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Southern Roslagen

World-class archipelago living and hiking - with the pulse of the city around the corner

Southern Roslagen includes Österåker municipality - where an active mainland meets Stockholm archipelago. It combines proximity to the capital with boating, marinas, bathing cliffs and hiking trails that attract visitors from all over the world.

Åkersberga and Österskär act as a hub between the mainland and the island world, with well-known islands such as Ljusterö, Ingmarsö and Finnhamn within easy reach. Southern Roslagen is vibrant all year round - where the distance between town and sea is short.

Experiences and places to visit in Södra Roslagen

Between island world and mainland - places to discover

Säby

Around Säby Gård, with its medieval roots, a contemporary centre for food, art, gardening, culture and top-class golf has emerged.

Wira mill

A well-preserved mill environment with forges, museum and café. Guided tours, summer theatre and atmospheric Christmas markets all year round

Åkersberga

Small-town pulse meets water and greenery along Åkers Canal. Here you will find shopping, food, walking and boating - a natural starting point for discovering Södra Roslagen.

Islands along the Sthlm Archipelago Trail

Discover Finnhamn, Ingmarsö and Brottö - the islands along the hiking trail named ”the world's best travel destination” by TIME Magazine.

The seven wonders of Österåker

Discover places chosen by the inhabitants themselves as particularly worth seeing - from a medieval castle ruin, via wooden church and waterway, to underground defence facility

Here we have collected tips and information about excursion destinations and experiences in Södra Roslagen - welcome to find new favourites! 

Discover the culture

Museums, heritage centres, cultural and historical sites of interest

Discover nature

Hiking trails and nature areas in Södra Roslagen

Discover the islands of the archipelago

Islands and archipelago experiences in Southern Roslagen

Children's favourites

Here are tips on child-friendly destinations for the whole family

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

In progress in Roslagen

Archipelago, hiking, islands and meetings by the sea - here you will find short answers to what many people wonder about Österåker and the southern part of Roslagen.

Frequently asked questions about Österåker and the Stockholm archipelago (Södra Roslagen)

In Österåker and southern Roslagen you can experience archipelago islands, historic mills and castles, nature reserves, hiking trails, art, swimming, canoeing and activities for both children and adults - all year round.

The archipelago offers cliff bathing, hiking trails and small-scale farming landscapes that still characterise the islands. You can take an archipelago boat or your own boat out to Finnhamn and walk through Paradise Bay, have a coffee at Ingmar Island bakery, swimming from the rocks on Ljusterö or continue to the far end of the outer archipelago to Hussar Island. On Cemetery Island is Siarö Fortress, the old coastal defence with underground passages and cannons embedded in the rock. Parts of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, the internationally recognised hiking trail with stages on several islands in the Stockholm archipelago, pass through several of the islands.

On the mainland, you'll encounter historic environments such as Wira mill and Östanå Castle, stroll along the Åkers Canal with its green spaces and public art, or visit one of Österåker's seven wonders, such as the ruins of Biskopstuna Castle. There are also bathing areas, paddling, boating, fishing and several natural and hiking trails near Stockholm.

For families with children, the playground is Tuppen in Järnvägsparken, a popular stop in the centre of Åkersberga.

During the summer, archipelago life is particularly noticeable - guest harbours and piers are filled with boats, ice cream kiosks open and many people have their summer homes here. At the same time, sporting events, cups and competitions attract visitors all year round.

There's archipelago, small town and countryside within less than an hour of Stockholm - easy to reach for a day trip, but with enough to experience to stay longer.

Most islands can be reached by archipelago boat via Waxholmsbolaget. Plan your trip via waxholmsbolaget.se or sl.se (SL's journey planner also shows the Waxholm boat routes).

The boats depart from Strömkajen in Stockholm via Vaxholm and stop at several piers in the area. Åsättra jetty on Ljusterö island serves as a hub for further journeys to, for example, Ingmarsö, Finnhamn, Husarö, Nässlingen and Äpplarö.

Till Ljusterö there is a free car and bus ferry from Östanå on the mainland (Current car ferry times can be found at turlistan.se)

Archipelago services run all year round, but some trips require advance booking - especially in winter. At some piers, you need to unfold the semaphore in good time for the boat to stop.

As a complement, there are also private taxi boats and the local The long-distance line, which departs from Skeppsdal and serves several islands in the area.

