Utö combines a long mining history with coastal trails, birdwatching and swimming spots. Iron mining at Utö gruvor began as early as the 12th century and was carried out intermittently for more than 700 years. When planning your trip, you can choose between exploring traces of the island’s history, observing nature and enjoying outdoor activities.
History between the mine and the village
Small, simple wooden houses line Lurgatan; they are the best-preserved buildings in Gruvbyn. A windmill was built west of the village in 1791. Utö kyrka also tells part of the island’s story: it was completed in 1850, and its stone comes directly from Utö’s mines. The church is considered the largest stone church in the archipelago.
Utö gruvmuseum displays ores and stones from the island, as well as photos and descriptions of the ironworking carried out there in the past. Utö Hembygdsgård includes the old croft Ramsvik, which was moved from the southern part of Utö to its present location near Spränga brygga in the late 1940s. Part of the property is furnished like a kitchen from the early 20th century. The motorcycle collection at Arnolds MC-museum ranges from models from the 1930s to current models, alongside various curiosities.
Other traces of history can also be found: the sites of former crofts are signposted, as is the abandoned cemetery. The old cemetery was used as a burial ground until 1920. Utö’s buildings, collections and marked sites thus offer glimpses of different aspects of the island’s history.
Northern Utö: swimming and nature
The northern part of Utö is a nature reserve managed by Skärgårdsstiftelsen. There are rocks for swimming at Rävstavik in the north. Barnens bad is a beach just north of Gruvbyn; at Allmänna badplatsen, there is a diving tower and swimming jetties. The swimming spots therefore differ in their locations and the facilities described.
The time of year also matters when observing nature. Northern Utö is known for its many butterflies; in midsummer, the protected Apollo butterfly flies over the rocky terrain north of Tremaskogen. Kroka is particularly suitable for birdwatching in autumn when there are westerly and northwesterly winds, which bring migrating birds of prey and small birds there. A bird tower stands beside a wetland on Utö, offering a place to observe the area’s diverse birdlife.
Trails, water and activities
The blue-and-yellow-marked Utö Runt hiking trail is about 15 kilometres long. It passes old fishermen’s huts, through old-growth forest and over boardwalks. Våtmark Fladen is a detour from the route that is suitable for birdwatching. As trail conditions can change, it is worth checking the current conditions before setting out.
Utö is also one of the 20 stages of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail. Trails run along the entire northern coast and around Ålö. A popular outing runs from Gruvbyn on Utö to Ålö and is about 13 kilometres long. These options offer different ways to plan your day, from the marked circular trail to an outing with Ålö as the destination.
Aktiv Skärgård offers a range of guided kayak tours; kayaks are also available there for independent paddling. Gruvbyn has a free outdoor gym. There is a tennis court and a mini-golf course next to Seglarbaren. In summer, you can book and pay to use the tennis court through Aktiv Skärgård.
Utö hosts the ÖTILLÖ race and the Swimrun World Championship. The sport’s history includes the first documented swimrun: it began in 2002 with a 70-kilometre crossing of the Stockholm archipelago from Utö to Sandhamn.
Getting there and finding your way around
Waxholmsbolaget boats run to Gruvbryggan year-round. In summer, there are additional services from Strömkajen in Stockholm; Årsta brygga can be reached by bus. Check the current timetables before travelling, especially if you are planning to use a seasonal service. Utö’s renowned bread is available from a bakery; it may be a seasonal offering.
Discover more destinations: Dalarö, Vendelsö, Västerhaninge, Handen, Ornö, Österhaninge, Muskö, Tungelsta
For the main travel overview: Haninge.
