A Day in Landsort Sweden

Landsort is the southernmost point in the Stockholm archipelago, located on the island of Öja. Measuring 400 meters wide and 4 km long, this island has just 27 permanent residents. However many more have summer cottages here, and ferries bring visitors daily from Ankarudden. Famous for its iconic lighthouse, this picturesque village is a must-see when in Stockholm.

TRAVEL

To reach Landsort from Stockholm, take the commuter train (Line 35) to Nynäshamn, then take bus #852 to Torö / Ankarudden. From Ankarudden, Ferry 29 takes you right to Landsort. Total travel time from Stockholm is 2.5 hours.

EAT

Lotstornet Restaurant Svedtiljas  |  This little restaurant is located near the base of the lighthouse, and is the perfect lunch spot in Landsort. Sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying a delicious meal with great company was one of the highlights of my day. I had a delicious Bouillabaisse, with salmon, shrimp, vegetables, fresh dill, creamy aioli and crunchy sourdough croutons.

SLEEP

Lotstornet Svedtiljas Bed & Breakfast  |  Landsort is an ideal day trip from Stockholm, and that is how I visited the island. But if you prefer to take your time and stay overnight, I would definitely stay in one of the rooms in the old pilot’s lookout tower. The rooms are simple and clean, with two twin beds and a shared bathroom, and include a traditional Swedish breakfast. Described by the owner, Åke Svedtilja, as “The Ugliest Hotel in Sweden”, the views from the tower are the anything but ugly!

SEE & DO

Landsort Lighthouse  |  Landsorts Fyr is the famous icon of the island Öja, and my main motivation for visiting Landsort. (I love lighthouses!) Originally built in the 1600’s, this is the oldest preserved lighthouse in Sweden. It has undergone many changes throughout the years, and became fully automated in 1963, eliminating the need for a lighthouse keeper. Today, Åke (who owns both the restaurant and B&B mentioned above) could be considered the lighthouse keeper. He offers tours of the lighthouse to visitors, and will share his stories of this magical island along the way.

Bird Watching  |  Landsort has long been known as an important migration point for birds, and a wonderful spot for bird watching. At Landsort’s Bird Observatory, you can learn about the migration habits of Swedish birds, and also bird ringing, which has been going on since the 1970’s.

Landsort Battery  |  During the Cold War, Landsort was home to one of the most advanced military batteries in the world. This underground bunker is now a museum offering guided tours to visitors.

Walk, Relax, and Swim  |  The allure of Landsort (besides the lighthouse, of course) is the slow, simple way of life and the wild, natural beauty of the island. Spend the day walking around, relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. If it is warm enough, take a dip in the baltic sea, then lie on the rocks to dry off. This is a summer day done right.

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This trip was coordinated by VisitStockholm as part of the TBEX conference, but all opinions, photos and recommendations are my own. Thank you to Åke Svedtilja for being such a wonderful host in Landsort.