Sandhamn (Central Archipelago) - Stockholm Archipelago Trail

Sandhamn is probably the most famous island in the Stockholm Archipelago. Sandhamn refers to the main village on the island of Sandön, but it’s commonly used to refer to the whole island. The village is well known for lively summertime crowds, with the harbour and beautiful wooden houses full of visitors. Yet Sandhamn is an island of contrasts if you wander away from the restaurants, beaches, and crowds. You’ll find quiet pine forests and viewpoints over the sea that will invite you to linger in the timeless atmosphere.

Compared with other sections, the trail on Sandhamn is sparsely marked. Walk the loop clockwise, starting from the quay where the public ferries arrive. You’ll enjoy sea views almost the entire way around, as well as stretches of beautiful sandy coastline. After the long white beach at Trouville, the trail follows the southern coast, where pine forest frames one side of the path and the horizon opens out on the other.

Sandhamn offers plenty of facilities, including restaurants, cafés, and hotels such as Seglarhotellet, Sands, and Missionhuset. Technically, wild camping is permitted, but as the island is ecologically sensitive and heavily used, it’s not encouraged.

You can travel to Sandhamn year-round from Stavsnäs via Runmarö. In summer, additional options include the Cinderella boat from Stockholm City via Vaxholm and the north–south ferry line. If you’re combining sections, Sandhamn and Runmarö pair well together.

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT) is a waymarked hiking trail that connects over 20 islands, accessible by a public ferry network. You can choose to spend a day at a time on the trail, connect nearby islands in conveniently grouped sections, or hike the SAT as a thru-hike for the full experience. You can find the entire route as planned stages in this Collection:

https://www.komoot.com/collection/3553589/-stockholm-archipelago-trail-swedens-island-odyssey