The Stockholm Archipelago

For all its wonderful castles and museums, restaurants, shops and night life, no trip to Stockholm is complete without at least a short excursion to the archipelago. It consists of 24,000 islands, from big to small, some inhabited, others large enough for only a smattering of wild flowers. In the nineteenth century the archipelago became a favourite retreat for the wealthy and famous, who began to build summer residences here. More recently the archipelago has become an experience shared by people from all walks of life--during the peak summer months the area's 10,000 permanent residents are joined by weekender's and visitors from the city, who fill the cottages and homes of the islands and the pleasure boats that cruise the waterways in between.

Day trips to the larger islands of the archipelago can be made by car or bus; however, to see the islands at their best requires a boat. There is a wide variety of scheduled and charter boats available, most departing regularly from down town Stockholm outside the Grand Hotel. Some are "jazz and shrimp" evening cruises. If you love sailing, you might consider renting your own boat; however, if you are in Stockholm for only a short stay the best mode of travel is by steamship, especially one of the authentic century-old steamers. Among the few ships of their kind still in operation, these grand vessels offer a trip into the graceful travel of the past as well as the captivating beauty of the archipelago.

Exploring the archipelago thoroughly could take a long, pleasant lifetime. For those on a more limited schedule, however, here are a few of the more enchanting ports of call.

Fjäderholmarna
This conveniently-located little cluster of islands is a favourite excursion for Stockholm residents, who come to meander among its historic buildings, its small shops and restaurants, and its bustling harbour area. Fjäderholmarna's fine aquarium is especially popular among the island's younger visitors.

Vaxholm
For many, the island of Vaxholm typifies the attractions of Archipelago life, from the intimate scale of the harbour town to the striking natural beauty of the island itself. Vaxholm island is situated astride what used to be the primary waterway from the Baltic to Stockholm, and so its exceptionally picturesque harbour is graced by a brooding 16th century fortress. Now a museum, the fortress houses exhibits chronicling the history of life in the Archipelago as well as displaying an extensive collection of weaponry, maps, and other materials related to its own colourful history.

Birka
Set on the verdant island of Björkö, Birka is a town with a fascinating historical and archaeological heritage. It was Sweden's first sizeable community, having established substantial trading links with Europe more than 1,200 years ago. Today Birka is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its past has been brought alive in the recently-opened Viking Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into everyday living conditions in Birka more than a millennium ago.

Sandhamn
This diminutive community, with a year-round population of less than 150, is best known as the host of one of Sweden's biggest sailing events-the Round Gotland Race. Sandhamn's skyline (if a village can be said to have a skyline) is dominated by the signal tower of the Royal Sailing Club (KSSS), which occupies an 18th-century custom-house. Around the KSSS are the town's tiny, closely-built houses, shops, and restaurants.

Source:Geographia.com

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