Gräsö — Island Guide

Stockholm's northernmost archipelago island

Gräsö is located northeast of Öregrund in Östhammar municipality and is considered one of the northernmost islands in the Stockholm archipelago. Unlike many summer islands in the southern archipelago, Gräsö is a living year-round island with permanent residents, agriculture and services throughout the year. The island is long and narrow — just over two miles from north to south — and the countryside is characterized by an open cultural landscape shaped by generations of haymaking, animal husbandry and fishing.

History and cultural landscape

Gräsö has been shaped by agriculture since the Middle Ages. The open cultivated landscape in the island's central areas is a direct result of continuous management and is home to rich birdlife, including storks and waders that thrive in the open terrain. Along the coasts, the more rugged nature of the archipelago meets — cliffs, shallow bays and old-growth forest on the western parts facing the mainland. The island was historically part of the Öregrund region and parts of its cultural heritage are linked to fishing and the traffic that for a long time ran along the Norrlands route, past the outer skerries.

Nature and outdoor activities

Gräsö offers a varied range of natural environments for those who want to explore on foot or by bike. Marked walking trails run along the island and offer the chance to see alternating open pastureland, coastal forests and coastline. The bathing spots Gräsöbaden and Storsand are popular summer destinations with sandy beaches and shallow water — unusual features in the otherwise more rocky Norrland archipelago. Gräsö Gård and Gräsö Gårds nature reserve offer nature experiences in a well-preserved agricultural landscape. The opportunity to cycle around the island — without heavy car traffic from the mainland — makes Gräsö an excellent cycling destination.

Events and local life

During the summer, Gräsö is an active community with local events. In July, the popular Gräsö runt race is held, a race around the island for runners and cyclists. During week 28, an art round is held with open studio visits to artists and craftspeople who are active on the island. Gräsö has attracted artists and cultural figures for a long time, and creative life is part of the island's character.

Local food and farm shops

On Gräsö there are a couple of local food producers with direct sales. Naturfantastens Gårdsbutik sells locally grown food crafts, and Gräsö Gårds farm shop offers beef, sausages and locally produced honey from the island's own farms. Visit preferably in the morning when the selection is at its best.

How to get to Gräsö

A free car ferry runs year-round between Öregrund and Gräsö. The crossing takes approximately five minutes and departures are frequent during the summer season. By public transport, take bus 811 from Uppsala to Öregrund, then local bus 854 which continues to the island. Öregrund can be reached by car via route 76 from Uppsala (approx. 1.5 hours) or Norrtälje (approx. 1 hour).

Services and accommodation

During the summer season there is a grocery store, cafes, restaurants, hostel, camping and bike rental on the island. Outside the high season, the range is more limited — plan your visit in advance if you travel outside June–August.