Stockholm archipelago. Stockholm Archipelago: A sailing region mostly known only to the Swedes
is a beautiful city with a comfortable climate, cultural attractions and magnificent natural landscapes. popular tourist route Stockholm is the Stockholm archipelago (Stockholms skärgard)- about 24 thousand islands, islets and rocks, which are located to the east of the city. The archipelago has a length of 60 kilometers. To the east of it are (Åland)- Swedish autonomous territory in the composition. Between Aland and the Stockholm archipelago flows the South Kvarken Strait (Sodra Kvarken).
The geography of the archipelago at the time of the Vikings had a different look - the islands were few in number, they were inhabited by fishermen. The current insular diversity is due to land uplift.
Stockholmers build country houses on the islands of the archipelago, tourists like to stroll among the islands on boats. On the archipelago there are small and uninhabited islands, there are those on which dacha communities are located. Waksyon Island (Vaxon) famous for the fact that the city of Vaxholm was built on it (Vaxholm), which covers an area of 1.64 square kilometers. To the east of Vaksen is the island of Grinda. (Grinda), popular for travelers and tourists, on which rural houses are built. The record holder for the area is the island of Warmdön (Värmdon), the sixth largest in Sweden. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Sandhamn (Sandhamn) resort island.
In the 19th century, wealthy Swedes built villas on the islands that were converted into hotels. In the past, the islands were popular with writers and artists.
Stockholm Archipelago: How to get there
The most comfortable way to travel around the islands of the archipelago is by ferry. The ticket price depends on the distance. On the ferries of the Waxholmsbolagets company, which was founded in the middle of the 19th century, a one-time ticket costs from 4.9 to 14.60 EUR, for children under 19 years old and older people over 65 years old - 3.65-9.6 EUR, children up to 6 years old travel free. You can purchase a Travelcard for five days or for a month. Ferries are interesting because they sail to hundreds of islands of the archipelago, transporting islanders to work, children to school, delivering food to the islands. Most popular berths: Strömkaen (Stromkajen), Kungstredgården (Kungsträdgarden) and Nibrocaen (Nybrokajen) located in the center of Stockholm. Suburban piers are connected to the city center by metro and buses. It is cheaper to travel from suburban piers, and during the peak tourist season they are not as busy.
Some islands can be reached by car or bus. Buses to the northern archipelago depart from Tekniska Högskolan metro station (Tekniska högskolan). Buses in Warmdo (Värmdo) go from Slussen station (Slussen). commuter trains to the southern archipelago depart from Stockholm Central Station (Central Station Stockholm).
Stockholm Archipelago: Life Hacks
Islands Stockholm archipelago offer a wide range of nature, from lush greenery inner archipelago to the bare rocks of distant outposts. Some islands have restaurants, hotels and country shops, while others are completely deserted. The archipelago has ancient fortresses and citadels, art exhibitions, museums.
On the island of Vaxholm (Vaxholm) Vaxholm Fortress is located (Vaxholms fästning) built in the 16th century. It houses the Stockholm Defense Museum, a ticket - about 8 EUR, for children under 18 - free of charge. The island can be reached either by ferry or by bus number 670, which goes from the Tekniska Högskolan metro station.
On the island of Sandhamn (Sandhamn) is the most popular Royal Swedish Yacht Club (Kungliga Svenska Segelsällskapet). The island can be reached by direct ferry flight from the center of Stockholm (it takes 5 hours). From the city center there is a bus to the island of Stavsnias, and from there by ferry to Sandham.
On the island of Warmdo (Värmdo) there is an art museum "Artipelag", which hosts exhibitions, music concerts, a restaurant, workshops for children and adults. You can get to Värmdö from Stockholm by bus from Slussen station (Slussen) or by ferry.
Overnight in a hotel on the islands - from 100 EUR, budget accommodation(as an option, camping) - from 30 EUR, bike rental - 16 EUR, mountain bike - about 37 EUR, kayak - from 37 EUR.
Ferries pick up islanders on demand. There is a round folding sign on the wharf called a semaphore. The semaphore should be placed in a vertical position while you are waiting for the ferry. This signals to the captain of a passing vessel that someone wants to step aboard.
