Vätö — Stone Mason's Village and Roslagen Idyll

The Granite That Built Stockholm

Vätö is an island in Björköfjärden with deep roots in stone-quarrying history. At the height of quarrying, around 500 people worked in the quarries. The pink-red Vätö granite was exported to Stockholm and used in, among other places, the Opera House, the Parliament Building and Sofia Church. A memorial stone made of Vätö granite today honours the old stonemasons. In the 1920s, diabase was also extracted, including for the facade of Tändstickspalatset.

Historical Traces

The island's history stretches back to the Iron Age with preserved burial grounds. Vätö Church, probably built in the 1300s, is a landmark in the remote countryside. In 1886, Rosättra Båtvarv was founded for the construction of pilot cutters and sailing vessels. Vätöbron bridge was inaugurated in 1993 and replaced the previous ferry connection.

Things to Do on Vätö

Vätöbergs Stenbrott can be visited to see the traces of quarrying history. The local heritage association arranges guided walks, and the nature reserve Vätö huvud is an open-air area with bathing spots. In summer, Vätö Självplock offers fruit and vegetable picking.

Getting There

By car, take the E18 towards Norrtälje and then Vätövägen — the island is reached via a bridge connection. Waxholmsbolaget and Norra båtlinjen operate in the area in summer. SL buses run between Norrtälje and Håknäs year-round.