Mjölkö — Historic Idyll in Saxarfjärden

Geography and Location

Mjölkö is located in Saxarfjärden north of Vaxholm and west of Grinda, where Trälhavet meets the western Saxarfjärden. The island is surrounded by the neighbouring islands Ekholmen, Ekören and Stora Älgö. Österåkers municipality. Waxholmsbolaget operates regular traffic to the island. The island is home to a lighthouse, Mjölköns fyr, which is a landmark in the fjord.

History and Smallholder Life

The island's name probably stems from the milk that farmers on the mainland collected from their summer grazing cows — every day people would row out to the island to milk them. Smallholders lived on Mjölkö in so-called day-work cottages, belonging to the Margretelunds estate. The old smallholder cottages, the historic Mjölkstugorna, are over 300 years old and form a remarkable link to the older rural island life in the Stockholm archipelago. In the 1950s, plots were subdivided and sold to holiday residents, which changed the island's character — but the historic cultural landscape remains visible.

Nature and Activities

Walking trails run around the island's approximately 10 kilometres of gravel paths, maintained by a commons association. Swimming rocks along the coastline offer archipelago bathing in clear water, and summer meadows provide an open landscape reminiscent of the pastoral landscapes of earlier times. Midsummer celebrations and cultural events take place on the island during the summer season.

Practical Information

Mjölkö is reached by Waxholmsbolaget's regular traffic. The island is suitable for a day trip with a packed lunch. Bring what you need — the island's services are limited and directed towards the permanent summer residents.