Stora Nassa

Stora Nassa is a nature reserve in Stockholm's archipelago consisting of roughly 400 islands and skerries spread across approximately 2950 hectares. About 310 hectares represent actual land surface scattered throughout the Baltic Sea, creating a complex coastal landscape.

This area received protected status in 1965 through partnership with the Elisabeth and Robert Nathanson family foundation. The foundation continues to oversee the reserve and helped shape its conservation approach from the beginning.

The name Stora Nassa comes from 'large headland', reflecting the rugged nature of this island group. Visitors can see how the maritime community once shaped daily life through the scattered anchoring points and traditional fishing markers that remain visible across the islands.

Access to this reserve requires a private boat, with camping allowed only on Beckskaret and Stor Sprangskaret islands. Visitors should check weather conditions before heading out and plan navigation carefully given the complex island layout.

Larger islands host multi-stemmed birches that resemble mountain forests, while smaller skerries support creeping juniper and rare orchid species. This unexpected blend of highland and coastal plant life occurs because of the special growing conditions on these isolated rocks.