Blidö in the Stockholm archipelago – an island we will return to

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Blidö in the Stockholm archipelago is a place we return to, year after year. Peter spent much of his childhood here, and today several of his family live on the island. For us, Blidö means boating, archipelago nature and many wonderful moments together with family. Here we collect some personal memories and practical tips for those who want to visit the island.

Peter's childhood island

For Peter, Blidö is much more than a destination. During his first twenty years, the family went to the summer cottage whenever it was free: weekends, holidays and summers. This is where his friends and many of his best childhood memories were.

At the age of fifteen, he got his first summer job at an ICA store on the island. He and his friends also fished for herring, which they cleaned and sold to summer visitors in the ferry queues. A way to earn some extra money for the weekend!

Boats were a big part of his life. Peter went to sailing school, fished and learned to read charts, lay nets and take care of both boats and engines. Together with his older brother, he bought a used motorboat, and with his friends there were many trips out to the islands.

It's easy to understand that this upbringing contributed to his interest in water and boats. Today we live in a houseboat ourselves in Pampas marina, but Blidö still has a special place in his heart.

An island we return to

Blidö is located in Norrtälje municipality, in the northern part of the Stockholm archipelago. Peter's brother Micke and his wife Nilla live here, as do their daughter and her family. That's why we have many reasons to return.

Our visits are primarily about meeting family. We have celebrated Midsummer, birthdays and New Year's here, but have also come for quieter weekends and regular family dinners.

Sometimes we have brought the camper and parked on the family's property. Other times we have slept in one of their guest cottages. A favorite is the little old cottage right by the water, where you can wake up and look out over the strait. It is a private residence with the family, but the view is part of what we associate most with Blidö.

Archipelago life during different seasons

We especially appreciate the proximity to the water. Boats, piers and changing lights mean there is always something to look at – or photograph. Sometimes it is enough to sit for a while and let your gaze rest over the strait.

In the summer, there are often long evenings outdoors. Of course, the weather determines a lot. During a midsummer visit, it was too windy to sit on the veranda, so we instead set up a table in the shelter of the camper and pulled out the awning. It was a very cozy evening nonetheless.

We also like the archipelago in other seasons. On a New Year's visit we walked through the forest in the winter sun. After the celebration at midnight, the archipelago night became still and quiet again.

For us, it's precisely that mix that makes Blidö so great: hustle and bustle when the family gets together, but also space for peace, walks and moments by the water.

Midsummer, birthdays and New Year's on Blidö

Blidö has become a place where many of our family memories are gathered. One midsummer, a long table was laid in the garden for 37 people. We were lucky with the weather, were able to eat outside and then continued with the pentathlon.

Peter's 60th birthday was also a memorable visit. He had planned a fairly simple celebration at his brother's, but as the day went on, more and more family members showed up. There was grilled salmon, cake, music and some spontaneous, emotional speeches.

We celebrated New Year's in the small guest house by the water. With a white tablecloth, candles and good food, it was both festive and relaxed.

Seafood is a favorite on our family tables. In 2024, we gathered at Micke and Nilla's for a truly luxurious seafood buffet, inspired by the family's previous visit to the Grand Hôtel. Everyone helped themselves, and the result was a feast of seafood, small elegant dishes and delicious desserts.

READ MORE: Luxurious seafood buffet at home – tips, menu and inspiration

Haraldsgården – café memories and the business today

A place on Blidö that even visitors without family on the island can discover is Haraldsgården. We visited the farm when Nilla and her daughter Dessi ran the business. Back then there was Café Amalia, where we had coffee and a bun together with Peter's mother. We remember the green garden and the relaxed environment.

Our relatives no longer run Haraldsgården, but the business is still there. Today, the farm offers hostel accommodation, the party venue Lekhallen and a summer restaurant in the garden. Music, culture and other events are also arranged here.

The farm also has a history as a summer camp for children, before it became a hostel. It is located along the main road, near Blidö church and Almviks pier. At haraldsgardenblido.se you will find current information about accommodation, restaurants and events. Our café pictures show what it looked like on our previous visits.

Blidö Church and more places to discover

Blidö Church

Blidö Church was built in 1859 on the site of an older chapel from the 17th century. The church is in neoclassical style and is used for services, baptisms, weddings and concerts, among other things.

Peter was confirmed here and his niece Dessi got married in the church, so the church is also part of his history on the island. If you want to visit the inside or go to a concert, you can check opening hours and programs at the Church of Sweden.

Rådmansholmen bathing area

If you want to swim from a sandy beach, there is Rådmansholmen bathing spot at Oxhalsö on Blidö. The water here is shallow and there are toilets, parking, picnic tables and a playground. Feel free to bring your own snacks, as the bathing spot lacks a kiosk and café.

Linkudden Nature Reserve

For those who want to discover more of the island's nature, there is Linkuddens Nature Reserve on southern Blidö. Here, forest, old pastures and coastal meadows meet. Along the beaches there are smooth cliffs, and the area has a rich birdlife.

This is a complementary excursion tip from our research. Our own walks on Blidö have mainly taken place in the surroundings of the family home.

Local history and steamboats

The Blidö parish local history association has, among other things, Båtsmanstorpet and Silversmedens hus, with local history and activities. Check the current program if you want to visit.

The island also has a strong connection to the steamship S/S Blidösund, which was built in 1911 after committed Blidö residents joined forces to improve boat connections. The ship still makes tours of the archipelago. For those who appreciate old boats, a trip on the Blidösund can be a way to experience the area from the water.

Shop and stay on Blidö

On the island there is ICA Blidö, where you can buy food and other everyday goods. The store is also a pharmacy and Systembolag representative. Check opening hours and terms and conditions for orders before visiting.

If you want to stay overnight, there is a hostel at Haraldsgården, where guests have access to a shared kitchen, toilets and showers.

We usually stay with family, so our experiences are mainly about life on the island and our recurring visits. For us, Blidö is a place full of memories – but also an island where new ones are still being created.

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