Fjäderholmarna is the nearest island to Stockholm city and it takes about 25 minutes to get there from Nybrokajen. The short boat trip makes it a perfect destination for a day trip if you want to escape the heat in the city for a day.
You can go to Fjäderholmarna from both Slussen and Nybrokajen, depending on what’s closest to your hotel.
When I have been there I’ve gone from Nybrokajen and it’s a very nice boat ride on the way out to the island. You’re passing by Djurgården where you get a view of famous attractions like the amusement park Gröna Lund and the Vasa Museum from the water.
Something that can be good to know is that the boat makes a quick stop at Nacka Strand before it continues to Fjäderholmarna. It can be a bit confusing, but just stay on board. You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Fjäderholmarna.
The first thing you’ll see when you arrive at the island is the iconic row of red wooden houses by the dock, which is very typical for Fjäderholmarna.
The dock area gets pretty crowded during high season because there are so many people getting on and off the boats. So it’s a good idea to have a plan when you get off the boat so you know where to go next. My recommendation is to turn right when you get off the boat and go towards the red wooden houses. Inside you’ll find a local brewery where you can grab a drink or even book a beer tasting if you’re into craft beer. Next to it is a chocolate shop. I missed it last time I was there but I’ll definitely check it out next time.
After you have passed the red wooden houses you reach a path that takes you up to Röda Villan, which is my favourite café on the island.
Stop for Lunch at Röda Villan
Röda Villan is a charming café on a small hill with a view over the water. The atmosphere is very cozy with a lot of different spots to sit down and have a lunch or a Swedish fika.
The food on the menu is focused on the Swedish cuisine with dishes like pickled herring, Skagen toast, Västerbotten pie, and meatballs.
If you’re looking for an authentic Swedish experience, try the matjes herring. It’s very salty and not a dish I personally like very much, but it’s very traditional and something we have at the smörgåsbord during Midsummer and Christmas.
Take Your Time to Explore
If you keep walking on the path past Röda Villan you’ll reach an area with a rocky outcrop where people like to sunbathe and swim. It’s not the easiest spot to get down to the water. So if you are visiting the island with kids or just want an easier way to go into the water, there’s a sandy beach a little further down the path that might suit you better.
Next to the beach there are some craft shops and a small boatyard that you can explore before you head back to the dock. You can step inside and browse handmade pieces from local artisans, which adds a personal touch to the experience.
On a hot summer day make sure to stop by Systrarna Degen for an ice cream, they have a lot of different creations with ice cream, fudge and cookies. The ice cream shop is easy to spot because it’s usully a long line outside the small house. But don’t worry it’s worth the wait.
Dinner with a View at Rökeriet
The main restaurant on the island is Rökeriet, right by the pier where the boats come in.
The menu is inspired by the flavors of the archipelago, with plenty of fish and seafood. Most people visit Fjäderholmarna during the day as a day trip, going back in the afternoon. But my recommendation is to stay later and eat dinner here.
We had a work dinner there with my colleagues, and the setting with the food, the dock, and watching leisure boats pull up and Vaxholm ferries passing by is something special.
Even if you know the Stockholm archipelago well, this is an experience I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Looking for more ways to escape the city for a day? Check out my 5 favourite day trips from Stockholm.
Getting to Fjärderholmarna from Stockholm
It’s very easy to get to Fjäderholmarna from Stockholm. There are two companies that run boats between Stockholm and the island. The first one is Fjäderholmslinjen which departs from Skeppsbron (next to Räntmästartrappan) and the other one is Strömma, which departs from Nybrokajen along Strandvägen.
I’ve only taken the boat from Nybrokajen and it’s always worked out fine. My recommendation is to buy tickets in advance because the boats fill up quickly and the departure points can get pretty busy and chaotic. So it’s best to have everything sorted before you get there.
