Idyllic archipelago town with many well-preserved wooden houses from the turn of the last century painted in the archipelago’s typical delicate pastel tones. Vaxholm has numerous charming restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Location:
Stockholm
Type of excursion:
5-hour excursions
Season:
Summer
Availability:
available
Number of people:
1
Duration:
5 hours
Transport:
Vaxholm began as a defensive outpost of Stockholm in the 16th century, but received its town charter in 1647. During the 19th century it became a popular weekend and summer getaway for Stockholmers, which it remains today. Known as the capital of the archipelago, Vaxholm is easily accessible from the city by both road and passenger ferry. Arrive by boat. A cruise from Stockholm to Vaxholm is the best way to get a sense of the archipelago and Vaxholm’s place within it. Although Vaxholm has few large-scale sights, it’s an enchanting place to walk around, with small streets lined with pastel-hued houses with decorative touches and quaint fences. Most date from the turn of the 20th century. The town centre has shops selling homeware, baked goods, sweets, clothing and groceries.
Vaxholm’s main tourist attraction is the imposing fortress just offshore. Known as Kastellet, it’s a mid-19th century structure that replaced an earlier fortress built during the mid-16th century to protect Stockholm from invasion. It’s well worth a visit and easily reachable by a short cable ferry from Vaxholm. Climb the 134 steps for outstanding views, explore the cellar vaults once used to house criminals and political prisoners, and visit the Fortress Museum tracing 500 years of militarydefence of the archipelago.
Duration: 5 hours
Price includes: 5h guiding service
*32€ one way boat ticket
