Arholma combines a roughly 13-kilometre stage of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail with a rich island history: the Båk, the coastal defence installation Batteri Arholma and the skeletal frame of a schooner each offer a different historical perspective. There are also meadows, forest paths and swimming spots. The island offers a variety of ways to shape your stay—from the hiking stage and cultural history to time by the water.
Landscape and Trails on Arholma
Arholma is part of the Arholma-Idö Nature Reserve, managed by the Skärgårdsstiftelsen. The agricultural landscape of Arholma and Idö is a mosaic of fields, coastal meadows, grazing land and former hay meadows. Grazing animals help keep the open areas clear. The habitats in the area also shape the landscape: they are important spawning and nursery grounds for fish.
The Arholma stage of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail starts at the island’s landing stage. It is about 13 kilometres long in its entirety and passes through meadows and along forest paths, past old farms, viewpoints and historic defence installations. The trail as a whole runs from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south. If you are planning the island stage, it is worth checking the latest route description, as trail details may change.
You can also explore Arholma by bike or kayak. If you need to rent equipment for these activities, check availability in advance; it can vary by season. This will help you plan around whether the hiking stage or exploring by bike or kayak is your main focus.
The Båk and the Island’s History
The Arholma Båk was built in 1768 as a permanent navigation mark. During the war against Russia in 1809, it served as one of many optical telegraph stations along the Uppland coast. In summer, the Båk is open to the public as a lookout tower. If you plan to visit, check the latest information on seasonal access in advance.
Batteri Arholma tells another chapter in the island’s history. The coastal defence installation from the Cold War was completed in 1968 and is now a museum. Guided tours of the underground installation are offered during the main season. Check the latest tour and booking information if you plan to visit.
Arholma Church stands on Kvarnberget, above Kägelbacken. Music evenings are held there in summer; check the latest dates if you have a particular evening in mind. The Midsummer celebration adds another cultural dimension: the maypole is raised on Midsummer’s Day. Its three arches resemble a ship’s mast with square sails.
In Österhamn, the skeletal frame of the schooner Apollonia still rises from the water. It recalls the island’s former heyday and provides a maritime counterpoint to the historic installations and the church. Together, these places offer different ways to explore Arholma’s history, from seafaring and coastal defence to local traditions.
Swimming Spots and Getting There
Ahlmansviken beach is next to the campsite and the northern guest harbour, about 400 metres from the northern landing stage. Arholma Nord also has a small sandy beach, swimming rocks and a bathing jetty. These two beach descriptions give you specific places to head for if you want to include swimming spots on the island alongside hiking trails and cultural history.
Waxholmsbolaget boats call at Arholma in spring and summer; check the latest departures for your trip. From Simpnäs landing stage, it takes 15 minutes to reach Arholma by boat. Travel time may vary depending on the conditions of the service. When planning, take into account both the seasonal departures and the applicable times for your connection.
Discover more destinations: Väddö, Rånäs, Skebobruk, Norrtälje, Svanberga, Gräddö, Bergshamra, Spillarsboda.
Back to the main travel overview: Norrtälje.
