Best of Vaxholm: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Stockholm’s archipelago is a world of 30,000 islands and skerries, but its true essence is captured in the charming town of Vaxholm. On this self-guided tour, you’ll hear the stories behind Sweden’s coastal defense and the summer paradise that wealthy Stockholmers have cherished for over 150 years. This tour starts and ends at the harbor in front of the historic Waxholms Hotel, with views of the imposing Vaxholm Fortress. You’ll weave through the Fishermen’s Town with its distinctive wooden architecture, stroll past centuries-old water pumps, and explore charming streets where Swedish summer life has flourished since steamboats first connected Vaxholm to Stockholm in the 1840s. Along the way, you’ll discover how this strategic defense point has shaped the town’s unique character. You’ll hear stories about brave fishermen’s wives who rowed fresh herring to Stockholm markets each day, and the tale of a Polish-Lithuanian princess who chose imprisonment with her husband over freedom.

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   Vaxholm

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   Stockholm’s archipelago is a world of 30,000 islands and skerries, but its true essence is captured in the charming town of Vaxholm. On this walking tour, you’ll hear the stories behind Sweden’s coastal defense and the summer paradise that wealthy Stockholmers have cherished for over 150 years.

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   This tour starts at the harbor in front of the historic Waxholms Hotel, with views of the imposing Vaxholm Fortress.

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   This self-guided audio tour starts and ends near the Vaxholm Farjeterminal, along the harbour.

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   Learn about Vaxholm Fortress which twice saved Stockholm from invasion.

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   Explore Battery Park (Batteriparken) with its hidden ammunition storage and cannon placements from the 1700s.

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   Batteriparken

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   On this GPS-guided walk, you'll stroll through Batteriparken simplats and learn its history.

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   Walk through an authentic fishermen’s village with its old traditional homes and sample some tasty treats at Vaxholms Hembygdsgards Cafe.

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   Find the best spots for traditional Swedish fika or authentic local herring dishes at Camilles Tradgard and Cafe.

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   Vaxholms Kyrka

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   Hear the story behind the town’s iconic bell tower with its golden rooster (kyrktupp).

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    See Sweden’s oldest charity donation box from the mid-1700s with its touching inscription.

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    Take this walk through Vaxholm to experience the perfect blend of Swedish defense history, maritime traditions, and summer holiday charm in the capital of Stockholm’s archipelago.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.