9 JUNE 2026
Husarö — the pilots' island with bathing coves and blueberry forests
Husarö is a small island in the outer archipelago of southern Roslagen, a nautical mile north of Finnhamn in Österåker municipality. The island is known for its pilots since the 1400s, well-preserved 19th-century environments and swimming coves surrounded by blueberry-rich forest. Come here for peace, history and an authentic outer archipelago experience.
Geography and Location
Husarö measures 2.4 km in length and 1.48 km in width, located at coordinates 59°30′20″N 18°50′50″E in Stockholm's mid-archipelago, Österåker municipality. The island is surrounded by Husaröleden, a frequently used shipping lane. Today only a few people live permanently on the island, but around a hundred summer cottages testify to a vibrant seasonal population.
History — The Pilots
Husarö is mentioned as early as a 13th-century sailing route description under the name "Husarn". Pilots have been on the island since the 1400s, and in 1740 Husarö received official pilot station status when the shipping lanes were relocated inshore past Finnhamn. At the height of the sailing ship era, up to fifteen pilots served on the island — they guided vessels northward toward Furusund and southward toward Sandhamn. Pilot operations ceased in 1912. The Sundström pilot house is today a museum, operated by the Husarö Pilot Museum Association.
Culture and Famous Visitors
Author Elsa Beskow drew inspiration from Husarö — her children's book about blueberries has its roots in the island's blueberry-rich forests. Her former home is preserved on the island. Husarö has throughout history attracted well-known Stockholm residents and cultural figures seeking seasonal retreats in the peace of the archipelago.
Nature and Swimming
Husarö is characterized by blueberry-rich mixed forest, rocky coastlines and sheltered swimming coves. The most well-known swimming spots are Sandholmen, Badviken, Bockholmen and Kallviken. Hiking along the island's trails, fishing and sailing in the surrounding waters are classic elements of a Husarö visit. Scout camps have been held in the old schoolhouse since 1958.
Practical Information
Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderellabåtarna operate Husarö dock with summer traffic since 1881. The historic steamship S/S Storskär visits on Sundays during high summer. Water taxi from Åsättra dock on Ljusterö is a complementary alternative. The island offers basic provisions via a general store, marine supply shop and minimarket open year-round.