Top 5 islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago this summer

Looking for the perfect summer escape? With nearly 30,000 islands scattered along Sweden’s east coast, the Stockholm archipelago is one of Scandinavia’s most magical destinations. Sea-salted air, pine-covered shores, and that uniquely Nordic sense of stillness await. We spoke to Manon, a Stockholm-based photographer and the voice behind @hejhej.stockholm, about the islands she returns to again and again — and how they’ve inspired our ØY fragrance collection.

Originally from the Netherlands, Manon moved to Stockholm several years ago simply because she loved the city. Since then, she’s been sharing her love for Stockholm and its surroundings on her Instagram page, @hejhej.stockholm.

There, she shares glimpses of daily life in Stockholm and beyond — beautiful images, calming videos and thoughtful tips that invite both locals and travellers to slow down and see the city in a different light.

When she isn’t exploring the colourful alleys of Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s historic old town – you’ll often find Manon out in the archipelago, the largest in Sweden and one of the most scenic in the world.

“The Stockholm archipelago is where I feel most like myself: surrounded by the sea, the wind in the pines, and that quiet stillness you only find when you’re completely away from the mainland.”

While she hasn’t made it to all 30,000 islands, Manon has found a few that feel like home. These are her favourites — places where you can breathe deeply, explore slowly, and reconnect with nature.

Utö – Wildly scenic and perfect for cycling, Utö offers wide sandy beaches, forest paths, and a peaceful pace that invites you to slow down.

Sandhamn – An iconic sailing village where charming cafés meet endless sea views.

Öja – Tucked away at the southern edge of the islands, Öja is rugged and remote. It’s an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Rödlöga – With no cars and few distractions, Rödlöga is a haven of quiet. Perfect for a full mental reset.

Vaxholm – Just a short ferry ride from the city, Vaxholm feels like a different world entirely. Stroll the waterfront, explore wooden houses and enjoy a taste of island life without going far.

After spending time among these islands ourselves, we were struck by the raw beauty of the archipelago — the unique views, the fresh, clean air, the clear blue waters and the gentle pace of island life. That’s where ØY began: a collection of home and body care fragrances created to capture what it feels like to spend summer days drifting through Scandinavia’s quiet waterways.

It is like a gentle invitation to slow down, to live life at a different pace, following only the rhythm of waves gently lapping at the rocky shores. ØY captures the fresh scent of quiet solitude and invites you to take a moment for yourself—to escape to your own secluded island of Scandinavia, wherever you are.

“ØY captures the soul of the islands better than anything I’ve come across. It’s fresh, clean, and just a little wild — like standing on a rocky shoreline with pine trees behind you and open water ahead. It’s not a scent that overwhelms; it's subtle and gently brings you back to that feeling of freedom and stillness.”

— Manon, @hejhej.stockholm

Watch Manon's videos

on her favourite islands

Escape to a remote

Scandinavian island with ØY