Access - Disabled travellers
Members of an organization promoting activities for the disabled, under the leadership of Loa Rissmar, who is herself wheelchair bound, travelled around the Stockholm archipelago to gather access information.
The situation for disabled travellers in the archipelago has significantly improved thanks to more accessible boats and destinations.
More information on access in the archipelago is available in the brochure, Skärgård för Alla , which is available to order through The Archipelago Foundation 08 440 56 00 or to collect at one of Waxholmsbolaget’s terminals at Strömkajen or in Vaxholm or Stavsnäs.
On board
Today Waxholmsbolaget owns 20 boats serving the Stockholm archipelago. They are all equipped with a wide and stable gangway. In addition, a crew member is always on hand both on board and during embarkation/disembarkation. This means that mildly disabled passengers as well as those and those using light and flexible wheelchairs are generally able to access all our ferries. Passengers using electric wheelchairs should be able to access most of our archipelago boats but we recommend using our more modern ferries, which have more space and better access routes. On board these boats is at least one toilet for the disabled and fewer thresholds to manoeuvre. On the older boats, including the classic steamboats, Norrskär, Storskär and Västan as well as the ferries Ramsö and Skarpö, access is somewhat restricted.
Vaxholmsbolaget also use a number of boats that are owned and run by independent operators. On these access varies. In the brochure, The Archipelago for Everyone and timetables you will find information on which boats provide the best access possibilities and which are more restricted.
Getting on and off
All Waxholmsbolaget’s boats are equipped with a gangway that is at least 85 cm wide and a secure handrail on both sides. Problems may occur due to the steep angle of the gangway, particularly at Strömkajen, which is one of the highest jetties. The gangway angle will also vary according to the height of the water.
Toilets
Access to toilets varies. Generally speaking, the more modern boats have larger toilet facilities with wider doorways. For more precise information, please refer to information on individual ferries.
Cafeteria
Most boats have a cafeteria where you can buy snacks and basic dishes. On board the modern ferries it is relatively easy to access the cafeteria. However, space for wheelchairs at tables is limited so it is recommended to transfer to a seat whenever possible.
High season
During high season, for example holiday periods and summer weekends, there is increased passenger volume. This means that access on board is more restricted, space is reduced and stress levels are easily raised. In addition, it is harder to find car parking close to the jetties and terminals. Why not travel during low season and avoid all this inconvenience.
Sitting outside
High thresholds between the lounge areas inside and decks can be difficult to manoeuvre. On some boats there are short steep ramps/superstructures for ease of access. But you need to be quite strong and have good sense of balance to manoeuvre these.
Tips before travelling
Before the trip check which boats serve your required destination. It is also advisable to check how good the facilities are for disabled on your particular boat. This is especially important if you are using an electric moped or wheelchair.
Times and schedules
All timetables contain a special section describing access for the disabled on each particular boat. More specific information about access on individual boats is available under the link Our boats.
Sometimes it is necessary to replace a scheduled boat departure with another ferry. Please contact Waxholmsbolaget’s traffic information office, 08 679 58 30, before the journey for up to date information on all departures.
Terminals
There are disabled car parking facilities and toilets.
Tickets and prices
Tickets are sold on board. Passengers entitled to a pensioner’s discount may travel at a reduced rate. Information on prices and reductions is available under the Tickets and Prices »
Accompanying passengers
It is usually an advantage to have someone travelling with you who can help.
More information
If you would like more information on boats, traffic, prices etc. please contact Waxholmsbolaget’s traffic information office, 08 679 58 30. Or ask at one of our terminals »