Islands in Österåker

Islands in Österåker

Österåker municipality borders Stockholm's central archipelago and has over a thousand islands within its boundaries. It is part of what is called southern Roslagen – a landscape of bare cliffs, lush forests and peaceful bays, with easy connections from Åkersberga and Norrtälje.

Ljusterö – the large island with a bridge

Ljusterö is one of the largest islands in Stockholm's central archipelago. A free car ferry, Ljusteröleden, connects the mainland with Ljusterö via Östanå; the crossing takes just over seven minutes. During summer, around 25,000–30,000 people live on the island, compared to about 1,500 permanent residents. From Åsättra dock on Ljusterö, Waxholmsbolaget's boats continue to several islands further out in the archipelago. From Ljusterö head, a viewpoint in the northern part of the island, you can see three nautical miles straight out into the archipelago on clear days. At Linanäs there is a restaurant, bathing area and tennis courts.

Ingmarsö – cycling trails and kayaking waters

Ingmarsö is reached by Waxholmsbolaget's tour boats from Åsättra. The island offers wide cycling paths that wind across the island, old archipelago buildings from the 1800s and opportunities to rent kayaks. Next to Ingmarsö lies Brottö, a cultural reserve that bears witness to small-scale archipelago farming and contains medieval remains.

Husarö – Elsa Beskow and Stieg Larsson's island

Husarö is known for its literary connections: Elsa Beskow drew inspiration for Petter's Adventures in the Blueberry Forest from her summer cottage on the island, and Stieg Larsson was inspired by Husarö for parts of his authorship. The island offers a pilot museum, bathing areas and an annual Husarö Day in July. Husarö is reached by tour boat from Åsättra.

Finnhamn – adventure and nature

Finnhamn is a scenic archipelago island with a hostel, cottages and a restaurant. The facilities operate from April to September and include kayak rental, nature walks and a motor skills trail for children. The island is reached by Waxholmsbolaget's tour boats.

Möja and Äpplarö

Möja and Äpplarö are well-known islands further out in Stockholm's archipelago, accessible by Waxholmsbolaget's lines from Åsättra. Äpplarö is a nature reserve with an ecological farm, known among other things as the namesake of one of IKEA's outdoor furniture series.

Transport from Österåker

• Ljusterö: Free car ferry (Ljusteröleden) from Östanå, approx. 7 min. SL bus from Åkersberga station to the ferry terminal.
• Ingmarsö, Husarö, Finnhamn, Möja: Waxholmsbolaget's tour boats from Åsättra dock on Ljusterö.
• Åkersberga: Commuter train and bus from Stockholm city, approx. 40 minutes.