Archipelago Island Adventure
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: In Stockholm
Today you arrive at Stockholm and you free time to explore the picturesque city of Stockholm. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. And you need never walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic water as it winds past the city walls. Furthermore, stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. There is so much to see in Stockholm, appealing to so many different interests, that you are sure to find something special within walking distance of your hotel.
Accommodation: Stockholm
Meals: None
Day 2: Stockholm → Tyresö Manor → Tyresta National Park → Dalarö → Smådalarö
This morning you are transfered from your accommodation in Stockholm to Tyresö Palace from where you trail begins. Tyresö is an imposing palace dating back to the 17th century boasting impressive waterside English gardens. Take a stroll through the gardens or across to the nearby small islands with wonderful views across the sea and forests before you start your cycle journey along quiet country lanes the short way to Tyresta National Park. Tyresta is a protected area of some 5000 hectares with trees dating back over 400 years, sparkling forest lakes and a wealth of wildlife. Deer roam freely throughout whilst moose wait their turn as dusk falls. Take a break from cycling and instead hike the trails through the endless forests of pine and birch, taking a refreshing dip as you pass by one of the many lakes. Find the perfect spot and enjoy the peace, tranquility and breathtaking nature of Stockholm's only National Park.
After free time in the park, you take to your bikes again and cycle through fields and woods until you reach the idyllic village of Dalarö, your first taste of Stockholm's wonderful archipelago. Dalarö is an old customs station that developed into a popular resort town in the latter part of the 19th century due to its picturesque location and charming houses. Explore the picturesque narrow streets of colourful wooden houses, swim from the white beaches of Schweizerdalen or pay a visit to the beautiful 15th century church.
You then continue by bike on to your overnight accommodation at Smådalarö Gård a few kilometres from Dalarö.
Accommodation: Smådalarö
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 34 km
Hiking Distance: Flexible
Day 3: Smådalarö → Dalarö → Ornö → Utö
This morning, you cycle the short way to Dalarö, and enjoy a few hours to explore the village, not missing a walk up to its beautiful viewpoint with extensive views across the archipelago. You then take the boat and head out amongst the thousands of islands that make up the southern part of Stockholm's archipelago, a seemingly endless archipelago of 24,000 glorious islands lying right on Stockholm's doorstep. Stretching some 80 km east of Stockholm deep into the Baltic waters, it formed during the last Ice Age and is today considered to be one of the world's natural wonders. Your first stop takes you to the pretty island of Ornö. Ornö is the largest island in the southern archipelago totaling 14km in length and 6km at its widest part. Ornö has traditionally been less exploited for tourism than some of its neighbouring islands and remains today an island with a living community yet to be discovered by large scale tourism.
You then have the chance to visit the four corners of the island on two wheels, and enjoy its unique nature around Mane Äng, with both woodland and open landscape, plus opportunities to swim from the smooth rocks as well as visit historical landmarks en route, such as the wooden church dating from 1885. Don't miss a walk up to Ornö's viewpoint on Telegrafberget, the southern archipelago's highest point. After a stop at the local Ornö Museum to learn about local life on Ornö over a cup of coffee you then take the early evening boat from Ornö onwards to the holiday island of Utö.
Accommodation: Utö
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & coffee/cake stop
Cycling Distance: 30 km
Boat trip: Dalarö → Ornö, 30 mins & Ornö → Utö, 50
mins
Day 4: On Utö
Today you are free on Utö island to enjoy its life and scenery. Take your bikes and cycle the length of the island, cross over a bridge to the small island of Ålö where you will find solitude on a white sand beach plus a charming fish restaurant. You may also opt to island hop to another close lying island called Nåttarö, where you can enjoy one of the archipelago's best sandy beaches and great views. Utö also offers a wealth of other activities from sea kayaking on its calm waters, to hiking along the many trails through forests and open country, stopping to enjoy the smooth waterside rocks, white sandy beaches and breathe the fresh, pure archipelago air.
Accommodation: Utö
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 30 km
Optional Activities: Hiking, Sea Kayaking
Day 5: Utö → Stockholm
This morning, you have the chance to visit the village
where you can head up to the windmill built in 1791 to enjoy one of Utö's best
views. Alternatively, visit the mine museum and learn about the interesting
history of this mining community.
You also have time to explore Uto nature reserve either by bike or by foot along a beautiful coastal trail. As well as wonderful sea views you pass sandy beaches and smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic lunch in the fresh sea air.
You then board the boat and enjoy a
boat trip passing idyllic island after idyllic island as you journey back to the buzz of
Stockholm city.
Accommodation: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Hiking (6-10 km), cycling, sea kayaking
Boat trip: Utö → Stockholm, 4 hrs
Day 6: In Stockholm
Today you can choose to take an optional self-guided bicycle tour through Stockholm's unique Royal National City Park - the world's first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The park is 27 km2 and is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Here you can cycle through ancient forests, visit palaces and bathe from waterside rocks. Animals such as foxes, badgers, marten, mink and deer roam freely and the greatest number of large oak trees in northern Europe are located right here, in the city centre!
Your self guided cycle tour takes you through this peaceful city hideaway and includes the Royal island of Djurgården where many of Stockholm's best museums are located, the royal residence of Rosendal and its delightful gardens and café plus the picturesque canal running through the island. Head north and you come to Haga Park and Palace - home to the crown princess which lies alongside the beautiful Brunnsviken inlet. Further north and you can reach as far as Ulriksdal's Palace with its well respected restaurant plus relaxing gardens and delightful views.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional activities: Cycling, 20-40 km