Yxlan (Northern Archipelago) — Stockholm Archipelago Trail

Yxlan is a long, narrow island dominated by forests and low hills. This stage is the second-longest section of the SAT, crossing the island along quiet gravel roads and forest tracks, with limited or no waymarking.

The island is largely rural and undeveloped, with no major settlements apart from Köpmanholm, the small harbour at the northern tip. This gives the section a wilder and more remote feel than many neighbouring islands.

Infrastructure is limited, so plan your provisions and itinerary with care. The short ferry from Furusund arrives at Köpmanholm. Although a small café or kiosk sometimes operates in the harbour during summer, the safest approach is to stock up on food and water in Furusund before crossing.

Accommodation on Yxlan consists of only a few private cabins or houses, available for short-term rental in summer. Wild camping is permitted, but should always be discreet, respectful, and in line with local guidelines.

If hiking from north to south, the most straightforward option is to time your traverse to connect with the seasonal summer ferry from Brokholmen on Yxlan’s east coast to Blidö, where accommodations and services are more plentiful. Blidö is not part of the official SAT, but it serves as a necessary transit link to the next stage on Finnhamn.

Alternatively, you can finish your hike at one of Yxlan’s southern bus stops, such as Vagnsunda, and take an SL bus back to Köpmanholm in time to catch the ferry to Furusund. From there, you can stay overnight and arrange onward travel to Finnhamn the following day.

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT) is a waymarked hiking trail that connects over 20 islands, accessible by a public ferry network. You can choose to spend a day at a time on the trail, connect nearby islands in conveniently grouped sections, or hike the SAT as a thru-hike for the full experience. You can find the entire route as planned stages in this Collection:

https://www.komoot.com/collection/3553589/-stockholm-archipelago-trail-swedens-island-odyssey