Yxlan amid Archipelago Nature and Hiking Trails

The Yxlan section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a moderately challenging 24-km hike. The route runs close to the sea through varied terrain and passes holiday-home areas and historic villages.

Yxlan lies between Furusund and Blidö and forms a central section of the Blidöleden, a ferry connection between the islands of the archipelago.

Hiking and Trails

The hiking trail on Yxlan is not marked on site; you should follow it using the local printed tourist map or the interactive map. Yxlan Lighthouse is a named attraction along the hiking trail and is considered a worthwhile destination in its own right. Anyone hiking there must follow the map on the way there and back, as the trail does not pass through the residential area.

The hike on Yxlan can begin at the ferry terminal in Köpmanholm or be started at one of the piers served by the Waxholmsbolaget ferry. In the southern section, the trail now runs along the eastern side of the lake because beavers have made the former route around the lake almost impassable.

Lake Träsket is considered a worthwhile destination in its own right on the Yxlan section. Stortallen, an old pine tree and a named worthwhile destination, is also located along the hiking trail on Yxlan.

Nature and Coast

Yxlan features a varied archipelago landscape with rocky shores, forests, meadows and quiet bays. The open rocky outcrops in the north of the island offer expansive views of the Ã…land Sea.

Österviken bathing area is located on the eastern side of the northern tip of Yxlan. It offers approximately 60 metres of shoreline, a sandy beach and a level grassy area, and is a sea-bathing spot.

Brokholmen has a 0.7-hectare meadow that has been mown annually since 2000. Plants found in this meadow include cowslips, oxeye daisies, quaking grass, ribwort plantain, and small and large bellflowers.

Skaftet on Yxlan encompasses several different types of natural habitat; the drier areas lie on the slopes down towards the valley. Vagnsunda has a natural pasture and former arable land. Plants recorded there include tufted hair-grass, large bellflowers, grey hawkweed and cowslips.

Protected plants, including several orchid species, have been found along the roads on Yxlan. The island's wildlife includes deer, foxes, hares and various bird species; its marine life, including fish and shellfish, is also diverse.

History and Culture

Old house foundations can be found in the western part of Skaftet. Yxlan also has archaeological remains, including burial grounds and runestones.

During the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, Yxlan was an important area for trade and seafaring. In modern times, the island was primarily an agricultural and fishing island; Köpmanholm is known as a pilot, customs and telegraph station.

Trojeborg is considered a labyrinth believed to bring good luck when fishing.

Konstrundan on Yxlan is a non-profit event that originated from the personal initiative of several artists from Yxlan. It takes place every year in August, on the first weekend of August; around fifteen artists open their homes and studios to visitors.

Connections

The Blidöleden runs between Yxlan and Blidö in the Stockholm archipelago. This section is 530 metres long, takes four minutes and can be crossed free of charge by road ferry.

A free road ferry connects Yxlan with Furusund; the crossing is 530 metres long and takes four minutes.

More destinations at a glance: Rimbo, Väddö, Södersvik, Vätö, Herräng, Arholma, Bergshamra and Grisslehamn.

Bus route 632 runs from Norrtälje to Furusund.

To the higher-level travel overview: Norrtälje.