Greetings, friends! I want to tell you how suddenly Sweden burst into my life. I was spinning in the cycle of things, trying to do everything in time. Sometimes my eyes caught a wonderful picture of the multi-colored facades and slender spiers of Stockholm from a magazine that, for some unknown reason, lay in my kitchen. And I had no idea that a trip to Sweden, as a gift of fate, was already waiting for me in the near future. Just a few months later, I photographed the same fabulous picture in person:
I was on a business program at the time and the idea to visit Stockholm on the weekend was born spontaneously. Ferries run regularly from Helsinki to the capital of Sweden. One night on the Baltic Sea and you are in Stockholm. It is unforgivable to miss such an opportunity. Traveling by ferry is a separate interesting story for a fan of tourism. But now I want to pay attention only to Sweden.
Islands of the Stockholm archipelago
Our Viking-line ferry approached the shores of Sweden in the morning, when the sun had already risen and radiantly illuminated the water surface and every island we passed by. I went up on deck and was taken aback by the surrounding beauty. Just look at this idyll:
The Stockholm archipelago consists of 24 thousand islands! And although we saw only a small part of the archipelago from the ship, there were many of them in sight. Our ferry tacked between decent-sized inhabited islands and between very tiny pieces of land where a single house could stand.
I was struck by how close the houses were to the shore, as if the Baltic was not naughty at all, and living at the very edge of the water posed no threat. Although, maybe it is.
I also liked how the Swedes treat nature with care. Look at this house, part of which is supported on stilts, and the landscape is preserved in its natural form.
Introduction to Stockholm
Stockholm includes 14 islands in its area. They are washed by channels that connect Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. Here's one for you! I didn’t even think that the huge water area, which is located, as it were, inside Stockholm, is a freshwater lake, and not the sea. The view from the promenade covers only part of this lake:
Most of all, I, like most tourists who found themselves in the capital of Sweden for the first time, were interested in three islands that are located in the center of Lake Mälaren. Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen and Helgeandsholmen look like a knot on the map of Stockholm, linking all of its territory together both geographically and historically. Stockholm has developed on these three islands since the 13th century.
Gamla Stan
The entire Stadsholmen occupies. The narrow streets of the old city meander between brightly colored houses, unexpectedly leading to small squares.
It's cozy and smells delicious of fresh baked goods. Transport on such streets does not go, but there are crowds of tourists.
On the same island is the royal palace. This is a working residence, however, part of it is provided to visitors for inspection. A tour of the royal chambers takes 3 hours. The democratic approach of the royal family to the availability of offices and halls of the palace is pleasantly surprising. The same confidential freedom is observed in the behavior of the guard.
It reminds me of something… Probably: “Relax! Everything is calm in the Kingdom of Sweden))
Knight's Island
They call it Riddarholmen. On this island is the main and oldest church in Stockholm.
Landmark of the XIII century is directly related to the royal family. All the kings who ruled Sweden until the middle of the 20th century are buried in the church.
Near the temple complex on the island, Wrangel's castle has been preserved, rounding which you can exit to the spacious embankment of Lake Mälaren. The views from here are wonderful both on the opposite bank and on the town hall, where celebrations are held on the occasion of the Nobel Prize.
Island of the Holy Spirit
Another tiny island adjoins the two that I have already presented, next to the royal palace. Everyone calls it the island of the Holy Spirit, forgetting about the official name Helgeandsholmen. The island is bulk, formed on the basis of a small natural one. Now it has an almost perfect ellipsoidal shape. Half of the island is occupied by the majestic parliament building. The Riksdag is the Swedish name for a meeting place for public figures.
But, do not think that all the delights of Stockholm end there! Being on the embankment near the Royal Palace, you will pay attention to the following island - Djurgården. It is called museum island because there are really many museums there. The most popular are the large territory of the Skansen open-air museum, a huge pavilion with the masts of the Vasa ship sticking out above it and Junibakken, where the characters from the works of Astrid Lindgren live. And the journey around the island begins with a masterpiece of the northern architectural style - the museum nordiska. It is not the ethnographic museum itself that is interesting, but a magnificent building with black domes decorated with gilding.
