Årsta holmar (islands): A hidden gem in the heart of Stockholm
Details
For more than ten months the three Årsta islets are accessible only by own boat. But in August and September Stockholm City runs a free of charge ferry to the tiny islands. The last day this season is on September 28th.
The islands are situated below the Årsta bridges, the first bridges south of Södra station (Stockholm South Station). Commuter trains operate the reddish New Årsta bridge and other trains the Old one.
Årsta holmar are connected to each other by simple bridges. They are part of a nature reserve and uninhabited (but there is a conference center Årsta Holmars Gård from the 18th century). Please note there are no toilets available on the islands.
The three islands are together 9 hectares (if they were one island and a perfect circle its diameter would be only 340 meters).
Meeting point:
At the jetty on Hornstulls strand, close to Tantolundsvägen, Boulebar Tanto, Göstas Korvrestaurang... (on Södermalm, about 200 meters from the Årsta bridges). It's a 15 minutes walk from metro station Hornstull following the waterfront towards Skanstull. See uploaded pictures below.
Ending point:
Same.
The free of charge ferry leaves ON THE HOUR. It has only space for 12 passengers (we and others) but if four or more persons are left behind it will be back for an extra trip ten minutes later (and a 2nd extra, and a 3rd...). If you are late the next departure will be at 12.00.
To return we meet at the jetty on Årsta holmar at 12.40 to catch the ferry five minutes later.
An option is to continue to Loopen for fika or lunch (Hornstulls strand 6, below the Liljeholmen bridge):