In Österåker and the southern part of Roslagen there is a large and varied range of hiking trails and nature areas, both in the archipelago and on the mainland.

Here pass parts of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, a continuous hiking trail through the Stockholm archipelago. In Österåker municipality, the trail crosses islands such as Ingmar Island, Cabbage Patch Island and Finnhamn.

The most highlighted part here is The boat trip trail, which is part of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail. On this stretch you walk on marked trails through archipelago nature and row yourself between the islands with deployed rowing boats - a unique combination of hiking and boating that makes the stage particularly appreciated.

There are several classic trails and hiking areas in the municipality:

Roslagsleden - longer stages through forests, nature reserves and cultural environments, including between Domarudden, Vira Bruk and on towards Penningsby.

Blue trail - a popular trail through Bogesundslandet and Domarudden with varied terrain and fine viewpoints.

Angarnskilen and Bogesundskilen - connected green spaces with several paths for short hikes and nature walks.

Domarudden - a natural starting point and hiking hub in Österåker with several connecting trails.

Röllingbybackar and Hacksta - scenic areas near Åkersberga with walking paths and varied topography.

All in all, Österåker and southern Roslagen offer everything from coastal and archipelago walks to forest walks and longer trails - with proximity to both water, cultural environments and Åkersberga. Many of the trails are clearly marked and easily accessible, making them popular for both day trips and longer walks near Stockholm.

Find hiking trails here →

In Österåker and southern Roslagen, part of the Stockholm archipelago - there are several options for conferences, meetings and corporate events, from large conference hotels to more personalised and activity-based options.

There are established conference centres with hotels and full services, such as Runö Meetings & Events and Skåvsjöholm, with capacity for both small and large groups.

For companies looking for something more experiential, for example The Island of Adventure meetings combined with team building and outdoor activities in an archipelago setting.

The area is also home to several golf facilities, offering the opportunity to combine meetings and corporate events with golf and social activities, including Österåkers Golf Club, Ullna Golf & Country Club and Åkersberga Golf Club.

For smaller groups, there are also more small-scale meeting environments, such as Åkersbro in Åkersberga.

So there is a wide range of meeting environments near Stockholm - from traditional conferences to corporate golf and active kick-offs in an archipelago setting.

More information and contact details can be found at each facility.

Yes. Österåker municipality is part of the Stockholm archipelago and forms the southern part of Roslagen.

Österåker has sea baths, lake baths and rock baths - from child-friendly sandy beaches to sun-warmed cliffs in the archipelago.

There are nine public bathing areas where water quality and bathing temperature are monitored during the season: Österskärs havsbad (Solbrännan), Breviksbadet, Domarudden lake bath at Drängsjön, Linanäs on Ljusterö island, Whale Lake, Garnviksbadet, Badholmen and Ingmarsö (Femsundsbadet).

Around the archipelago, there are of course more great swimming opportunities - from smaller jetties to natural swimming on the islands.

- Are you really in the mood for a swim? Here you will find more bathing places throughout Roslagen - from small hidden cliffs to long sandy beaches. Swim calmly!

Here we collect recurring events and highlights from Österåker and Södra Roslagen.

OUR

Österåkersmilen - running party along the Åkers canal
Österåkersmilen brings together both elite and recreational runners for an annual running festival in Åkersberga. The course runs through the city centre and along the beautiful Åkers Canal, starting at the boule court and finishing at Storängstorget.

With several distances for different ages and levels, the race is a popular tradition.

Ultimate OCR - Obstacle course race in Åkersberga
Ultimate OCR is a recurring obstacle course race in Åkersberga where participants take on a challenging course of over 9 km with 35+ obstacles which runs through forest and nature in the area around Hackstavägen and Åkersberga Friidrottsarena.

The race is organised in the spring, often in mid-May, welcoming both beginners and more experienced OCR athletes to test their strength, running and endurance in a spectator-friendly environment.

National Day celebrations (6 June) Ea popular annual event in the local park Oak cheeks i Åkersberga, where locals and visitors gather on 6 June to celebrate Sweden's national day with music, fellowship and a party atmosphere.


SUMMER

Huldran's evening - twilight play at Domarudden
Huldrans afton is an atmospheric twilight play that takes place every year, just after midsummer, in the forest at Domarudden in Åkersberga. Here, visitors meet the woodland creature and other natural creatures in a performance where folk music, storytelling and dance are woven together in the early summer night.

