On Ornö, you can discover nature reserves, hiking trails, and vivid traces of the island’s history. A simple question can help with your planning: should your stay focus mainly on the outdoors, or would you like to consider natural and cultural history as separate themes? The island offers a range of options, from forest and coastal trails to a museum, church, and archaeological sites.

Nature and trails on Ornö

The Norra skogen Nature Reserve covers 389 hectares. Coniferous forest characterizes the area, along with rocky pine forest, mixed woodland, marshes, and wetlands. A large part of Nybysjön is also within the reserve. Norra skogen is accessible on foot only. The Sundby Nature Reserve covers the southern part of Ornö and almost 30 smaller islands. Typical archipelago bird species can be found there.

The Ornö section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is the longest section of the route and passes through forests and along coastal paths. You can start at Hässelmara, Ornöboda, the Lättinge landing stage, or Ornö Church. Several sections are accessible with a stroller or wheelchair and for people with reduced mobility; this applies to several sections, not the entire route as a whole. Between Hässelmara and Bodal, one section of the Ornö trail also offers the opportunity to swim.

Another nature trail runs through Sundby Nature Reserve to Stenhuset, the ruins of Sundby’s first Säteri, and through the old oak landscape at Mane äng. When choosing your excursions, you can therefore distinguish between a longer trail, a route with historical stops, and individual natural areas, without having to follow a particular order.

Church, museum, and traces of the island’s history

A chapel probably stood on the site of today’s Ornö Church as early as the end of the 14th century. A larger church was built there in 1652. The Rosirska burial chapel was built in 1771, belonged to the old church, and survived the church fire of 1881. These different dates offer a glimpse into several chapters of Ornö’s church and architectural history.

At the Ornö Museum, you can see permanent exhibitions of objects and photographs from Ornö, as well as rooms furnished like historic archipelago farmsteads. The Lervassa Trail complements the cultural themes with information boards about the history of education and cultural life, as well as the island’s agriculture, fishing, and military history. Near Hässelmara, there is a Bronze Age burial ground and stone heaps at a settlement site from that period; an information board is also located there.

Ornö’s industrial history is also represented: Långviksgruvan, also known as Lugnets gruva, operated from 1914 to 1965 and was used for feldspar mining. For a viewpoint, consider Telegrafberget. It is 61 meters above sea level and offers views of Dalarö and the expansive bay of Mysingen. On a clear day, you can also see the remote island of Huvudskär.

Cycling, kayaking, and getting there

Ornö is easy to explore by bicycle. Kayaking around the island is also possible. At Kayakomaten in Kyrkviken, you can rent single and double kayaks; check availability before your trip. This gives you several options for planning your excursions: exploring by bicycle, hiking trails that combine nature and culture, or spending time on the water.

A car ferry runs year-round between Ornö and Dalarö. Check the timetable and any booking requirements before your trip. This lets you coordinate your journey with the excursions that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Västerhaninge, Handen, Haninge, Vendelsö, Dalarö, Muskö, Utö, Tungelsta

Go to the main travel overview: Haninge.