Discover Väddö

Roslagen's largest island

Väddö is located approximately 30 minutes' drive northeast of Norrtälje and is Roslagen's largest island by area. You can reach it easily by car via road 76 towards Söderby-Karl and then road 283, or by SL bus from Norrtälje. The island is practically connected to the mainland and has all basic services in the communities along the canal.

Väddö Canal

Väddö Canal is the island's most iconic landmark and a national interest for cultural heritage preservation. The canal connects Bagghusfjärden in the south with Väddöfjärden in the north and provides a protected fairway as an alternative to the open sea. Work on modern canal excavation began in 1820 by military soldiers, and the canal opened to traffic in 1835. The formal inauguration took place in 1840 by Karl XIV Johan. The idea is older – Gustav Vasa had a first waterway built as early as 1553. Today, approximately 22,000 boats pass through the canal each year.

Nature and activities

• Walk along Roslagsleden which passes through Väddö in several stages
• Swim at Sandviken and Väddö beach
• Paddle canoe or kayak along the calm waters of the canal
• Visit Roslagen Maritime Museum with views over the canal in Älmsta
• Cycle on the winding roads and explore the fishing villages of Skottviken and Nothamn

Grisslehamn in northern Väddö is the departure point for ferry traffic to Eckerö on Åland.