There are around 30 registered shipwrecks from the 17th to the 20th century in the Dalarö area. Three representative wrecks have been made accessible as part of the Dalarö shipwreck area concept. A boat is required for diving in the Dalarö shipwreck area. Before each dive, the dive operator applies for permission through Dalarö Dykpark to moor at the buoy. Dalarö also offers walks, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing and SUP.
Burial grounds, mining and island history
Haninge’s archaeological history can also be explored on land. Jordbrogravfältet is one of Sweden’s largest Iron Age burial grounds, with 800 known graves; more may lie underground. The Jordbro commuter rail station is within walking distance of the burial ground. The number of known graves gives a sense of its scale, while the possibility of further discoveries underground extends the view beyond what is visible today.
Utö’s historic mining village has traces of medieval iron mining and historic buildings. It is also home to Sweden’s oldest surviving windmill. A museum beside the mine shafts tells the story of Utö’s mines. The island is accessible year-round by regular archipelago boats; the easiest route is via Årsta brygga, which you can reach by bus from Västerhaninge. Utö also has hiking trails and paths leading to cliffs and sandy beaches, and bicycles are available to rent.
On Muskö, the Grytholmen open-air museum features crofts, a blacksmith’s workshop, a boathouse, boats and an old-age cottage. Visible traces of peat extraction from the First and Second World Wars remain in Slätmossen Nature Park. The park offers woodland, walking opportunities, recreation and picnicking.
Hiking and protected nature
On Gålö, hiking trails wind through pastureland, coastal meadows, forests and coastal landscapes. The area is also suitable for paddling, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. This means you can enjoy trails through varied landscapes alongside activities on and by the water.
The Sörmlandsleden trail passes through Haninge Municipality. Stage 4 starts at Tyresta by and ends at Rudans gård. You can reach the Rudan recreation area by commuter rail to Handen station; the direct entrance is via the south exit. Tyresta National Park, which lies in Haninge and Tyresö, offers peace and old-growth forest. More than half of Tyresta’s forest is genuine old-growth forest; according to the area description, it is the largest area of its kind south of the Dalälven River. In Tyresta by, an exhibition showcases all of Sweden’s national parks.
Haninge Municipality has one national park, 21 nature reserves and several other protected areas. One specific example of a trail in a reserve is the easy-to-walk circular trail starting at Sundby gĂĄrd: it is just over six kilometres long. Trail conditions may vary.
Archipelago and coast
Huvudskär Nature Reserve encompasses an archipelago area with around 200 islands and skerries. Its rich birdlife includes numerous nesting seabirds. Waxholmsbolaget serves Huvudskär during the summer season; timetables may change, so check them before planning your trip.
The best way to discover Ornö is by bicycle. Sundby Nature Reserve covers the southern part of Ornö and almost 30 smaller islands. Norra skogen Nature Reserve on Ornö covers 389 hectares, mostly of natural forest, as well as bare rocky areas and wetlands; it also includes a large part of Lake Nybysjön. Kyrkviken has a museum, a library, guest piers and bicycle rental. If a particular service is important to your plans, check in advance, as individual services may change.
Skälåker is described as the archipelago’s longest sandy beach. The hiking trail from Skälåker to Havtornsudd follows the shore for much of the way; Havtornsudd is a good place to observe migrating seabirds in early spring. Nåttarö has long beaches and hiking trails, as well as unique archipelago nature. Along the county’s first snorkelling trail, you can experience the underwater world of the archipelago.
Discover more destinations: Österhaninge, Dalarö, Ornö, Västerhaninge, Tungelsta, Handen, Haninge, Utö, Vendelsö, Muskö.
For the main travel overview: Stockholm.
