Stockholm Archipelago Trail – Arholma

Walk on Arholma

The stage on Arholma is 13.4 kilometres long and starts at the steamboat pier. The Stockholm Archipelago Trail recommends that you walk clockwise, heading north first on the gravel road through the island's settlements, past fields, pastures and forest.

When the trail reaches the north-eastern part of the island, the landscape changes. Here, the hike heads out towards the more barren coastline and the Sea of Åland, with small bathing bays and winding paths over more demanding terrain. On the way back, the trail passes Bull-August's farm, the church and the Arholma beacon, among other things, before returning to the harbour.

The trail is marked with Stockholm Archipelago Trail's yellow and blue markers. Several of the island's gravel roads are also accessible with pushchairs and wheelchairs, while the sections along the eastern coast are more technical.

Beacons, small vessels and secret coastal defence

Arholma's location right out towards the Sea of Åland has shaped the island for several hundred years. During the 19th century, sailing ships were built here and shipping contributed to the large farmsteads and the agriculture that can still be seen in the landscape. Arholma daymark was erected in 1768 as a sea mark and is to this day one of the island's most prominent landmarks.

The strategic location has also left other traces. This is where the Russian ravages in the Stockholm archipelago began in 1719, and during the Cold War, Battery Arholma was built at the northernmost point of the island. The formerly top-secret facility was completed in 1968 and remains inside the rock – today as a museum with guided tours.

Eat, stay and shop nearby

• Eat & drink: Arholma Trade and Arholma Dance Centre during the summer season. Arholma North runs a restaurant during peak season and thereafter caters for pre-booked groups, conferences and weddings.
• Shop: Arholma Handel by the pier, offering groceries, a café and other services.
• Bo: Bull-August The farm has accommodation open all year round. Arholma North offers accommodation for private guests during the high season and, in the off-season, for pre-booked groups, conferences and weddings.
• Service: Water is available at Österhamn guest harbour, and dry toilets are available at the guest harbour and campsite during the season.
• Walk on: Lidö – the stages at Arholma and Lidö are well-suited to be combined.