Stockholm's northern defenses

Stockholm has been surrounded by fortifications since its foundation in the 13th century. By the late 19th century, these had been pushed out to Stockholm's northern suburbs and Stockholm archipelago.

Understand

Walking tours in Stockholm

Map of Stockholm's northern defenses

See Stockholm military tour and Swedish Empire.

The Swedish Armed Forces and other government agencies have a serious security protocol for facilities still in use. The venues listed here are abandoned or in civilian use, and are to some extent open to the public.

Get around

Driving is the easiest way to get around. Vaxholm, Rindö and Värmdö are connected by car ferries. Cycling can be considered for fit visitors, when weather allows; see cycling in Sweden.

Danderyd line

59.48318.0641 Prästgårdsfortet.
59.478918.07732 Skogbergafortet.
59.47512218.0813 Gullsjöfortet.
59.47305618.0572224 Karby batteri.
59.47166718.0811115 Margretelundsfortet.
59.46333318.1246116 Västra Arningefortet.
59.4618.1327787 Östra Arningefortet.
59.45354218.1467838 Sandvikens batteri.

Vaxholm line

59.39777818.3213899 Pålsundsbatteriet. A strait which has been fortified since the 16th century. The surviving fortification was built in the 1870s.
59.40527818.35361110 Kronuddsbatteriet.
59.40282718.35951511 Vaxholm Fortress (Vaxholms fästning) (Stockholm archipelago). A fortress which has guarded Stockholm's harbour since the 16th century, and famously resisted an attack by the Russian Empire in 1719. Over the centuries, an extensive coastal defense system was built across the archipelago, with Vaxholm as its headquarters. Since 2003, the fortress has a museum of its history, as well as hospitality venues.
59.40611118.36694412 Rindö redutt.
59.39305618.43055613 Vaxholm Garrison. Military quarters converted to housing and commercial buildings.
59.396818.43714 Boat Hall (Rindö).
59.39861118.43527815 Oskar-Fredriksborg. A fortress.
59.40027818.442516 Fredriksborg.

Places nearby

59.49888918.06277817 Jarlabanke bridge (Runriket) (Täby). An 11th century road in a district with plenty of runestones, and the site of an annual Viking festival.
59.4663418.1299241 Arninge. An outdoor shopping center.
59.44844418.19622218 Östra Ryds church. A church with parts from the early 14th century.
59.43997618.18566319 Rydboholm Castle (Rydboholms slott) (Åkersberga). An old castle, once owned by the Swedish royal dynasty "Vasaätten". (updated Oct 2017)
59.3932418.2847520 Bogesund Palace (Bogesunds slott), Per Brahes väg (Vaxholm). A palace.

Go next

Uppland history tour

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