Vaxholm offers a variety of memorable tours that bring you closer to Swedish traditions and natural beauty. While many visitors focus on exploring the charming town and its fortress, the area also boasts unique experiences like traditional saunas or forest adventures. We particularly enjoy the Stockholm: Traditional Sauna with Polar Plunge in Baltic Sea, because it combines authentic local rituals with the thrill of a chilly Baltic Sea dip. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed yet invigorating activity, especially after a day of sightseeing. Plus, it’s a private experience that you can share with friends or family, making it both fun and intimate.
Vaxholm isn’t just about scenic views; it’s also about enjoying Swedish culture through guided outdoor excursions and unique wellness routines. Two of our favorite tours highlight this: one offering a traditional sauna experience, and another that combines hiking, forest cooking, and floating in icy waters. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each, so you can decide which adventure fits your style.
1. Stockholm: Traditional Sauna with Polar Plunge in Baltic Sea
This authentic sauna experience takes you out of Stockholm’s city buzz and into the tranquil Stockholm Archipelago. The tour begins at Skärgårdens Kanotcenter, where you’ll enjoy a pre-warmed sauna heated to between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. After relaxing inside, it’s time for the polar plunge—a brisk dip in the Baltic Sea. The experience is designed for your comfort and safety, with full instructions provided, making it accessible even if it’s your first time.
What makes this tour stand out is its private setting, allowing you and your friends or family to enjoy the sauna and sea dip without crowds. The reviews highlight how relaxing and well-organized the experience is — “wonderfully relaxing,” and “the plunge was such a cool experience,” are common sentiments. The location is easy to reach from Stockholm (about 40 minutes on the bus), making it a feasible day trip. No shower facilities on-site mean you’ll want to bring a towel and slides for comfort.
Bottom line: This sauna and polar plunge tour offers a perfect blend of Swedish tradition and outdoor fun, ideal for travelers seeking a restorative yet invigorating activity.
2. Stockholm: Hike, Forest Lunch, and Cold-Water Floating
For those looking to combine adventure and nature, this full-day tour delivers. Starting at Tekniska Högskolan, you’ll get picked up in a comfortable van, then head out to Bogesund Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll hike through what’s often called the “troll forests” and explore ancient Viking trails, making this experience especially appealing to history and nature buffs. The guide will share stories and tips for outdoor skills like fire-making, and you’ll get to cook wild game meatballs over an open fire — a true taste of outdoor Swedish life.
After lunch, the activity shifts to floating in the Baltic Sea in specially designed survival suits. This isn’t just about chilly water; it’s about feeling weightless and confident in icy conditions. The suits keep you warm and dry, turning what might sound like a daunting cold-water swim into a comfortable float. The tour ends with a seaside swim and a picnic, making for a memorable day in nature.
Guests rave about the experience, highlighting the small-group setting and the mix of physical activity, food, and floating. It’s especially suited for active travelers who aren’t shy about a bit of hiking or cold water. The tour lasts around 6 to 6.5 hours, so it’s best suited for those with a full day free.
Bottom line: This tour takes you deep into the wilderness around Stockholm, pairing outdoor skills with a floating adventure that’s both fun and confidence-building.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Vaxholm
When deciding between these experiences, your choice depends on what kind of activity you prefer. For a low-key, relaxing outing that’s rooted in local tradition, the sauna and polar plunge offers a straightforward but authentic Swedish ritual. If you’re after more physical activity and outdoor adventure, the forest hike with floating provides a full day of exploration and excitement. Consider your fitness level, interests in history or outdoor skills, and how much time you want to dedicate to a single activity.
Both tours are well-reviewed, but the sauna experience is shorter and easier to fit into a day, while the hiking adventure offers a deeper immersion into nature. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time.
Vaxholm’s tours showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural quirks. Whether you choose the relaxing warmth of a Swedish sauna or the thrill of hiking and floating, you’re guaranteed an authentic experience. For a quick escape, the sauna offers relaxation with a splash of adventure. The hiking tour is better suited for those craving a full day of outdoor fun and discovery. Whatever your style, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
