15 Islands In Sweden That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Sweden Islands

Island of Ven, Finnhamn, Gällnö, Gotland, Marstrand, Öland, The Weather Islands, Holmön, Visingsö, Brännö, Hallands Väderö, Gotska Sandön, Trysunda, Southern Goteborg Archipelago, Sandhamn and many more.

As astonishing as it sounds, there are over 267,570 islands in Sweden and less than 1000 of these are inhabited. These islands are ideal for sailing and kayaking during the short summers and for their amazing landscape, hiking trails, lobster safaris, picnics, island hopping, and lots more. Each Sweden island has its own charm. They are perfect havens for cycling and nature enthusiasts. The Islands of Ven is famous for its Alpaca Farms and St Ibb’s Old Medieval Church while Gällnö is perfect for landscape photography.

Marstrand is famous for its first synagogue in Scandinavia and Visingsö for the Visingsborg castle. These islands in Sweden are a great place to indulge in several activities such as cliff jumping, sunbathing, exploring the rich cultural heritage of Sweden, learning about the Viking Era, visiting local island museums and so much more. These islands also serve the best when it comes to traditional Swedish cuisines. Be it meatballs or lingonberries; pickled herring or princess cake, the best thing to do while you are here is to try the local cuisines.

Here is the list of the best islands in Sweden:

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11D/10N

51 Ratings

Best of Nordic | Exploring Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway

₹ 421,610 ₹ 317,000 per adult

9D/8N

127 Ratings

Scandinavia with Finland Group Tour | FREE Skyview Gondola Ride Tickets

₹ 806,320 ₹ 606,256 per adult

6D/5N

40 Ratings

Scandinavia Group Tour | FREE Excursion to Suomenlinna Islands

₹ 226,100 ₹ 170,000 per adult

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9D/8N

455 Ratings

Highlights of Scandinavia with FREE Rovaniemi City Tour

₹ 412,300 ₹ 310,000 per adult

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10D/9N

26 Ratings

Scandinavia Classic with FREE Fjord Cruise Ride

₹ 319,200 ₹ 240,000 per adult

9D/8N

36 Ratings

Discovering Scandinavia with FREE Oslo Fjord Cruise

₹ 306,070 ₹ 241,000 per adult

9D/8N

39 Ratings

Scenic Scandinavia with FREE Mostraumen Cruise

₹ 306,030 ₹ 230,098 per adult

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Explore All (22)

01

Island of Ven

This tiny Sweden Island is a beautiful nature reserve with sprawling wheat fields, wildflowers growing in abundance and amazing sea views. It is a perfect haven for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Island’s main attraction is the Tycho Brahe Museum that can be enjoyed without paying any entrance fee.

There is a grassy area in the museum that showcases games that were played during Brahe times. However, a ticket is required to visit the observatory and a digital representation of constellations with music and dramatic voice over light show. Other attractions include the Whiskey Distillery, Alpaca Farms, Ven’s Cultural Centre and St. Ibb’s Old Medieval Church to name a few.

Location: Landskrona Municipality, Skåne County

Best Time to Visit: May to October

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02

Finnhamn

The Island of Finnhamn is beautiful to say the least and it offers a wide variety of activities to indulge in. You can choose to go kayaking, ride a row boat or visit the magnificent beaches. Paradise Viken is a great place for families to enjoy a great spot of sunbathing and a beach picnic.

The best way to explore the Island is by hiking and there are trails all around the Island with well-placed signs for you to follow. Organic farms sell traditional homemade jams or essential oils which you can buy as gifts to take back home.

Location: Stora Jolpan, Stockholm Archipelago.

Best Time to Visit: Year round destination

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03

Gällnö

Gällnö is one of the most unique islands in Sweden with its beaches that comes in small patches and beautifully cultivated lands. The Island has the smallest hotel in the country - it has only one room. There are several well-preserved anchorages and pretty red Swedish houses, boat houses and homes.

The village is a picture perfect scenery with huts built under apple trees. If landscape photography is your forte then Gällnö is definitely the place to be. You can indulge in outdoor camping, visit the nature reserve or go hiking in the village. Enjoy freshly baked goods at the village cafe or sunbathe on the beach.

Location: Stockholm Archipelago

Best Time to Visit: May to October

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04

Gotland

Gotland, the land of vikings and spectacular scenery is one of the most beautiful islands in Sweden. The main town of Gotland, Visby is from the Viking era and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gotland is famous for its 92 churches, remarkable ruins of ancient churches such as St Karin church, St Clemens, St Nicolai and Drottens, attractions such as Gotska Sandön National Park, Gotland Museum in Visby, Kneippbyn Theme Park and Ringmumen the Visby City Wall. This beautiful Island is also famous for traditional Swedish flavours and food.

Location: Baltic Sea, 90km off the eastern coast of Sweden.