Your ship will sail among the many skerries (small rocky islands), overgrown with pine trees. Here and there you will see exemplary Swedish cottages and boats. These landscapes amaze with their beauty in any weather. On a sunny day, the nature of Sweden will surprise you with the brightness of colors, and on a foggy day you will be fascinated by the fabulousness and mystery of the barely visible silhouettes, and no less surprised how the ship finds its way through this winding section of the path.
The best place for observation is an open area on upper deck aft. From it you can see the coast both on the right and on the left. Generally speaking, ferries are not cruise ships, so there are no convenient circular decks here, and the inquisitive tourist experiences some inconvenience. There is also an open area on decks 6 or 7 near the boats, but there you will see only one coast.
As they liked to write in Soviet books, the location of Stockholm was not chosen by chance. It is best to sail to the city by ship (the waterway has been the most convenient way delivery of goods). However, you can get to Stockholm only through two narrow straits between the rocks.
At different times, one strait was used, then another. Accordingly, various barriers were built in the strait that was not used. Sometimes simply sunken ships were used as obstacles.
One of the branches - the Oxdeep Strait is several meters wide, through which passenger ferries pass about an hour before arriving in Stockholm. At this point, the rocks come very close to each other and the ship sails past the Oscar-Fredriksborg Fort. You will see how menacing stone walls of the fortress, erected at the beginning of the 18th century according to the design of the fortifier Axel von Loewin, rise on high granite rocks from the two banks of the strait.
The Oxdeep Strait is so narrow that ships can only pass in one direction, so in the morning a real queue of ferries can accumulate in front of it.
After passing through the fort, a wide area begins, where ships usually disperse - here you can see one or even two "day" ferries that have just left Stockholm and go to Finland.
Fortresses Fredriksborg and Vaxholm on the map
In another strait, located a few kilometers from Oscar-Fredriksborg, there is another Swedish fortress - Vaxholm. This is the oldest fortress of all the fortifications on the east coast of Sweden.
Currently, under the name Vaxholm, it is customary to unite several fortifications that served to defend Stockholm at once. These are, in fact, Vaxholm Castle, Fredriksborg Fortress and Rindo Redoubt, Oscar-Fredriksborg and Siaro Forts.
The first log cabin on the site of the Vaxholm fortress was erected at the beginningXVIcentury, then a stone tower, embankments and bastions were erected. In subsequent years, the fortress continued to strengthen. At that time, Vaxholm fort defended Stockholm from the Danes, and in Peaceful time used to inspect ships and collect taxes from all ships sailing past it.
During the Great Northern War in 1719 Russian army approached the fortress Vaxholm attacked her, but the Swedish flotilla gave a worthy rebuff. After this failure, the Russians never tried to take the city again. In 1833-1863 Vaxholm Fortress was rebuilt and acquired a modern look.
The second fortress Fredriksborg was built (1724 - 1733), then a redoubt was built Rindø, and in 1877, Fort Oscar-Fredriksborg. At the beginning of the First World War, the Xiare Fort was built, completely hidden in the ground.
The most famous fortification is Vaxholm Fortress, where the museum is located.defense history east coast Sweden, tourists are brought here and told about the history of the defense system. Stockholm. By the way, in those days Vaxholm Fortress served as a prison, and now it is used as a hotel and you can stay there for the night.
After you see the first sights of Stockholm (the archipelago and Vaxholm fortress), you should go to the cabin to finally get ready before leaving the city and have breakfast in a cafe.
Day 1. Stockholm
Settlement on the boat, acquaintance, briefing, sightseeing.
Day 2. Trek to Vaxholm Island
On this day we will visit one of the most beautiful strongholds in Sweden - Vaxholm Fortress, whose powerful stone bastions rise between the islands of Vaksyon and Rindo. Black gaps of loopholes, witnesses of more than one naval battle, it would seem, are watching the peacefully sleeping town. The gray waves of the bay come close to the impregnable walls of the citadel. It occupies a strategically important place and, in fact, blocks all access to the capital. It is called the Swedish Krostadt. The "Vaxholm Line" includes not only the citadel itself, but also a couple of dozen forts and batteries on the islands of the Stockholm archipelago.
