Österåker between Archipelago Coast and Cultural History

On Österåker’s archipelago coast, you can visit places that inspired writers and artists such as Stieg Larsson and Elsa Beskow. Well-preserved small-scale farming landscapes can be found there.

Places directly associated: Österåker, Åkersberga, Ljusterö.

Nature and Hiking

Östra Lagnö is an easily accessible nature reserve on the eastern side of Ljusterö, with smooth sea cliffs, coastal meadows and forest paths, as well as views over Svartlögafjärden. The hiking trails on Östra Lagnö lead to the cliffs of Brännholmen, where there are swimming spots, fishing spots, places to rest and beautiful views of the outer archipelago coast.

The nature reserve has several paths, rest areas and viewpoints. The fifth stage of the Roslagsleden trail passes through a forest landscape rich in lakes, with a touch of wilderness.

The differences are also reflected in the types of trails: The Pilgrim Trail is short and divided into six stages, while the Roslagsleden passes through a forest landscape rich in lakes. On the water, paddling, swimming, canoeing and fishing are all available; the cultural sites range from a medieval ruin and an ironworks setting to a school museum.

Waterways and Islands

Ljusterö can be reached by car, bus or boat. Ljusterö has well-preserved archipelago villages, fishing villages, Iron Age burial grounds and a vibrant agricultural landscape.

You can paddle along the historic LÃ¥nghundraleden waterway, which was used by Vikings. At Garnsviken, you can swim, canoe and fish.

Brottö is most easily reached on Waxholmsbolaget’s regular services.

When choosing a hotel in Österåker, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can help organize your personal selection. Depending on your preferred focus, the coastal and forest trails, the waterways or the historic sites can be considered alongside one another as different points of reference, without combining them into a single travel experience.

Culture and History

Biskopstuna is a medieval castle ruin in Österskär. It was built at the end of the 13th century by the Archbishop of Uppsala.

Wira bruk is a living historic ironworks setting with forges and workshops along the Wiraån. Wira bruk is open to the public.

Ekbacken is a historic cultural park where you can stroll, have coffee and experience culture in a historic setting.

Ljusterö kyrka is a white-painted octagonal wooden church near Mellansjö on Kyrksjön, in the middle of Ljusterö, about three kilometres from the ferry terminal. Österåkers kyrka was initially begun as a fortified church at the end of the 12th century.

The upper floor is a school museum with an old classroom and teaching materials from the late 18th century. Wiraspelen is considered a recurring event; it has been performed every summer since 1985, with the exception of summer 2020.

Trails and Cycling

The Pilgrim Trail on Ljusterö is 2.6 kilometres long and includes six different stages. Mountain biking is available in Österåker.

Österåker therefore brings together short trails, longer hiking stages, water activities and historic sites in different parts of the area described. The regular services to Brottö, the trails on Ljusterö and the cultural sites on the mainland each form their own geographical and thematic points of reference.

For the main travel overview: Stockholm.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Danderyd, Värmdö, Solna, Norrtälje, Björkö.