Page 119 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

M ALM ARNA & FUR THER AFIELD  117

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Norrtälje Practical Information
( Vaxholm: Archipelago fair
Kapellskär
(mid-Aug). _ Sandhamn: Round
Gotland Yacht Race (late Jun/early
Jul), Sandhamn Regatta (3rd week
in July), Vaxholm: Archipelago
Boat Day (1st Wed in Jun).
∑ stockholmtown.com
Stockholm Stavsnäs
Transport
@ SL traffic information in Eng,
Sandhamn, the yachting centre in Stockholm’s outer archipelago 08-600 10 00. g Strömma
Kanalbolaget, 08-587 140 00;
villa here, which is now a pub } Sandhamn Vaxholmsbolaget, 08-679 58 30 .
Nynäshamn and restaurant with guest 50 km (31 miles) E of Stockholm.
rooms. There are chalets to Tel 08-571 530 00. @ 433, 434
rent, a camp site and a youth from Slussen to Stavsnäs, then boat. } Utö
hostel in a former barracks. g from Nybrokajen. - 0 = 50 km (31 miles) SE of Stockholm.
Boats can be hired. ∑ destinationsandhamn.se Tel 08-501 574 10. g in summer,
Over the past 200 years the from Strömkajen. 0 =
} Finnhamn village of Sandhamn has been ∑ utoturistbyra.se
40 km (25 miles) NE of Stockholm. a favourite meeting point for No other island in the archipelago
Tel 08-542 462 12. g from Strömka- sailors. The Royal Swedish has as rich a history as Utö,
jen and Nybrokajen. - 0 = Yacht Club is based in which was inhabited before the
Finnish ships used to moor at Seglarrestaurangen (Sailors’ Viking era. In the 12th century
Finnhamn on their way to and Restaurant), and every summer the islanders started to mine
from Stockholm. This attractive the world’s yachting elite arrive iron ore; this activity continued
group of islands lies two and to take part in the Round until 1879. Their story is told in
a half hours by boat from Gotland Race. the Mining Museum adjoining
Stockholm at the point where A pretty village with narrow the hotel. Today’s holiday
the softer scenery of the inner alleys and houses adorned with homes along Lurgatan were
archipelago gives way to the decorative carvings, Sandhamn built as miners’ cottages in the
harsher landscape of the outer has shops, crafts centres and a 18th century. A windmill, built
islands. As on Grinda, the main swimming pool. About 100 in 1791, provides an unrivalled
island has a wooden villa people live here permanently. view of the island.
designed by Ernst Stenhammar The Customs House, built in Utö is one of the best seaside
(1912). Today it is the largest 1752, is a listed heritage resorts in the Stockholm area,
youth hostel in the archipelago. building and the former and is ideal for a weekend or
There is a restaurant, chalets home of poet and artist Elias full-day excursion.
to rent and a camp site. Smaller Sehlstedt (1808–74). A range of accommodation
islands nearby are accessible Although camping is not options is available. Bicycles,
by rowing boat. permitted, there is no shortage rowing boats and canoes can
of hotel, bed-and-breakfast and be hired. The bakery is
} Möja chalet accommodation. There renowned for its delicious
50 km (31 miles) E of Stockholm. are also great sandy beaches. “Utölimpa” bread.
Tel 08-571 640 53. @ 670 to Vaxholm,
then boat. g from Strömkajen and
Nybrokajen. - 0 = Excursions by Steamboat
Fishing and strawberry-growing Traditional steamboats are a familiar feature on the waters around
were the mainstays of this idyllic Stockholm. Both in the archipelago and on Lake Mälaren visitors can
corner of the archipelago. Now still enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a steamboat voyage. One of the
there are few Möja strawberry veterans, SS Blidösund, built in
growers and only one profess- 1911, is operated by voluntary
ional fisherman among the organizations and serves mostly
island’s 300 inhabitants. Instead, the northern archipelago. Some
picturesque harbours attract the routes, for example Stockholm–
sailing fraternity in particular. Mariefred, are operated partly or
completely by steamers. Most
Nature reserves on and around of the other passenger boats
Möja shelter a rich abundance from the early 20th century
of wildlife. Services on the island have been fitted with oil-fired
are good in the summer, with engines, but still provide a SS Blidösund, one of the oldest in Stockholm’s
cottages, boats and kayaks for nostalgic journey back in time. fleet of steamboats
hire, and guest houses.

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