The event is run by Föreningen Jordnära kultur and is known for its magical atmosphere and unique setting in the middle of nature - a cultural experience beyond the ordinary.

Allsång on Ekbacken
A late summer tradition in Åkersberga inviting audiences to an afternoon and evening of singing, music, dance and fun.

The event is chaired by Linda Rapp together with Livat and guest artists, and attracts both locals and visitors to sing along to well-known melodies in late summer. Refreshments are usually served in the scenic Ekbacken homestead park next to Åkers Canal.

Wira Games - the great musical spectacle of the summer
Wira Games is an annual musical spectacle that takes place outdoors at Isac's meadow in Wira mill every summer in early July.

The performance, with around a hundred actors, choir, orchestra and riders, tells the drama of the 18th-century Wira mill with song, dance and live music. 

Held over several evenings, usually in early July, the Games are an established summer event, attracting both local audiences and visitors from other parts of the country.


Canal Day - a folk festival by the Åkers Canal
Canal Day is a traditional folk festival organised every year at the end of August along Åkers canal and in the local park Oak cheeks in Åkersberga.

Thousands of visitors gather for a full day of markets, music, refreshments and activities for all ages, where local organisations showcase their activities and there are opportunities to try out sports, buy crafts, have a coffee or just enjoy the atmosphere by the water. Another popular feature is the playful
Rooster race, where small boats race along the canal.

 

AUTUMN

Autumn market at Länsmansgården - harvest festival in a garden setting

A traditional harvest market at the end of August where you can find root vegetables, vegetables, cut flowers, perennials, pickles, honey and other things from the garden. The market is organised by Åkersberga Trädgårdssällskap.


Art in Roslagen - juried art round in Österåker
Local artists and craftspeople open their studios and workshops to the public for a weekend in end of September every year.

Over the course of two days, visitors can meet the artists, view their work in personalised settings and follow the tour map from place to place. A collective exhibition of works from all participants will be shown simultaneously at
Länsmansgården - Österåkers konsthall, where you can also plan your tour. 
 

WINTER

Fabulous Christmas Market at Wira Mill
A classic first Advent event where the mill is filled with Christmas spirit, market stalls with crafts, food and gifts, and the smells of mulled wine and burnt almonds.

Traditionally held in late November or early December over several days, the Christmas Market is a popular destination for both families and holidaymakers looking to get into the Christmas spirit.

Traditional Christmas market at Länsmansgården
Classic Christmas market held at the beginning of December, where the whole environment of the Kunsthalle is filled with exhibitors selling art, crafts, food and Christmas gifts.

The market usually lasts
Saturday-Sunday in December, with refreshments and the opportunity to stroll around among local creators in a historic farm setting.

Åkersbergarevyn - show with laughter, song and dance
Åkersbergarevyn is a popular revue on Berga theatre which is performed every winter, opening in early January and running until February. The show features humour, song, dance and relevant jokes about everyday life and society.

The organisation behind the revue has won several SM gold in the Revy-SM.

See more events in Roslagens calendar. For an even more complete range - also visit Österåker municipality's own events page.

Tourist information

Are you planning a trip to Roslagen? Here you can read and download our current brochure for Österers Kommun and Södra Roslagen.

You can browse digitally via the link below, or pick up printed copies at our InfoPoints around the municipality.

InfoPoints

Service Centre Alcea House
Hackstavägen 22, Åkersberga

Dyviks Marina
Dyviks Fabriksväg 7, Åkersberga

Finnhamn guest harbour
Finnhamn jetty, Finnhamn

Ingmarsö guest harbour
Byvägen 1, Ingmarsö

Ljusteröbutiken (Svenska Mäklarhuset)
Ljusterövägen 3, Ljusterö

Solbrännan Restaurant & Café
Stråkvägen 2, Österskär

Runö Meetings & Events
Näsvägen 100, Åkersberga

Wira Mill
Bruksgårdsvägen 7, Åkersberga

Åkersbro & Co
Garnsviksvägen 2, Åkersberga

Glassboden Linanäs
Rastaborgsvägen 4, Ljusterö

Siarö Fortress
Cemetery Island, Ljusterö

Ljusterö Local History Society
Tolvmansbacken 1, Ljusterö

Restaurant Å
Bränsle Gård, Åkersberga

Destination Östanå
Östanå Castle, Åkersberga

Gallery Varnish
Stora Säbyvägen, Åkersberga

Skeppskattens Hamnkrog
Ekhagavägen 23, Skeppsdal

Roslagen Marine Centre
Båthamnsvägen 6, Åkersberga

InfoPoints are places with a comprehensive, up-to-date range of maps, brochures and tips. They can help you plan your visit and guide you to further experiences in the area.

