Searching for the Swedish east coast best places to visit? From Stockholm’s island rich archipelago to the sunny shores of Öland and the historic waterways around Karlskrona, Sweden’s eastern coastline offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences. This guide highlights the towns, islands and coastal areas worth adding to your Sweden travel itinerary.
Why visit the Swedish east coast?
The Swedish east coast stretches along the Baltic Sea and includes a changing mix of rocky islands, pine forests, fishing villages, sandy beaches, medieval towns and lively summer resorts. It is one of the best regions in Sweden for combining outdoor activities with culture and relaxed coastal living.
The coastline is particularly appealing during late spring, summer and early autumn. Long daylight hours make it easy to explore by boat, bicycle or kayak, while the cooler months bring a quieter atmosphere and excellent opportunities for coastal walks, photography and local food. Many destinations are accessible from Stockholm, but the coast becomes increasingly peaceful as you travel south.
Whether you want a short island escape, a family friendly beach holiday or a road trip through historic coastal towns, the Swedish east coast has plenty to offer.
Stockholm Archipelago
For many visitors, the Stockholm Archipelago is the natural starting point when looking for the Swedish east coast best places to visit. Around 30,000 islands, skerries and islets extend east from the capital, creating one of Europe’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
Regular ferries leave central Stockholm for larger islands and smaller communities. The journey is part of the experience, with views of red wooden cottages, smooth granite rocks and narrow channels surrounded by forest. You can visit for a day or stay overnight in a guesthouse, hotel, hostel or cabin.
Vaxholm
Vaxholm is often called the gateway to the archipelago. It is easy to reach by ferry or bus, making it a practical choice for first time visitors. The town has a pretty harbour, colourful wooden buildings, cafés and independent shops. Vaxholm Fortress, located on a nearby island, explains the strategic importance of the area and can be reached by a short boat trip.
Vaxholm works well for travellers who want a taste of archipelago life without planning a complicated journey. Walk along the waterfront, explore the old streets and enjoy lunch before returning to Stockholm or continuing deeper into the islands.
Grinda
Grinda is a popular island for swimming, hiking and uncomplicated outdoor experiences. Much of the island is protected as a nature reserve, and marked trails lead through meadows and woodland to open coastal viewpoints. There are places to rent kayaks, eat a casual meal and stay overnight during the warmer months.
The island is especially suitable for visitors who want to experience the Swedish tradition of spending time outdoors. Pack a picnic, bring swimwear and allow enough time to walk beyond the main harbour areas.
Sandhamn
Sandhamn is one of the archipelago’s best known destinations and has a more polished summer atmosphere. The island is associated with sailing, but you do not need to be a sailor to enjoy its sandy paths, historic village and restaurants. The surrounding landscape combines pine forest with exposed rocks and small beaches.
Sandhamn is a good choice for a longer island stay, particularly if you enjoy seafood, boating and a lively harbour. It is busier in July, so booking accommodation and restaurant tables in advance is sensible.
Utö
Utö offers a mixture of nature, history and cycling. The island has a long mining tradition, and remnants of the old iron ore industry can still be seen around the settlement. Rent a bicycle to reach beaches, viewpoints and quieter parts of the island.
Utö is larger than many nearby islands, which makes it a good option for visitors who want more space and several days of activities. Ferries take longer than those to Vaxholm or Grinda, but the extra travel time rewards you with a more immersive island experience.
Nynäshamn and Landsort
Nynäshamn is a coastal town south of Stockholm and an important ferry port for routes to Gotland and other Baltic destinations. It is also a convenient base for exploring the southern part of the Stockholm Archipelago. The town has a harbour, seafood restaurants, swimming areas and walking trails along the coast.
One of the area’s highlights is Landsort, an island at the southern edge of the archipelago. It is known for its historic lighthouse, rocky scenery and isolated character. The island is small enough to explore on foot, but boat connections can be seasonal, so check timetables carefully before travelling.
Nynäshamn is useful for a Sweden travel itinerary that combines Stockholm with an island excursion, a ferry trip or a quieter coastal overnight stay.