Dear friends! With all my desire, I will not fit all my impressions of Stockholm in one story, so I will write about it separately. My trip to Sweden passed in one breath, striking with the beauty of Stockholm.
And there was another reason to be surprised during this visit to Sweden, in such a, one might say, global sense. It so happened that in the very center of the Swedish kingdom, on one of the streets of medieval Stockholm, we were served in a cafe by a Bulgarian who spoke Russian very well. This made me so happy. On some physical level, I felt how the borders between the countries of Europe and all over the world are blurring. We live in a time when it does not matter at all what country you are from, and what nationality. Around you are the same people, friendly and open to communication. However, I have been convinced of this more than once, but trip to Sweden opened my eyes to this integration to the fullest. Friends, travel! Communicate, speak any language. Let it be an explosive mixture of native, foreign vocabulary and gestures - they will still understand you. As you will understand everything that you need.
Your euro guide Tatiana
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. By public transport, the path will have to be shortened - you won’t be able 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 are part of the Stockholm highways, and therefore free of charge. 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. 
AT 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 is mainly a nature reserve created for outdoor recreation in the broadleaf 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 tall towers and walls, the fort was almost invisible, covered in 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.
One of the most amazing places in Sweden that gives a chance to see the Riga-Stockholm ferry is the Stockholm archipelago. Judge for yourself! 24 thousand rocky islands and rocks are scattered within a radius of 100 kilometers. Even Stockholm itself half belongs to this archipelago, capturing as many as 14 islands of various sizes. To contemplate these pieces of sushi is a real pleasure for any traveler.
2.
The most important thing here is not to oversleep. You need to get up with the first rays of the sun and, dressed warmly, hurry to the upper deck. It is worth meeting this magnificent sunrise almost in complete solitude. The company will be shared with you only by a couple of the same restless passengers with cameras to the advantage, and a few young people, a little alive after a sleepless party night in the bowels of the ferry.
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It is a real miracle to see how the first patches of rocks appear in the rays of the morning sun. Then there are more and more of them. Islands, like mushrooms, begin to climb from all sides. Their bare stones are covered with sparse northern vegetation, and along with pine groves, the first fishermen's houses appear on them.
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Further more. The first settlements are already visible. Houses are getting bigger and smarter. Only one thing is invariable - near each such building there is always a small pier. These places are not suitable for agriculture. Even a normal garden is unlikely to grow here. From time immemorial, these lands have been the vodka of fishermen.
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However, the sensible Swedes found another use for them, starting to build their summer residences here, analogues of our fazend dachas. In winter, they are empty, and in summer, the Swedes break out here into the bosom of nature to fish, go yachting or just enjoy the clean sea air. The main mode of transport in the archipelago is water.
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Somewhere the islands are connected by bridges, somewhere by ferries. And the easiest way to sail here is on your own boat. Wealthy Swedes have no problem with this. Agree, it's nice to have a small island with your possessions.
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But of the entire Stockholm archipelago, only a small part is inhabited. Whatever the case, these places are harsh, the sea is cold, the weather is unpredictable. Not everyone likes such a property that requires considerable investment. Yes, and the Swedes cherish this gift of God, to anyone without selling it and without doing dubious business on it.
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At some point we pass round structures with turrets. This old Swedish fort served as the main checkpoint on the outskirts of Stockholm. With the approach of the Swedish capital, not only houses, but also factory pipes and storage facilities become more.
9.
Nevertheless, Stockholm is in the lead as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. Even fish caught in the very center of the city can be safely eaten. The number of plants and factories here is also minimal, and the fines for violators of cleanliness are as high as possible.
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One of the fun on board the ferry is to feed the seagulls. Birds can snatch the treat prepared for them right out of their hands, one has only to pull them up.