Best Time to Visit: March to September.

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05

Marstrand

This small yet beautiful Island has some great mentions in the history of Sweden. It was once a refuge for criminals, a holiday destination for the royals of Sweden, it was Europe’s herring capital, it was home to the first synagogue of Scandinavia, and a place where people lived their wildest dreams.

Today, Marstrand is one of the most colorful Sweden islands with vibrantly colored wooden buildings, cobbled stone paths and pretty Swedish villages. It is a great place to indulge in kayaking, sailing, water sports, hiking and excursions. The most prominent attraction here is Carlstens Fästning, a 17th century fortress.

Location: Bohuslän Province

Best Time to Visit: March to August

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06

Öland

This Sweden Island offers an amazing landscape, perfect climate and fascinating history of the Swedes and their heritage making it a destination fit for the royals. And in this case it is true as the Royals of Sweden used this Island as their summer getaway.

While on the Island visit the Borgholm Castle, Sollinden Palace, VIDA Museum and Konstall, Eketorp. Spend the day exploring the beautiful beaches of Öland or go shopping for their exquisite pottery and ceramics. Öland also has some amazing selection of traditional Swedish food including Kroppkaka, smoked fish, lufsa, lingonberry jam and lots more.

Location: Baltic Sea, län County, Kalmar

Best Time to Visit: March to October

07

The Weather Islands

The Weather Islands is an archipelago consisting of a hundred odd rocky islands and islets. This is one of the farthest Sweden islands and the finest example of being far from the madding crowd. The islands are peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful.

You can reach the Weather Islands by boarding a ferry from Hamburgsund. The Island offers several activities for visitors to indulge in. You can choose to do kayaking, fishing, lobster fishing, oyster fishing and many others. One of the most popular activities here is the lobster safari where you can even pull out the lobster traps yourself.

Location: Tanum

Best Time to Visit: Year round destination

08

Holmön

Wildflowers, lush green meadows, colorful butterflies and excellent hiking trails makes Holmön a truly magical place to be. This island in Sweden can be reached by a short ferry ride which is usually free. The Island is particularly known for its music festival which takes place in summer, usually the month of July.

Another major attraction here is the Boat Museum which showcases several nautical knick knacks and various boat models. The Museum offers guided tours and tells the history of the Swedes and their former occupation of deep sea fishing.

Location: Umeå Municipality in Västerbotten County

Best Time to Visit: June to September

09

Visingsö

Your visit to Visingsö is going to be filled with exciting adventures and unique experiences. Right from exploring castle ruins to riding horse drawn carriages; there is lots to do and see here. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Island from the tower of the Kumlaby Church or visit the Oak Forest where you will find the straightest oak trees in Sweden.

These trees were cultivated by boatmen for building their boats. Also visit Nasborg, Wisingsborg and the Royal Barns. The Visingsborg castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden.

Location: Vättern

Best Time to Visit: May to September

10

Brännö

Located in the Southern Gothenburg Archipelago Brännö is a rocky island with views and sights that are par excellence. There is an abundance of colorful rose gardens, idyllic cottages with white fences, picture perfect landscapes, wonderful holiday homes and a view that is enthralling.

You can visit the Charming Folk Museum that showcases the island’s history. There are several beautiful salty bathing spots on the island such as Ramsdal near Husvik. While here you can also shop for some local hand crafted goods, locally made fur, lambskin and wool.

Location: Southern Gothenburg Archipelago

Best Time to Visit: March to October

11

Hallands Väderö

Located on the west coast of Sweden, Hallands Väderö is one of the beautiful Sweden islands with pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Most of the island comes under the Nature Reserve as it has several flora and fauna that is endemic to this part of the world.

It is filled with beech forests, a variety of unique birds, and rare and unusual fungi. The landmark attraction of the island is an old lighthouse built back in 1884. The Island does not have any permanent residents but there are several cabins here that can be rented if you wish to spend the night here.

Location: Scania Province

Best Time to Visit: May to August

12

Gotska Sandön

Gotska Sandön is a beautiful island in the Baltic Sea and the whole of the island is a national park. This is one of the best islands in Sweden to relax and unwind surrounded by impressive views all around. Legends say that this island was once a base for pirates which later became an agricultural and cattle farming hub in the region.

Today, the only residents are the park and hospitality staff. While you explore its varied wildlife do visit the seal sanctuary in Säludden. Visit the lighthouse, The Chapel, Natur & Hembygdsmuseum, a natural and local heritage museum or go berry and mushroom picking.

Location: Gotland County

Best Time to Visit: May to September

13

Trysunda

Trysunda is a small island in Sweden which is made up of a small fishing village with pretty cabins surrounding the u-shaped bay. The main attraction here is an ancient wooden chapel that dates back to 1655. If you wish to enjoy a refreshing dip in the water then there are several secluded bathing spots surrounded by towering trees.