Trosa and the Sörmland coast
Trosa is a charming small town south of Stockholm, built around the Trosaån river as it reaches the Baltic Sea. Its centre is filled with wooden houses, footbridges, cafés and boutiques. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and is easy to explore on foot.
While Trosa is not an island destination, it offers a different view of the Swedish east coast. Nearby nature reserves and coastal paths provide opportunities for walking, birdwatching and swimming. Trosa is particularly attractive for a day trip or a slow weekend away from Stockholm.
The surrounding Sörmland coast has quiet bays, forests and historic estates. A car gives you more freedom to visit small harbours and countryside attractions, although Trosa itself can be reached by public transport from the capital.
Oxelösund and Nyköping
Oxelösund is a working harbour town surrounded by water and nature. Its location on a peninsula means that coastal scenery is never far away, while nearby reserves offer trails through pine woodland and along rocky shores. Femöre nature reserve is one of the area’s most rewarding places to visit, with sea views, old military installations and walking paths.
Nyköping, a short distance inland, adds history and culture to the region. Nyköpingshus castle, museums and a pleasant town centre make it a useful base for exploring the coast. Together, Nyköping and Oxelösund suit travellers who want a combination of local history, outdoor activities and less crowded seaside scenery.
Arkösund and the St Anna Archipelago
Further south, the coast around Arkösund and the St Anna Archipelago becomes increasingly wild and sparsely populated. Arkösund is a small resort and boating centre with ferries, summer restaurants and access to a maze of islands. It is a good starting point for kayaking, sailing and boat tours.
The St Anna Archipelago is known for its low, rocky islands and open horizons. Some islands have permanent residents, while others are visited mainly for recreation. Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore because the sheltered waters allow you to move between islands at your own pace.
Accommodation is limited in some parts of the archipelago, so advance planning is important. Bring supplies if you are camping or staying in a remote cabin, and remember that public transport and boat services may be much less frequent outside the main summer season.
Söderköping and the Bråviken coast
Söderköping is a historic town near the Baltic coast and one of the most atmospheric stops in eastern Sweden. Its old streets, canals and traditional buildings reflect its medieval trading history. The town is also associated with the Göta Canal, which passes nearby and attracts cyclists, boat travellers and visitors interested in Sweden’s inland waterways.
From Söderköping, you can continue toward the Bråviken coast and the area around Norrköping. The landscape combines forests, farmland and coastal inlets. This makes the region a useful addition to a road trip between Stockholm and the southern east coast.
Västervik and the Tjust Archipelago
Västervik is one of the strongest candidates for the Swedish east coast best places to visit. The town sits beside the Tjust Archipelago, where thousands of islands create a spectacular setting for boating, kayaking and swimming. The harbour is lively in summer, but the town retains a local feel outside the main holiday period.
Boat tours provide an easy introduction to the archipelago, while kayak rentals allow more independent exploration. Gränsö nature reserve, just outside Västervik, has beaches, woodland paths and coastal viewpoints. The reserve is suitable for walking, cycling and relaxed swimming days.
Västervik also has a strong music and cultural scene, with summer events attracting visitors from across Sweden. It is a practical base for several nights because it offers a wider choice of accommodation and restaurants than many smaller coastal communities.
Oskarshamn and the northern Småland coast
Oskarshamn is a working coastal town with connections to the island of Gotland and the nearby island of Blå Jungfrun. The town’s waterfront, maritime history and rocky surroundings make it an interesting stop on a southern coastal road trip.
Blå Jungfrun is a national park in the Baltic Sea, known for its unusual red granite landscape, woodland and legends. Boat trips to the island operate during the summer, but conditions and departures can vary. Visitors should bring suitable walking shoes and follow local guidance, as the island has limited facilities.
Oskarshamn is also close to coastal villages and nature areas where you can experience a quieter side of Småland. It is best suited to travellers who enjoy combining a town visit with boat excursions and natural scenery.
Kalmar and the island of Öland
Kalmar is one of the most rewarding cities on Sweden’s east coast. Its most famous landmark is Kalmar Castle, a remarkably well preserved Renaissance castle beside the water. The city also has a historic centre, museums, parks and a pleasant harbour area.