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Those who overslept or ate the entire route need not worry. If the weather permits, then on the way back, picturesque pictures will be repeated in a new sequence. This second chance is likely to be taken by most of the passengers and the upper deck will be especially crowded after dinner.
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But landscapes in a day will definitely not lose all their charm. In addition, the sunset will give new unique colors.
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Together with its last rays on the horizon, the last islands of the Stockholm archipelago will disappear in the coming twilight. Curtain.
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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 throughout their history have changed quite actively, 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 is a large island with 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 is the best place for those who like to stroll 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 areas of land 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 route No. 670.
– trains
- ships and steamers, they depart from the piers of Blasieholmskajen and Nybroviken.
We talked about visiting Uppsala and planning a trip. Since these cities are not far from the capital (50 and 70 km), you can spend one or two days visiting them, and then return back to Stockholm - after all, not all the paths have yet been traveled and not all the sights have been seen.
What is the Stockholm archipelago
Stockholm archipelago (Stockholms skärgård) stretches for 80 km, starting from Stockholm and goes directly to the Baltic Sea. The archipelago consists of 30 thousand islands, which, you see, is impressive!
Among the inhabitants of the country, it is considered a great success to own a summer house on one of the islands of the archipelago, sometimes come to rest, and the rest of the time rent rooms to vacationers. So you can book a room on almost any inhabited island. You can book a hotel on the island or in any city in Sweden and the world on Booking.com
Enter the name of the island or city and the approximate dates of the trip into the search engine and look for suitable options.
Can you rent boats or rent boat and travel around the largest archipelago of the Baltic Sea, or you can buy a ticket for ferry at the box office of the Stockholm ferry station and spend some time on one of the islands.
Which islands of the Stockholm archipelago you need to go to: the most beautiful and popular islands
Waxholm
Vaxholm is a small and very cozy island town with narrow streets and traditional Swedish houses - laconic and at the same time very elegant. Life boils here - restaurants and the shops open until late take a walk along the embankment, sit on wooden pier, listen to the cries of huge seagulls. You can sail to Vaxholm on a ferryboat from Stockholm. It is possible, in principle, by bus get there, but we are talking about the islands - it is more romantic to use a ferry or a boat. Ferries usually leave from the Old Town promenade, tickets can be bought directly at the box office of the pier.
Those who appreciate privacy and a relaxing holiday by the sea can rent a whole house on the very shore, for example Repslagarens B&B: for only 150 euros per day, you will have a 19th-century house with a comfortable bedroom and kitchen, access to the garden, patio and wonderful views of the harbour.
Previously, Vaxholm was a prison fortress, now tourists are brought here and tell them about the times when Stockholm needed such a defense. There are many hotels in the city, and you can easily book a nice and very inexpensive room with a view of the fortress, the sea or the city. Prices start at $80 for a double room.
ferry ticket can be bought at the box office of the pier in the Old Town of Stockholm or on board the ferry.
Travel time- about 1 hour, fare is 80 crowns ($8).
Grinda
This is a special island where people come to really feel like a part of nature. Ideal stone slopes going under water, tall pines, fresh sea air interspersed with the smell of needles and cones, timid deer hiding in the thickets, and birds chirping.
The island has several private houses, an elegant hotel with democratic prices, located in the former estate of Alfred Nobel, and a couple of shops and cafes.
How to get here and how much does it cost
You can also get here on a ferryboat from Stockholm or from the island of Vaxholm.
Travel time approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, fare is 95 crowns ($10)
You can buy a ferry ticket at the box office at the Stockholm pier in the Old Town or on the ferry.
Utö (Utö)
Sandy beaches, barbecue areas, rocky shores, all this awaits you on this cozy island. Lovers come here to lie on the beach, as well as those who love hiking and walking in the forest. In the forest there are special paths for cyclists. In addition to all this, the island has several cute wooden country houses, a couple of hotels and hostels, as well as cafes and bars.
