Discover Arholma

Arholma brings together protected landscapes, hiking trails and maritime history. The island offers several highlights to help you plan your trip: a longer section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, historic sites and places by the water.

Landscape in the nature reserve

Arholma is part of the Arholma-Idö Nature Reserve, managed by the Skärgårdsstiftelsen. The agricultural landscape of Arholma and Idö forms a mosaic of fields, coastal meadows, pastureland and former hay meadows. Grazing animals keep the open areas clear. The habitats in the area are also important: they serve as spawning and nursery grounds for fish. Both the cultivated landscape and its natural habitats are therefore part of the character of the area.

Hiking the Stockholm Archipelago Trail

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail runs from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south. The section on Arholma starts at the island’s landing stage and is approximately 13 kilometres long in total. Along the way, it passes through meadows and along woodland paths, by old farms, viewpoints and historic defence installations. The approximate distance helps you work out how to fit the section into your travel plans. The route also alternates between landscapes and historic features.

You can also explore Arholma by bike or kayak. These options offer different ways to experience the island alongside hiking. If you are mainly interested in the trail section, its approximate length is a different planning consideration than a stay focused on cultural sites or swimming spots.

Sea beacon, defence installation and church

Arholma Båk was built in 1768 as a permanent sea beacon. During the war against Russia in 1809, it served as one of many optical telegraph stations along the Uppland coast. In summer, the Båk is open to the public as a lookout tower. As seasonal access can change, check visitor information before your trip.

Batteri Arholma reflects another historical era: this coastal defence installation from the Cold War was completed in 1968 and is now a museum. Guided tours of the underground installation are offered during the main season. If you plan to take a tour, check the latest booking information beforehand. Arholma Church stands on Kvarnberget above Kägelbacken; music evenings are held there in summer.

Traditions and maritime traces

For Midsummer, the maypole is raised on Midsummer’s Day. Its three arches recall a ship’s mast with square sails. In Österhamn, the skeletal frame of the schooner Apollonia still rises from the water. It is a reminder of the island’s former heyday.

Swimming spots and getting there

Ahlmansviken beach is next to the campsite and the northern guest harbour, about 400 metres from the northern landing stage. At Arholma Nord, there is a small sandy beach, cliffs for swimming and a bathing jetty. The two locations therefore differ mainly in the features described and their setting: Ahlmansviken is near the northern landing stage, while Arholma Nord has a sandy beach, cliffs and a bathing jetty.

Waxholms boats serve Arholma in spring and summer; check current departures for your trip. From Simpnäs landing stage, the boat trip to Arholma takes 15 minutes. Travel time may vary depending on operating conditions, so it is worth factoring the specific connection into your plans.

Plan your stay around your interests

When looking for a hotel on Arholma, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on. For hiking, the approximately 13-kilometre section is a clear planning consideration. For a culture-focused visit, the Båk’s seasonal access and the guided tours at Batteri Arholma during the main season are relevant. Music evenings at the church also take place in summer. These conditions differ, so visiting the Båk and taking a tour of the installation are not subject to the same seasonal schedule. Plan your travel dates around the activities that matter most to you, and confirm time-specific offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations: Skebobruk, Bergshamra, Blidö, Herräng, Södersvik, Vagnsunda, Vätö, Gräddö.

Return to the main travel guide: Norrtälje.