda, Arholma.

For the main travel overview: Stockholm.