Holiday apartment in Arholma – Island nature and history

Arholma combines protected landscapes, coastline and impressive island history. The island is part of the Arholma-Idö Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Archipelago Foundation. At the same time, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail runs from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south. Its section on Arholma begins at the island’s landing stage. The full section is approximately 13 kilometres long and leads through meadows and forest paths, past old farmsteads, viewpoints and historic defensive installations. On the same island, natural landscapes therefore meet visible traces of its past.

Island nature and landscape

The agricultural landscape of Arholma and Idö forms a mosaic of fields, coastal meadows, pastureland and former hay meadows. The open areas of Arholma are maintained by grazing animals. The habitats in the area also serve an important ecological function: they are important spawning and nursery grounds for fish. The Arholma-Idö Nature Reserve and the open areas shaped by grazing animals are therefore just as much a part of the island’s character as its forest paths, meadows and shorelines.

Culture and history

Arholma Båk was built in 1768 as a permanent navigational marker. During the war against Russia in 1809, it served as one of many optical telegraph stations along the coast of Uppland. In summer, the Båk is open to the public as a viewing tower. Another historic site is Batteri Arholma, a coastal defence installation from the Cold War that was completed in 1968. Today, Batteri Arholma is a museum; during the peak season, guided tours of the underground facility are offered.

Arholma Church stands on Kvarnberget above Kägelbacken. Music evenings are held there in summer. The Midsummer pole is also part of the island’s cultural character: it has three arches reminiscent of a ship’s mast with square sails and is erected for the Midsummer celebration on Midsummer Day. In Österhamn, the frame of the schooner Apollonia still rises from the water, recalling the island’s former heyday.

Coast and water

Ahlmansviken beach is located next to the campsite and the northern guest harbour, approximately 400 metres from the northern landing stage. At Arholma Nord, there is a small sandy beach, rocks for swimming and a bathing jetty. Arholma can be explored by bicycle or kayak. This means that, alongside the paths across the island, coastal stretches and areas of water are also tangible parts of the destination.

Getting there

Waxholm boats call at Arholma in spring and summer. A 15-minute boat trip from the Simpnäs landing stage takes you to Arholma.

Holiday apartment in Arholma

On the accommodation pages, you can compare holiday apartments in Arholma and, before booking, check the exact location, type of accommodation, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation policies. These fields apply to each individual listing and should be read directly there. The term holiday apartment describes only the type of accommodation; the facilities, location and conditions are determined by the individual listing.

Other places

More destination pages: Herräng, Spillarsboda, Edsbro, Vagnsunda, Yxlan, Väddö, Skebobruk, Grisslehamn.

To the higher-level travel overview: Norrtälje.