Yxlan lies between Furusund on the mainland and the island of Blidö in the northern Stockholm archipelago. Its 24-kilometre section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail runs close to the sea; the hike combines varied terrain with summer-house communities and historic villages. The trail offers a common thread for discovering the landscape and island history together.
Hiking between the coast and island villages
It is best to start the hike at the ferry terminal in Köpmanholm. The Yxlan Trail is not marked on site, so use the local printed tourist map or interactive map for guidance. Anyone hiking to the lighthouse at the southernmost point of the west coast must follow the printed or interactive map on both the outward and return journeys. Hikers cannot pass through the residential area.
Lake Träsket is also one of the sights along the trail: the route passes by it. Another distinct point of interest is Stortallen, an old pine tree. The lighthouse, lake and tree add different highlights to the long hike, whose setting is shaped by its proximity to the sea and varied terrain.
Köpmanholm and the island’s stories
Köpmanholm is the archipelago settlement and main village at the northern tip of Yxlan. It is also home to Trojeborg, an old stone labyrinth. Fishermen probably built the labyrinth because they believed that walking around it would bring good luck with fishing. Its presumed origin is part of the local lore; what is certain is that Trojeborg, as a stone labyrinth, offers a distinctive discovery away from the coastal scenery.
The island’s name also points to its local history: 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. For those interested in the connection between landscape and history, this provides an early historical reference to the island’s settlement, alongside the visible landmarks along the way.
Another reason to visit is Konstrundan, held every year in August. Around fifteen artists open their homes and studios to visitors. Check the dates before your trip.
Forests, bays and Ă–sterviken bathing spot
Yxlan is mostly covered in spruce and pine forest. Its landscape also includes rocky shores, wooded areas, meadows and quiet bays. Österviken is on the eastern side of the island’s northern tip and is a designated bathing spot. The site has about 60 metres of shoreline, a sandy beach and a lawn facing east.
Facilities listed at Österviken include benches with tables, a fire pit and a car park. Facilities may change, so check their current status before travelling. The bathing spot’s status should also be confirmed before your visit. This makes it easier to include this coastal location in your travel plans based on its specific location and facilities.
Taking the car ferry to Yxlan
Furusundsleden connects Furusund on the mainland with Yxlan. The free car ferry covers a 600-metre route; the crossing takes four minutes. From Yxlan, you can reach Blidö on the also-free Blidöleden car ferry: this ferry route is 530 metres long, and the crossing also takes four minutes. Operating information may change, so check the latest details for the relevant ferry service before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Norrtälje, Djurhamn, Vaxholm, Stockholm, Vallentuna, Drottningholm, Björkö, Huddinge.
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