Österåker: Archipelago Trails and Historic Places

Discover Österåker through its archipelago coast, nature trails and historic places. On Ljusterö, well-preserved archipelago villages and fishing villages, Iron Age burial grounds, and a vibrant agricultural landscape are all part of the scenery. You can reach Ljusterö by car, bus or boat. Check the timetables before travelling if your plans depend on a particular connection.

Hiking Trails and Archipelago Nature

On the eastern side of Ljusterö lies the easily accessible Östra Lagnö Nature Reserve. Smooth sea cliffs, coastal meadows and forest paths shape the area, with views stretching across the Svartlögafjärden. The hiking trails lead to the cliffs of Brännholmen. There you’ll find swimming spots, fishing spots and places to rest, as well as views of the outer archipelago coast. This makes it easy to combine the walk with breaks by the water and views of the archipelago landscape.

The pilgrimage trail on Ljusterö is 2.6 kilometres long and includes six different stops. The fifth stage of Roslagsleden offers a different hiking setting: it passes through a lake-filled forest landscape with a sense of wilderness. You can choose between a trail with stops and a stage defined by its forests and lakes.

Experiences by the Water

You can paddle along the historic Långhundraleden waterway, which was used by the Vikings. Swimming, canoeing and fishing are possible at Garnsviken. The easiest way to reach Brottö is on the regular Waxholmsbolaget services. Check the timetable before travelling. Options include paddling along a historic route, activities at Garnsviken, or travelling to Brottö by boat.

History and Cultural Sites

The medieval castle ruins of Biskopstuna are in Österskär. They were built by the Archbishop of Uppsala at the end of the 13th century. At Wira bruk, a living historic ironworks setting stretches along the Wiraån, with forges and workshops. Wira bruk is open to the public; opening hours for individual facilities may vary. Check the opening hours of the place you plan to visit.

Ekbacken is a historic cultural park. You can stroll there, have coffee and experience culture in a historic setting. Churches offer their own distinctive features, too: Ljusterö kyrka is a white-painted, octagonal wooden church near Mellansjö, by Kyrksjön, in the middle of Ljusterö and about three kilometres from the ferry terminal. Opening arrangements may change, so check before visiting. Construction of Österåkers kyrka began towards the end of the 12th century, initially as a fortified church. Biskopstuna and Österåkers kyrka thus represent different phases of medieval architecture.

Along Österåker’s archipelago coast, you can visit places that inspired writers and artists such as Stieg Larsson and Elsa Beskow. Well-preserved smallholder landscapes are also part of this coastal scenery. Together with the villages, burial grounds and vibrant agricultural landscape on Ljusterö, they offer different ways to explore the region’s history: through historic buildings, cultural landscapes and places associated with art and literature.

Discover more destinations: Ljusterö, Österåker, Åkersberga, Sundbyberg, Norrtälje, Upplands-Bro, Haninge, Drottningholm.

Go to the main travel overview: Stockholm.