The best of
Stockholm archipelago
It may be a cliché, but you are spoilt for choice in
the Stockholm archipelago – there are some 30,000 islands, islets and skerries
to the north, south and east of the Swedish capital, many of them easily
reached by local ferries. The area can be explored year-round, but spring,
summer and autumn are the best times to visit. There’s everything from luxury
yachting hangouts with five-star accommodation, to remote, uninhabited rocks only
reachable by private boat. A handy island-hopping ticket allows you easy access
to some of the best places to stop (www.waxholmsbolaget.se).
Fjäderholmarna
This is the archipelago at its most accessible. Only
half an hour from the city centre, Fjäderholmarna can be enjoyed as a daytrip,
a half-day trip or in a couple of hours, if you’re really pushed for time. The
main island, Stora Fjäderholmen, is well-known for its artisan village,
complete with pottery, smithy, glass-blowing studio and much more. It’s well
worth a visit to see the local artisans at work and find some unusual gifts and
souvenirs to take home. Fjäderholmarna also has some good quality restaurants
and bars to choose from, including a smokery serving traditional Swedish fish
dishes. www.fjaderholmarna.se
Vaxholm
Vaxholm, known as the capital of the archipelago, has
a longstanding history dating back to the mid-16th century, when
Vaxholm Castle was built here. The castle and fortress from 1549 originally
protected capital Stockholm from sea attacks from the east. Still standing, these
days it’s open as a museum and its impressive bulk towers over Vaxholm harbour.
The town itself is surprisingly bustling with a comparatively large permanent
population, plenty of accommodation, as well as food and drink options. There’s
even a football club based here and Vaxholm is easily reached
year-round (www.stromma.se).
Artipelag
A relatively recent addition to the archipelago landscape,
Artipelag, on Hålludden 12 miles east of Stockholm, opened its doors in the
summer of 2012. This art gallery, restaurant, activities’ and events’ space can
be reached by boat in summer and by bus or car the rest of the year. It houses
temporary exhibitions and combines interesting art with innovative food, also hosting
wine tasting evenings. It’s possible to book an after-hours tour of the art
hall. www.artipelag.se
Sandhamn
Situated in the outer archipelago, some two and a half
hours from central Stockholm, Sandhamn pulls off a perfect mix of quaint,
picturesque old-world sailing culture and a nice dollop of luxury, home as it
is to the Royal Swedish Yacht Club. Most of the main hub is pedestrianised with
impossibly cute wooden houses, surrounded by colourful, well-tended gardens.
It’s great for whiling away a day or two, swimming, going for walks, cycling or
canoeing. There are plenty of excellent options for staying the night or even
renting one of said quaint houses for a week or more. Despite a year-round
population of only a few hundred, Sandhamn has an astonishing number of
eateries and bars of a very high standard and remains one of the best-loved
places in the archipelago. www.destinationsandhamn.se
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