Vaxholm

The small town of Vaxholm, in the north of Stockholm County, is synonymous with the Stockholm archipelago. It is considered not only the main town of the archipelago, but also has a unique charm thanks to its setting surrounded by water on the island of Vaxön. Vaxholm is part of the historic Roslagen region in Uppland. For centuries, the sea route from the open Baltic Sea to Stockholm has passed by Vaxholm. As a result, most of the shipping routes and ferry connections in the Stockholm archipelago converge here, making Vaxholm the most popular excursion destination for city residents and their guests. A boat trip from central Stockholm to Vaxholm aboard a steamer operated by “Vaxholmsbolaget,” the Vaxholm shipping company, is a classic part of any Stockholm tourist’s itinerary. Vaxholm is especially well known for its many small shops and cafés. The town is crowded with people in summer and has a distinctly Mediterranean feel.
Vaxholm is also known for its historic fortress, built here by King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century at a narrow but deep passage to protect the sea route to Stockholm . Today it is a museum that tells the story of 500 years of coastal defence. Vivid scale models trace the history from crossbowmen to today’s amphibious units. Visitors can see bombproof bunkers dating from the Crimean War of 1854, as well as an outpost in the archipelago from the Second World War. The present-day fortress was built in place of the old one by 1863, but its walls failed to withstand a test firing with heavy weapons in 1872. Until the Second World War, Vaxholm was the administrative centre, barracks and training ground for the coastal artillery.
The Municipality of Vaxholm comprises 70 islands, 57 of which are inhabited. The ferry to the neighbouring island of Rindö is part of Sweden’s road network and is therefore free of charge. From here, an attractive circular drive known as the Archipelago Loop (Skärgårdsslingan) leads by car to Stockholm, crossing another ferry along the way. Vaxholm is the very picture of a relaxing, active holiday on Sweden’s Baltic coast.

You can book your holiday home in Vaxholm directly.