The local name for this area is “Skärgården”, literally meaning garden of skerries - unforested rocks which rise up from the sea. It is said that the Stockholm archipelago consists of 30,000 islands, rocks and skerries and the options for exploring this idyllic seascape are endless. Our twin-centre, 7-night holiday to Stockholm and the island of Utö is the perfect introduction to the destination, allowing time to explore the inner and outer archipelago.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport
- 4 Nights at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Utö Vardshus, Utö (Bed and Breakfast)
- Stockholm Go Pass
Note: This itinerary is subject to change depending on the boat schedules from Stockholm to Utö. Ferry tickets payable locally.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day at leisure
On arrival at Stockholm Arlanda airport self transfer to the Freys Hotel in the centre of Stockholm, close to the shopping streets of Drottninggatan.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm.
Freys Hotel, Stockholm
Day 2 - Free time in Stockholm
Stockholm is spread over 14 islands, connected by bridges and tunnels. It is a modern city at the forefront of design, fashion and technology yet it remains wonderfully calm, natural and proud of its heritage.
Today, use of your Stockholm Go Pass to familiarise yourself with the capital and its world-class museums and attractions. The complimentary Royal Canal boat tour, which passes through the Djurgården canal and along the shores of Saltsjön, is an excellent introduction to the city, its history and layout. Alternatively, use the hop on, hop off bus tour to get your bearings.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm.
Stockholm, Sweden
Day 3 - Free time in Stockholm
Opportunity to explore the city or to use your Stockholm Go Pass to travel further afield. A highlight for the Sunvil team is Sweden’s best preserved royal palace at Drottningholm, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the residence of the Swedish royal family. The parks at the palace are alone worth seeing, not to mention the wonderful 19th century architecture and the palace theatre.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm.
Stockholm, Sweden
Day 4 - Free time in Stockholm
Day at leisure in Stockholm. Why not take a day excursion to one of the islands of the central archipelago? It is only on a boat excursion that you will appreciate the diverse nature of this destination and the ever-changing landscape. The further from Stockholm you travel, the smaller and flatter the islands of Skärgården become. We would recommend a visit to Grinda, a striking traffic-free island with a picturesque marina (2 hours journey time in each direction). In fact, it is easy to while-away the hours at the waterfront café or on the rocks, watching the coming and goings. Inland, are a series of short walking trails, cultivated fields and a sandy beach. Another recommended destination for a day excursion is the island of Sandön (2 ½ hours journey time in each direction). As one of the islands on the outer fringe of the archipelago, Sandön is a place of natural beauty adorned with pine groves, colourful cottages and sandy beaches. The centre of life on the island is the village of Sandhamn, a popular sailing harbour - one of the busiest in the region, with its small selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Yet, take a stroll away from the yacht club and the village centre, and you can still find a tranquil spot of your own, even in the height of summer.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm.
Boat cruise, Stockholm, Sweden
Day 5 - The island of Uto
After breakfast, self-transfer to the island of Utö in Stockholm's southern archipelago (payable locally). On arrival at Gruvbyn harbour walk to Utö Vardshus, 450m from the watersedge.
Overnight at the Utö Vardshus, Stockholm's archipelago.
Uto, Stockholm and surrounding countryside
Day 6 & 7 - Days at leisure
Time to explore the 10km long island of Utö and the neighbouring island of Ålö. The island is a complete destination where you can be as active or as relaxed as you desire. Take a self-guided tour through the historical iron-ore mines, join an island tour by boat, hire a bicycle and explore the inland countryside, walk in the woods, kayak amongst the surrounding skerries with a local guide, swim in the crystal clear waters or sunbathe on the beach, the choice is yours. A stay on Utö, even for a couple of days, will recharge your batteries. It may only be 2-hours from the centre of Stockholm but it feels like a different world.
Overnight at the Utö Vardshus, Stockholm's archipelago.
Uto Vardshus, Stockholm and surrounding countryside
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, depart Utö by boat for your return voyage to Stockholm (payable locally). Sit on the deck, and wave goodbye to your island retreat and its pretty harbour. On arrival in Stockholm, self transfer to the airport for your return flight home.