Day 3. Trek to Sandhamn Island
Sandhamn is an island in the Stockholm archipelago, famous for hosting the Royal Regatta every year. Here is the Royal Yacht Club, a spa hotel, many restaurants and cafes. This island, located on the edge of the archipelago, has beautiful white sandy beaches and picturesque cliffs where you can relax from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the Scandinavian nature. We will also visit neighboring islands, we will go to a real Swedish bath and visit the lighthouse-fortress that defended these places.
Day 4. Trek to Ute Island
Ucho Island is famous for its rich historical heritage. It has been inhabited since before the Viking Age. From the 12th century until 1879, the islanders mined iron here. The windmill, which dates back to 1791, offers a breathtaking view. Ucho is currently one of the most popular resorts in the Stockholm skerries. Here we will walk along the eco-trails, those who wish can rent a bicycle and go around the island along numerous bicycle routes...
Day 5. Trek to the island of Nynäshamn
Nynäshamn (Swedish: Nynäshamn) is a port city in Sweden, located on the southern tip of the Södertörn peninsula. It is the administrative center. Nynashamn arose as a summer cottage at the crossroads of sea routes. In 1901, he was connected with Stockholm Railway, and by 1911 its population had grown to 1,700 inhabitants. Now the city has about 14,000 inhabitants and during the summer periods the same number of guests. Walk on this beautiful city and the surrounding nature of the island will leave vivid and unforgettable impressions.
Day 6. Trek to Dalaryo
We will stop in a cozy harbor near the city. Let's walk along its pretty streets, taste local cuisine and we will go to explore the fort of the same name, built in 1656 on the islet of Stokkschersholmen, located two kilometers southwest of Dalaro.
Day 7. Return to Stockholm
We will moor at the starting point, walk around the old city and arrange the final feast. Overnight on a yacht.
Was it a sunny day in Stockholm? Perhaps it is worth spending it not on museums, but on the nature that Stockholm is famous for, despite being the capital. There are a lot of parks in the city and outside the city, and one of the most interesting green areas is stockholm archipelago, a group of islands and peninsulas just 20 kilometers from Stockholm.
In this post, we talk about how to visit the Stockholm archipelago and what to see if you have only one day and you are by car. On the public transport the path will have to be shortened - there is no time to do everything.
- the capital of the Stockholm archipelago and the place where you should start visiting it. You can get here by bus or boat. Bus number 670 (ticket costs 31 crowns) leaves from Danderyd Sjukhus; ferry (75 kroons) - from Strömkajen. Unlike the bus, ferry tickets can be purchased on board.
To get from Vaxholm to other islands and peninsulas of the archipelago, on which there are no bridges, you can use free ferries. These ferry crossings- part of the Stockholm highways, and therefore - free. The only ferry that you have to pay for is from Vaxholm to a tiny island with a fortress, no more than a kilometer from Vaxholm (30 crowns round trip). 
Now the fortress is a museum, which tells about the fascinating history of the development of the Swedish coastal defense. Even if the museum is closed on the day of your visit (and it is mostly closed during the non-summer season), you can still get inside the fortress. The fortress was built in 1863 and remained an army unit until the beginning of the 21st century. 
Don't forget to take a photo of Vaxholm from the fortress! 
If you are interested in defense and fortification, the Stockholm archipelago is a must see. In addition to the fortress, you can visit the Kullarna cannon battery in the center of Vaxholm, the redoubt, fort and artillery unit on Rindø, as well as the Fredriksborg fortress.
used to be a fishing pier, but now the former fishermen's houses are some of the most expensive in Stockholm, they are used as artists' residences, cafes and hotels. 
In Vaxholm you can also see the bell tower. 
IN gallery Roddarhuset
hold exhibitions and vernissages, be sure to check it out!
We liked the gift shop in the gallery, where you can buy (at a high price, of course) such figures made of metal nets. 
Bogesund
A bridge leads from Vaxholm to Bogesund. 
Bogesund mainly - nature reserve, created for outdoor recreation in a broad-leaved forest. Up to 115 species of birds are found on Bogesund, hiking trails have been laid, but the most interesting thing here is. It was built in 1640 for a noble Swedish family, but acquired its fairy-tale appearance in the 1860s, when it was rebuilt according to the romantic trends that were fashionable at that time. Seven-story towers, a chapel and a winter garden appeared just then. 
