Trestle tables line the terrace of the wooden shack and family-run restaurant Båtshaketon, at the most southern tip of Ålö. Fishing nets, vintage red-and-white life rings, and vintage sailing lights mark the interiors, the simple gravel garden paved by flowering, potted plants and strawberry vines. Grilled fresh fish is served daily on the outside BBQ alongside plates of pickled salmon, Skagen mash (a creamy prawn salad with a generous amount of dill), and homegrown buttery potatoes.   

Utö's island bakery is a consistently bustling hub just a short walk from the island’s docking harbour. The red-panelled bungalow, set apart with its turquoise-painted door, stocks its shelves with sticky, cinnamon-spiced rolls, morning rolls, and loaves of seeded rye in the morning. Pick up a seasonal special rabarberbullar, a sweet dough topped with the island’s rhubarb compote and a grainy crumble, for the afternoon fika, stop by for lunch and order a courgette, lemon pizza slice from the take-out window hatch.  

Follow the gravel trail from Utö to Rävstavik Bay, paved by forest and woodland for an easier hike, or set out on the more scenic 10km loop around the northern tip of the island. Fishing villages, pastures, and lakes lead to Stora Sandvik before continuing to the rocky Rävstavik Bay. It’s here that the island boasts the best cliffs for jumping into the chilly Baltic Sea.   

Chances are you won't stumble across this spot. Set just a little out of Stockholm centre, Dåndimpen’s has taken the bakery scene by storm. Come here for a freshly baked loaf, and a stuffed-to-the-brim sandwich.