Discover Vaxholm: harbour, fortress and archipelago culture

Vaxholm combines the harbour character of an archipelago town with fortress history and activities on the water. When planning your trip, you can choose from different highlights: historic places, a longer hiking trail and experiences on the water. You can prioritise culture, exercise and maritime themes according to what you want to shape your days.

Harbour scenery and fortress history

Vaxholm has partly retained the character of a fishing village: the harbour, low-rise homes and boathouses shape this image. Alongside these are many well-preserved wooden villas dating from around the turn of the 20th century, in the light pastel shades characteristic of the archipelago. The historic quay walk runs along Österhamnen, Västerhamnen and Söderhamnen. At selected locations, QR codes link to films that tell the story of each place.

The Vaxholms Fästnings Museum is the largest museum in the archipelago. Numerous exhibitions illustrate the history of the archipelago’s defences and the citadel across various historical periods. Vaxholms kastell was built from 1833 to 1863 on the orders of Karl XIV Johan. The museum accepts bookings for guided group tours year-round; they last about 60 minutes. Booking is required for these group visits.

The Kastelletleden, a cable ferry inaugurated in 2016, takes visitors from Vaxholm to Vaxholms kastell in two minutes. Service may be seasonal, so check the current timetable before your trip. This allows you to factor the short crossing into your plans without confusing it with the group tours that can be booked year-round.

Local history and cultural highlights

The Vaxholm Customs House was built in 1736 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Vaxholm. At Vaxholms Hembygdsmuseum, you can learn about the life of a fishing family. Vaxholm Cinema Theater also has a long history: it was built in 1918 and screens many major film premieres as matinees and evening showings.

Vaxholms kyrka, officially called Gustav Adolfs kyrka, is used for services, devotions, concerts and other musical events. Arkeologievent offers guided walks, lectures and immersive experiences about history and archaeology for the public and private groups. Ytterby gruva, a historic site associated with the discovery of seven chemical elements, is located on Resarö.

Hiking and time on the water

If you would like to include a longer hike in your trip plans, the Blå leden offers a 35-kilometre route. Of this, 12 kilometres run through Bogesunds naturreservat. The trail leads from the quay in Vaxholm to Domaruddens friluftsgård in the municipality of Österåker. As route details may be revised, check the current route before setting out.

In Vaxholm, you can go fishing, sailing, paddling, swimming and take boat trips around the islands. Vaxholms Kanotsällskap rents canoes, kayaks, Canadian canoes and SUPs. Rental availability and booking conditions may change seasonally; check the current information before making plans. This helps distinguish the specific paddling options from the other activities available in Vaxholm.

Boat connections are also useful to know about: regular archipelago boat services call at Vaxholm’s quays and steamboat piers. Check the timetables again before travelling. The yellow car ferry at Västerhamnen carries passengers and bicycles across the strait to Rindö; its service may be seasonal or change. Check the latest information for this service too if you plan to use it.

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