You can also head to Björnviken where there is a lovely cove. You can explore the entire island within two hours and hiking around the trails is the best way to do so. You can also visit the fishing museum or walk up the trail to Kapellberget from where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the whole island.

Location: Örnsköldsvik

Best Time to Visit: June to October

14

Southern Goteborg Archipelago

The Southern Goteborg Archipelago is the perfect destination to combine exciting activities, great food and ultimate relaxation. The Southern Archipelago is a car-free and tranquil destination that is ideal for any kind of traveller. Legends say that these islands were once famous as a base for the vikings.

Some of the most famous islands in the Southern Goteborg Archipelago are Köpstadsö, Styrsö, Vargö, Donsö, Vrångö and Brännö. Brännö is also famous for annual fairs. The Southern Goteborg Archipelago can be reached by taking a ferry from the boat terminal of Stenpiren Travel Centre.

Location: Västergötland Province

Best Time to Visit: May to September

15

Sandhamn

Sandhamn translates to sand harbour and this enchanting island is surrounded by pristine sandy beaches. In the 19th century about 300 people settled on this island making it one of the most prominent settlements of the archipelago. Later this was developed into a raging summer getaway for the higher classes of society.

There is quite a lot that you can do while you are on the island. Sandhamn has various walking trails that take you past rich pine forests. The beaches on the eastern side of the island are some of the best beaches on the archipelago. Try out the local dishes in the village restaurants or at the Sandhamn Yacht Hotel, explore the village, or take a stroll in the beautiful harbor.

Location: Stockholm Archipelago

Best Time to Visit: March to October.

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Sweden Reviews

Vidya Embranthiri Scenic Swedish Self Drive 14 Days Trip

Excellent

Don't miss it!!! if you get any chance to travel abroad in the future!!! For a long tour, this Scenic Swedish Self Drive 14 days Trip was the perfect trip, the place has lots of stunning natural scenics beauty, architecture, sightseeing-spots and the people of Sweden was very welcoming, interacting with us and helps us especially with the route and suggesting us about famous foods, place, market...we did lots of shopping and exploring the place...We do enjoy everything that came with the package we booked... Such a memorable trip to this beautiful and rich country... No doubt this worth recommending...

Kanaka Singh Best of Scandinavia in 14 Days

Excellent

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Kumari Desai Scenic Swedish Self Drive 14 Days Trip

Superb

We thoroughly enjoyed everything about our Sweden trip!!! My agents who help me out with my trip were wonderful in helping in organizing, plus shared in detail about the trip and super responsive when we needed any help. Stockholm, Kalmar, South Coast, and Gothenburg were definite highlights of our trip...I didn't feel like I missed out on anything!!! Everything was arranged and managed perfectly. Very happy trip it was...I highly recommend Thrillophilia to help you plan for your Sweden Trip!

Balamani Iyengar Scenic Swedish Self Drive 14 Days Trip

Superb

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Suma Bhattacharya Best of Scandinavia in 14 Days

Superb

I was very much happy with this trip I took from Thrillophilia, the destination was truly breathtaking and all the sightseeing-spots we visited were mind-blowing with awesome pictures we had at each, the hotel, transport, and activities we had on this tour were absolutely spot-on... We get full support from the team and the services they provided were appreciatable... Really this kind of trip is rare to get so perfect right from the start till the end...Cheers to the team!!!

Chandramohan Bandopadhyay Best of Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords in 14 Days

Excellent

Everything planned and promised was provided and done on time. The team is really cooperative and helpful. Thanks for managing everything for us. Would love to travel again.

Bhudev Banerjee Best of Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords in 14 Days

Excellent

A brilliant trip we had so far!!! The team did an excellent job of understanding my requirements and tailoring a trip to my exact needs... Not only that the team was responsive, communicative, and also ensured that each aspect of the trip was handled smoothly. We really like the hotel they booked for us it was comfortable and the staff were hospitable and reliable and also served with fresh breakfast. Transport every time was on-time. Each day we spend there was excited with full of surprises like the sightseeing-spots we had in different places with beautiful attractions... Our tour guide was very knowledgable and informative about the place shared with us many interesting histories of the place... I was in love with the Flam village... On this trip, we had some adventurous activities also... My experience with this place was made incredible by the warmth and friendliness of the people.....

Arnesh Khatri Scenic Swedish Self Drive 14 Days Trip

Excellent

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Excellent

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Dwaipayan Bhattacharya Best of Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords in 14 Days

Superb

Till now this is one of the best trips I had. I had no negative remarks on this trip and the company I booked my trip. The accommodations exceeded my expectations. The rooms were comfortable with great facilities and delicious breakfast. All the activities we had were awesome, the staff was careful about the travelers, the place is really beautiful with its gorgeous sceneries and historical sites. I just love every bit of this trip. It was a wonderful vacation.