Then the castle was empty for more than a hundred years, which, however, saved it from modernization. After many years of neglect, the state passed a new law on the alienation of abandoned property, and the castle was repaired. Today the castle is still owned by the state. 
When we were in the castle, horses were grazing around it, old cars were driving around, and elderly Swedes were walking with hunting dogs. It seems that you have been transported at least 100 years back in time. 
Rindo can be reached by free ferry. 
Rindo is definitely worth a visit for lovers of defense structures: here, in particular, is located, built in the 19th century. Above ground, only the tip of the iceberg can be seen: most defense structures are underground. Compared to earlier fortifications, which were designed to impress with their high towers and walls, the fort was almost invisible, covered with earth and turf. 
From Oscar Fredriksborg is visible on the island opposite. 
Swans swim in search of food. 
If you find yourself in this place around 18.00, you can see huge ferries sailing to Helsinki or Tallinn. 
An unexpected attraction awaits you on Varmdö - a farm Siggesta Gard with mini-golf courses, restaurants and other opportunities for an interesting pastime, and most importantly - with a mini-zoo with alpacas. These animals can be watched forever and are amazingly soft to the touch. 
Finally, you can shop in the archipelago by visiting one of the glass and porcelain outlets on Gustavsberg.
Stockholm is a beautiful city that delights its guests with unusual architectural and cultural monuments and no less beautiful natural sights. One of these can be called the Stockholm archipelago, which is a large group of islands located in the Baltic Sea. This picturesque area is considered one of the best holiday destinations in Sweden and is very popular among tourists and residents of the capital.
Islands of Stockholm. Their history and present
Landscapes have changed quite actively throughout their history, this is mainly associated with the annual rise of the land by several millimeters. So, it happened with the archipelago, a few centuries ago it was only a small area where local fishermen lived, and now it is one of the most popular places for recreation not only for residents of the capital, but also for visitors.
reaches a length of almost 80 kilometers and has in its arsenal about 30,000 islands of various sizes and rocks. Some of its islands are proud of their large population and are famous for being the best summer parties, others are almost untouched rocks and grassy hills.
You can travel between the islands with the help of the resources of the Stockholm fleet, which has about 100 snow-white motor ships, which, despite technical progress, continue to move by steam. Such short sea trips often become a great option for a romantic dinner or just an interesting walk.
Each of the islands of the archipelago is a great place for fruitful fishing, on many of them you can even rent a boat or sailboat for this purpose. In addition, in some areas, bicycle or horse rental services are provided.
The Stockholm archipelago: the most remarkable places
Among the incredible variety of natural, special attention should be paid to some of the most interesting islands. These include:
1) Sandhamn- large island, having the glory of the main pier. From it it is very convenient to go on a sea voyage on yachts and ships. In addition, the largest regattas in the Baltic Sea start from this island. Also, its territory is considered the most suitable for a beach holiday.
2) Lidingö - the best place for lovers of strolling through gardens and parks. It is famous for its perennial plantings, which were planted centuries ago, as well as small modern houses, ideal for a modest holiday.
3) Vaxholm - a huge area called a city. Its population reaches 5 thousand people, and its peculiarity is considered to be the widespread placement of exclusively wooden houses and a stunning castle built under Gustav Vaso.
4) Nåttarö is a wonderful island for fans of extreme recreation among mountains and caves.
Where to stay in Stockholm archipelago?
Great amount islands of the stockholm archipelago offers excellent opportunities for recreation and tourism. However, despite the many such land plots in the middle of the sea, only about a thousand people are considered adapted for living, so choosing a place to stop among all these natural beauties can be called very difficult.
It should be noted that regardless of the islet you choose, the most interesting areas can be visited with the help of regularly sailing boats, steamers and other water facilities.
You can find a place to stay in the open spaces of the most popular natural attraction in Sweden on the most developed islands, which are full of bungalows, houses and even villas. Therefore, the specific room depends on your preferences and the thickness of the wallet. In addition, on the territory of the archipelago there are many hotels with different quality of service and comfortable rooms.
Stockholm archipelago: how to get there?
The islands of Stockholm stretch along the eastern border of the Swedish capital. It can be reached by land transport or by sea. To this picturesque attraction follow:
- buses, for example, passenger cars, following the route number 670.
– trains
- ships and steamers, they depart from the piers of Blasieholmskajen and Nybroviken.
