Yxlan: Hiking and Island History

Yxlan lies in the northern Stockholm archipelago between Furusund on the mainland and the island of Blidö. The island offers several reasons to visit, including a hike close to the sea, a designated bathing area and historic sites. Köpmanholm at the northern tip is the archipelago settlement and main locality on Yxlan.

Getting there by ferry

The Furusundsleden connects Furusund and Yxlan by free car ferry. The ferry crossing is 600 metres long and takes four minutes. The Blidöleden also connects Yxlan and Blidö by free car ferry; here, the ferry crossing is 530 metres long and also takes four minutes. The routes therefore differ in length, but not in the stated crossing time. As service information can change, check the connection details before travelling.

Hiking the Yxlan section

The Yxlan section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail offers a 24-kilometre hike close to the sea. Lake Träsket is a point of interest, as is the old pine tree Stortallen. The trail also reaches a lighthouse at the southernmost point of the island’s west coast. Varied terrain, summer-house communities and historic villages are characteristic of this section.

The trail is not marked on site. Use the local printed tourist map or the interactive map instead. If you hike to the lighthouse, you must follow one of these maps for the outward and return journey; it is not possible to pass through the residential area. The best place to start the hike is the ferry terminal in Köpmanholm.

Woodland landscape and bathing area

Yxlan is mostly covered by spruce and pine forest; rocky shores, meadows and quiet bays also shape the landscape. The island therefore offers both a seaside hiking route and a designated bathing area as different reasons for an outing.

Österviken lies on the eastern side of Yxlan’s northern tip. The designated bathing area has about 60 metres of shoreline, a sandy beach and a lawn facing east. Benches with tables, a fire pit and a car park complete the facilities. Check the status of the bathing area and its facilities before visiting.

Local history and art in August

The name Yxlan derives from the village of Yxlö in the middle of the island. Records mention a local population there as early as the 12th century. Trojeborg, an old stone labyrinth, is located in Köpmanholm. It was probably built by fishermen who believed that walking through the labyrinth would bring them luck with their fishing.

A recurring reason to visit is Konstrundan, which takes place every year in August. Around fifteen artists open their homes and studios to visitors. If you plan to attend, check the exact dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Drottningholm, Stockholm, Värmdö, Sollentuna, Sigtuna, Södertälje, Österåker, Danderyd.

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