Map and practical travel information for Södra Roslagen

Are you planning to explore Södra Roslagen on site? I map guide for Österåker municipality you will find an overview of locations, routes and practical information that is useful for travellers.

The map guide is available at download digitally, and is also distributed together with other inspirational and informative material at our InfoPoints around Southern Roslagen.

More about Södra Roslagen

The archipelago - always within reach

Here the sea is never far away. The archipelago and the mainland live closely intertwined and with ferries, marinas and bus connections all the way to the outer archipelago, it is easy to explore the possibilities of the islands - whether you're staying for a day, a weekend or for life.

Islands with their own character

Want a taste of the archipelago without travelling far? Here you are greeted by coastal villages, living culture and outdoor recreation close to nature - just a short journey from Stockholm.

The character of the archipelago varies from island to island. Hussar Island, Finland Harbour and Ingmar Island from vibrant village communities to tranquil nature reserves, while Ljusterö, one of the archipelago's larger islands, has inspired writers and artists throughout the ages.

A man walking on a path on an island in the archipelago, a bay with a jetty in the background.

Stockholm Archipelago Trail - world-class hiking

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, who was recently named one of the world's best travel destinations by TIME Magazine, goes through Finnhamn, Brottö and Ingmar Island and offers a unique opportunity to experience the archipelago on foot.

Small towns, coastal life and everyday life

Southern Roslagen is more than its over 1,000 islands. There are also historical and cultural sites to discover.

"The seven wonders" - chosen by the inhabitants themselves - takes you on a journey through stories and places with atmosphere. From the Biskopstuna medieval castle ruins to Roslags-Kulla unique wooden church. Wira Mill tells the story of the blacksmiths who once made the kingdom's most important weapons, and on Siarö Fortress the history of coastal defences echoes through the passages deep inside the mountain.

Outdoor life and movement all year round

Those looking for an activity can find it here - in forests, along country roads and on the water. Hike through deep forests, cycle along winding roads or paddle in calm waters. Organised here multisport races, triathlon and competitions such as Ultimate OCR, which attracts participants from all over the country.

Åkersberga - canal, culture and nature

Åkersberga is the centre of Österåker where Åkers canal The canal runs through the community and creates a lively route for walking, canoeing and meetings by the water. Along the canal and in the urban environment, you will also find public art - accessible and close as part of the expression of the place.There are restaurants, shops and services gathered at a convenient distance with nature around the corner.

In neighbouring Säby culture meets food and landscape with restaurants galleries and walking areas. From Domarudden several popular trails such as Roslagsleden and Blue trail and the area offers swimming, hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.

Together with Österåkers multiarena, Hackstat Staircase and the new sports centre Rydbo 360 the strong sports and outdoor profile is evident. Several playgrounds are worth a special stop - not least The railway park with playful environments right by Åkersberga station and Roslagsbanan.

Golf as a reason to travel

Southern Roslagen is also a popular place for golf. Österåkers Golfklubb has several courses, including East by Stenson - a modern layout in parkland with strategic water features and open views.
Together with nearby courses in the area, this makes Södra Roslagen an obvious choice for those who want to combine gaming with a seaside environment. (Here you will find more golf courses throughout Roslagen) →

A place for meetings and events

Södra Roslagen is a place to gather. The proximity to Stockholm and the location in the archipelago make the area a natural meeting place for conferences, events and business arrangements.

Runö Meetings & Events and Skåvsjöholm are two of the larger facilities, with capacity for both smaller groups and larger gatherings. For a more small-scale option, there are Åkersbro, in a quiet and natural environment.

The contrasts that make the place

Södra Roslagen has both movement and tranquillity, island world and central town, everyday life and experiences. Here, it's a short step from kayak to café, hiking trail to Roslagen railway.

Perhaps it is the contrasts that make the place so easy to return to - and so hard to leave.

Did you know that;
The Stockholm Archipelago Trail, which crosses several islands in southern Roslagen, was named one of the world's 25 best travel destinations by TIME Magazine?

Want to discover more of Roslagen?

Start at Roslagen.se  or read more about Northern Roslagen (Östhammar) and Central Roslagen (Norrtälje)