A bridge connects Kalmar with Öland, a long island celebrated for its beaches, windmills, open farmland and distinctive limestone landscape. The southern part of Öland is a UNESCO World Heritage area known as the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland. Its wide, treeless scenery is very different from the forested archipelago farther north.
Borgholm and northern Öland
Borgholm is Öland’s main resort town and a convenient base for exploring the island. Nearby Borgholm Castle is an impressive ruin with broad views across the landscape. Solliden Palace, the Swedish royal family’s summer residence, is also close to town and has attractive gardens open to visitors during parts of the year.
Öland is ideal for a cycling holiday or a road trip. Visit traditional villages, look for seabirds along the coast and stop at small farm shops selling local produce. Summer is the busiest season, but spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures and a calmer atmosphere.
Karlskrona and the Blekinge Archipelago
Karlskrona is a historic naval city spread across several islands in the Blekinge Archipelago. Its naval heritage has earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status, and museums, shipyards and historic fortifications help explain its importance.
The city is also a gateway to the southern Swedish east coast. Ferries and local boats connect Karlskrona with islands and smaller coastal communities. Aspö is a popular excursion destination, with cycling routes, beaches and historic defence sites. Boats and bicycles make it easy to explore without a car.
Karlskrona is a strong choice for travellers interested in architecture, maritime history and island landscapes. It also provides a natural endpoint for a road trip that begins around Stockholm and follows the coast south.
Best activities on the Swedish east coast
Explore by ferry and boat
Ferries are an essential part of travelling through the archipelagos. Public services connect many inhabited islands, while private operators offer sightseeing tours and seasonal excursions. Always check departure times before setting out, especially when visiting smaller islands.
Go kayaking
The sheltered waters around St Anna, Tjust and Blekinge are excellent for kayaking. Beginners can choose guided tours or calm routes close to the shore. More experienced paddlers can plan multi day trips between islands, but should pay close attention to weather forecasts and available accommodation.
Swim and enjoy coastal nature
Swimming spots range from sandy beaches to flat granite rocks. Some locations have jetties, changing facilities and cafés, while remote islands may have no services at all. Respect local signs, avoid private areas and leave the shoreline clean.
Cycle between coastal towns
Bicycles are useful in Vaxholm, Utö, Västervik, Öland and Karlskrona. Island roads are often quiet, although some routes include rough surfaces and hills. Cycling lets you reach viewpoints, beaches and villages that are easy to miss by car.
When to visit the Swedish east coast
June to August offers the warmest weather, the longest days and the fullest range of ferry services, cafés, boat tours and events. July is the busiest month, particularly in the Stockholm Archipelago, Västervik, Öland and popular resort towns.
May and September can be excellent for hiking, cycling and photography. There are fewer visitors, but some island accommodation and boat services operate on reduced schedules. Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, although many seasonal businesses close and daylight hours are limited.
Practical tips for planning your trip
- Use Stockholm as a starting point for Vaxholm, Grinda, Sandhamn and Utö.
- Book island accommodation, popular restaurants and guided boat tours well ahead for July travel.
- Check ferry timetables on the official operator websites because routes change by season.
- Carry a card and some cash, particularly when visiting small islands and remote harbours.
- Pack layers, rain protection and comfortable shoes, even during summer.
- Consider renting a car for the southern coast, especially around Öland, Kalmar and Oskarshamn.
- Follow Sweden’s right of public access responsibly by respecting homes, wildlife and cultivated land.
- Allow extra time for boat connections, weather changes and spontaneous stops along the coast.
Choosing among the Swedish east coast best places to visit
For a first visit, Stockholm Archipelago destinations such as Vaxholm or Grinda are the easiest introduction. Choose Sandhamn for a livelier island holiday, Utö for cycling and longer walks, and Trosa for a charming mainland escape. Västervik is ideal for kayaking and a broader choice of accommodation, while Kalmar and Öland combine beaches with history and distinctive landscapes. Karlskrona is the best fit for maritime heritage and southern archipelago scenery.
These destinations can be visited separately, but they also work well as part of a longer Sweden travel route. With careful planning, you can connect historic cities, quiet islands, nature reserves and seaside villages into a varied journey along the Baltic coast.