Sweden’s largest archipelago is a rising, shifting labyrinth of 24,000 islands and skerries.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning 1,700 square kilometers, the Stockholm Archipelago is a dynamic landscape shaped by post-glacial rebound. With over 24,000 islands and a history rooted in fishing and farming, this Baltic wonder has evolved from a rugged maritime outpost into a vibrant hub for summer recreation, artistic inspiration, and unique geological change.

The Stockholm Archipelago is not a static formation; it is a joint valley landscape currently being reshaped by post-glacial rebound. This geological process causes the islands to rise by approximately three millimeters every year. Consequently, the archipelago only began to assume its present-day contours during the Viking Age. This ongoing transformation defines the region's character, creating a complex, ever-changing environment that stretches roughly 60 kilometers east from Stockholm.

Historically, the archipelago supported a distinct culture of combined farming and fishing from the mid-1400s until the mid-20th century. Between 1450 and the mid-1800s, intensive seasonal fishing forced many residents to live on outer islands for extended periods. This traditional way of life persisted until the early 1950s, when younger generations migrated to mainland cities for employment, leading to the decline of small-scale farming and the near-disappearance of the local fishing industry.

Today, the region serves as a popular destination for 50,000 holiday cottages, primarily owned by residents of Stockholm. The Stockholm Archipelago Foundation now manages 15% of the total area to preserve its nature and culture. The area is also a site of scientific curiosity; the village of Ytterby on Resarö is famous for the discovery of four chemical elements: erbium, terbium, ytterbium, and yttrium. Beyond its scientific and historical significance, the archipelago remains a cultural touchstone, having hosted artists like August Strindberg and serving as the creative retreat where ABBA members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson composed much of their music.

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