Runmarö: Island Nature and Cultural History

Runmarö combines experiences in nature with island history you can explore up close. The island’s character is shaped by nine lakes of varying sizes and its distinctive plant life: Runmarö is one of the archipelago’s most botanically valuable areas. More than half of Sweden’s 40 orchid species have been found on the island. If you are considering Runmarö as a travel destination, you may be interested in nature and trails as well as historic sites and seasonal events.

Nature, viewpoints and trails

From Telegrafberget, the view stretches towards Stockholm and across the archipelago. The hill’s name comes from an optical telegraph station that once stood there. The former route is also precisely recorded: in 1808, the optical telegraph line to Korsö ran via Söderby—that is, over Telegrafberget on Runmarö.

The Purren wetland is included in Sweden’s national peatland conservation plan. Along with the lakes and orchid species found on Runmarö, it offers another tangible connection to the island’s natural environment. These features complement the view from Telegrafberget with a closer look at the island’s waters, plant life and protected wetlands.

The section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Runmarö passes through open pastureland. Several sections of the trail are accessible to strollers, wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility; trail conditions and weather can affect accessibility. If you depend on a particular section of the trail, check its condition before setting out.

At some locations along the cultural trails, information boards describe the local culture and nature. The signs may change over time. The cultural trails offer their own way to explore local themes, while the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Runmarö passes through open pastureland.

Island history at specific sites

The Runmarö branch of the Skärgårdsmuseet is based on items from the collection of Runmarö resident Hans Öhlin. Runmarö Chapel brings together architectural history and a distinctive interior: it was inaugurated in 1973 by the then provost, Karl Gustaf Rinder, and a large window serves as the altarpiece. Services are regularly held there in summer. If you plan to attend a service, check the date in advance.

In Södersunda stands Boatswain’s Cottage No. 95, one of the best-preserved boatswain’s cottages in Sweden. Its oldest section was built as early as 1672. Torp Rasmus i Wintergata also points to the island’s early history: it is mentioned in the oldest tax register, from 1637. Runmarö Hembygdsgård is about a 2 km walk from a landing stage. August Strindberg, who spent three summers on Runmarö, is another link to literary history.

Events, kayaking and getting there

Runmaröspelet has been performed every summer since 2010, presenting a chapter in Runmarö’s history. Dates for future performances may change; check the schedule for your travel dates. RUNmarö offers another kind of event: the annual running event features three routes around the island. The half-marathon is a 21 km route around Runmarö. Dates and routes may change, so it is worth checking the details for the relevant event year.

Kayaks are available to rent at Solberga Gård. Rentals are seasonal; check whether they are available during your visit before travelling. The boat trip from Stavsnäs to Runmarö takes about ten minutes. The actual journey time may vary depending on the boat, route and conditions. Boats to Runmarö operate year-round; schedules and frequency may change. Check the timetable for your planned travel date.

Discover more destinations: Skälvik, Stugudden, Ingarö, Stavsnäs, Sandhamn, Värmdö, Gustavsberg, Kalvsvik.

Go to the main travel overview: Värmdö.