Hiking With Your Dog
The Stockholm archipelago is a beautiful place all year round, and hiking with your dog makes the experience even more special.
Hiking with your dog in the archipelago is both fun and easy. Just a short distance from the city or suburbs, you’ll find trails with amazing views and adventures for both you and your furry friend. Hiking is great exercise for both of you, providing mental and physical challenges. It helps build muscle and lets your dog meet its need for movement in a stimulating environment. Hiking is also a great way to reduce stress and improve well-being. Plus, a relaxing walk strengthens the bond between you and your dog, giving you both the chance to explore together.
Fun in Every Season
Do you love walking along a beach on a warm summer day, with your dog cooling its paws in the water? Or do you prefer wandering through the woods in crisp autumn air, with the chance to gather mushrooms? Maybe your favorite is trekking across green fields in the spring, with birds singing, or even playing in the snow on a sunny winter day? The archipelago is a fantastic place year-round, offering plenty of space for you and your dog to have fun and relax.
What to Know About Dogs in the Archipelago
In Sweden, the “allemansrätten” – the right of public access – allows you to enjoy the outdoors, but it comes with responsibility. You’re welcome to bring your dog hiking, but be extra careful from March 1 to August 20, as it’s breeding season for wildlife. During this time, dogs must be on a leash to avoid disturbing animals and birds. For the rest of the year, dogs can be off-leash but should always be under control. Keep in mind that many islands in the Stockholm archipelago are national parks, where dogs must be leashed all year round.
Getting There
Most islands are accessible by boat, and many allow dogs. But it’s a good idea to check the specific rules for your journey beforehand. You might want to bring a towel or blanket for your dog to rest on while on the deck. If your dog is new to boats, start with shorter trips, like the 30-minute ride from Stockholm to Fjäderholmarna, to help them get used to the noise and motion of the water.
Things to Keep in Mind
Freshwater can be limited on some islands, so be sure to bring enough for both you and your dog. It’s not always safe to let your dog drink from lakes or the sea. On hot days, make sure there’s enough shade for your dog to rest. Dogs don’t always show when they’re tired, so take plenty of breaks to make sure both of you have enough energy for the whole hike. The terrain in the archipelago can vary, from sandy beaches to sharp rocks, so if it’s especially rough, paw protection might be helpful.
Keep An Eye Out
Rocks can get very hot in the summer, so always check that your dog doesn’t burn its paws. In wet weather, rocks can be slippery, so be cautious. Keeping your dog on a leash instead of letting them run freely can help prevent accidents. Snakes are common in the archipelago, so know what to do if your dog is bitten. Always check your dog for ticks during and after the hike. Be mindful of hazards like seaweed or algae blooms, and avoid letting your dog get too close to bird chicks or other animals you might encounter.
For more tips on hiking in the archipelago—whether with or without a dog— check out this article about hiking in the archipelago – with or without a dog.
What to Pack for Your Dog
- Fresh drinking water
- A collapsible water bowl
- Leash and harness
- Waste bags
- Sleeping pad or blanket
- Extra bag for carrying used waste bags
- Dog first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and paw balm
- Phone number for the nearest vet
- Optional: dog treats, veggies, or snacks for rewards
Have a wonderful trip with your dog in the archipelago. Enjoy the great outdoors!