On Yxlan, a moderate hike, a sea bathing spot and historic destinations cater to a range of travel interests. When planning your stay, you can choose between the 24-kilometre route, individual nature spots and a visit during Konstrundan.

Ferries and trailheads

Yxlan lies between Furusund and Blidö and forms a central section of the Blidöleden, a ferry route between islands in the archipelago. A free car ferry connects Yxlan with Furusund; the crossing is 530 metres long and takes four minutes. Check the ferry service before setting off. To hike on Yxlan, you can start at the ferry terminal in Köpmanholm or at one of the jetties served by the Waxholmsbolaget ferry.

Hiking on Yxlan

The Yxlan section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a moderate 24-kilometre hike. The route runs close to the sea through varied terrain and passes holiday-home areas and historic villages. The trail is not marked on site; use the local printed tourist map or the interactive map for guidance. A route update published on 8 August 2025 describes the southern section on the eastern side of the lake. Beavers had made the former loop around the lake almost impassable. Check the current map before setting out.

Destinations along the trail and coast

Lake Träsket is a worthwhile stop in its own right along the hiking trail. The Yxlan lighthouse is also a worthwhile destination. It is located at the southernmost point of Yxlan’s west coast. If you hike there, you must follow the map both on the way there and back: the route does not pass through the residential area. Stortallen, an old pine tree, is also among the worthwhile places to visit along the trail.

The Österviken bathing spot lies on the eastern side of the northern tip of Yxlan. This seaside bathing spot offers about 60 metres of shoreline, a sandy beach and a level grassy area. It provides a separate coastal destination for swimmers alongside the hiking route.

Archipelago scenery and island history

Yxlan’s landscape includes rocky shores, forests, meadows and sheltered bays. The open rocky hilltops in the north offer sweeping views over the Åland Sea. Wildlife includes deer, foxes, hares and various bird species; marine life, including fish and shellfish, is also diverse.

Archaeological remains on Yxlan include burial grounds and runestones. During the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, the island was an important area for trade and seafaring. In modern times, agriculture and fishing were the main influences on Yxlan; Köpmanholm is known as a pilot, customs and telegraph station. Trojeborg is considered a labyrinth that, according to folk belief, brings good luck with fishing.

Konstrundan in August

The non-profit Konstrundan grew out of the personal initiative of several artists from Yxlan. It takes place every year in August, on the first weekend of the month; around fifteen artists open their homes and studios to visitors. If you are planning to visit, check the current programme.

Discover more destinations: Spillarsboda, Södersvik, Gräddö, Grisslehamn, Väddö, Rånäs, Herräng, Edsbro

For the full travel overview: Norrtälje.