How to get there and how much does it cost
By ferry, you can get here in a few hours and 140 crowns (about $14). ferry ticket can be purchased directly on board or at the box office at the pier.
Notterö (Nåttarö)
This island seems to be created especially for lovers beach holiday. But not just a beach holiday, but a peacefully contemplative pastime. There are no cocktail parties and noisy festivities until the morning, but there is amazing atmospheric beaches Stora Sand and Skarsand, where you can literally dissolve in the peaceful nature, the smell of the sea and the sound of the wind.
The island will also appeal to fans hiking- here amazing forests, virtually untouched by civilization, stunning landscapes and a scent that you will remember forever. Coniferous and deciduous thickets, rare species of mosses and lichens and untrodden paths - you'll love it here.
How to get here and how much does it cost
To get to Nottarö Island you need to be in Stockholm take a bus SL company to Nynäshamn, and from there take the ferry to Notare.
So the route is:
- Ankarudden-Notterö ferry (about 1 hour on the way, cost 79 crowns or 8 dollars).
Tickets for the SL bus can be purchased at SL service centers, ticket offices at Stockholm Central train station, and also on the company's website.
Sandhamn
This is a very small island and therefore especially cozy. Sandhamn is very popular among locals and visitors to the country. Here you can walk along pine grove, go down to the water gently stone slope, buy on gorgeous beach, sit in cafe overlooking the sea, admire old pier, take a walk past the typical Swedish brown and red houses.
This city is the final destination to which city ferries operate. Despite its small size, this city is so colorful that you can spend several days in it in order to completely relax and immerse yourself in Swedish culture.
You can sail here only from the city of Stavsnas (Stavsnäs).
The route is the following:
- bus SL Stockholm-Stavsnas (approximately 1 hour on the way and cost 30-60 kroons or 3-6 dollars);
- ferry Stavsnas-Sandhamn (travel time - about 1 hour, fare is 80 kroons or 8 dollars).
on the company's website, buses depart from there. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the pier or on the ferry.
Öja Island and Landsort Village
In the ferry schedule, this island is called the name of the village located on it. Among the Swedes, this island is considered to be the most beautiful among the rest of the islands of the archipelago. The coast is indented smooth rocks that wash the cool Baltic sea waves, then here and there are visible fabulous wooden houses, and on the highest rock stands lighthouse. This place is very bright and picturesque and definitely worth your time.
How to get there and how much does it cost
To get here, you need from Stockholm by bus come to the city of Nynäshamn, and from here sit down by ferry to Landsort.
In the ferry schedule, the city of Nuneshamn is named after the peninsula on which it is located - Ankarudden.
So the route is:
- bus SL Stockholm-Nuneshamn (on the way 50 minutes, the fare is 30-60 kroons or 3-6 dollars);
- ferry Ankarudden-Landsort (about 1 hour on the way, cost 79 kroons or 8 dollars).
Tickets for the SL bus can be bought at SL service centers, ticket offices at Stockholm Central railway station, as well as on the company's website.
Ferry tickets can be purchased at the pier or on the ferry.
If you still have a couple of days left and you don’t know what to do with yourself, there is an option to go or fly to Gothenburg, in we described how to get to Gothenburg and how much it costs.
You may need information about.
If your interests are not limited to the Old Center of Stockholm, then you should familiarize yourself with, as well as information about the views, which will help you save on travel, which is not cheap in Sweden.
Stockholm is becoming more and more attractive for travelers every year, but many are stopped by the well-known high cost of the country and its capital. The farther from the center, the cheaper hotels and guest houses become, however, it is worth considering the cost of travel to and from the city center, where most of the attractions are located. Often it is more profitable to rent a room closer to the center, despite the higher cost. The central districts of Stockholm include Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Östermalm, Kungsholmen and Vasastan, where the best hotels are located, and we will tell you about the most budget ones. When choosing a hotel in Stockholm, pay attention to...