Home » Utö

Utö

Utö is one of the true gems of the Stockholm archipelago, where the glittering horizon meets red cottages, sandy beaches, and winding forest trails. Here, you can cycle between secluded coves, enjoy freshly caught fish by the harbour, and feel a sense of calm as soon as the ferry arrives. Utö offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation.

A well-known island in the southern archipelago

Utö offers a little bit of everything

Utö is one of the best-known islands in the Stockholm archipelago and is located at the outer edge of the southern archipelago. The island has a rich history that stretches back several centuries, particularly through its iron ore mining industry, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

Today, around 250 people live on the island year-round, but Utö is best known as a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 70,000 visitors each year. Many are drawn by its beautiful rocky shores and scenic landscape of forests, meadows, and sweeping sea views. The island offers excellent opportunities for swimming, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Despite its popularity, Utö has managed to preserve much of its authentic archipelago character, making it a highly appreciated destination for relaxation and nature experiences throughout the year.

Loads to do

or just do "nothing"

There are plenty of activities on Utö for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. As mentioned earlier, the island is well known for its beautiful swimming spots, featuring both rocky shores and sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy the sea during the summer months.

One of the most popular ways to explore the island is by renting a bicycle and riding between the various attractions on both Utö and neighboring Ålö, which is connected by a bridge.

For nature enthusiasts, several hiking trails offer stunning views of the archipelago. The Utö section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a challenging 18.4 kilometers (11.4 miles) long, but it is easy to explore shorter sections if preferred. Kayaking is another popular activity, providing the opportunity to discover the surrounding islands up close.

For children, there are family-friendly beaches, including the shallow waters of Barnens Bad (“Children’s Beach”), as well as a playground near Gruvbryggan. Visitors can also enjoy volleyball and football, or, for those who prefer a more relaxed activity (though perhaps no less competitive 😉), there is a miniature golf course.

Utö also offers the chance to explore its historic mining heritage, with water-filled mine shafts and a mining museum where visitors can learn more about the island’s fascinating past. The island is home to several restaurants, cafés, and small shops, and during the summer there are often events and live music performances that add to the vibrant archipelago atmosphere. If you visit during the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some freshly baked bread from the local bakery.

For those who would like to stay longer than just a day trip, there are several accommodation options available on the island.

To and from the island

Some of the most beautiful archipelago routes

Getting to Utö is easy all year round from Årsta pier. The journey takes just under an hour, with services most often operated by Silverpilen and Waxholm II. Årsta can be reached either by bus from Västerhaninge or by car.

During the summer, there are several additional ways to reach Gruvbryggan, the island’s main arrival and departure pier. You can travel on the North/South Line (Route 40), most frequently served by Dux, which operates between Nynäshamn and Sandhamn. Alternatively, you can take Route 18 from Strömkajen in central Stockholm. Depending on the length of your stay on Utö, it can be well worth combining journeys on Routes 40 and 18 to and from the island, as both offer exceptionally scenic archipelago cruises.

For the latest timetables, visit the Waxholmsbolaget website or plan your journey using the SL app. In the SL app, you may need to filter out other modes of transport to display the longer, but more comfortable and picturesque ferry options.