Sweden

Saturday

Your sailing holiday begins in Vaxholm, the “capital” of the Stockholm archipelago. Located just east of Stockholm, Vaxholm (the name of both the town and the island it's on) is a gorgeous and quaint Baltic destination, home to picturesque turn-of-the-last-century pastel houses, delightful family-owned cafes and restaurants, and charming little shops on cobbled streets.

Visit Vaxholm Fortress (built in 1544), a famous castle that for centuries has guarded the approaches to Stockholm. The area is also home to an amazingly diverse selection of scenic pine-clad islets and sheltered rocky coves, perfect for a day's exploring and relaxation.

Sunday

Grinda is a delightfully unspoiled island, sprinkled with cozy, rustic wooden cottages among elegant pine woods. Even from the waters offshore, you can glimpse deer and foxes frolicking. In medieval times, this island was the haunt of buccaneers and smugglers. Today, it's home to the Grinda Wardshus, a hotel resort noted for its woodsy charm.

Grinda is a favorite destination for outdoor day activities, including hiking, paddle boarding, bird watching, and more. Seals and marine sea life are common sights, at play in their natural habitat. The island is also a perfect destination for rest & relaxation, with numerous little cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Monday

Venturing now further north but still within the cozy confines of the Stockholm archipelago, Furusund is a small and quiet island with a reputation for attracting an interesting and fun-loving crowd of holiday visitors.

During the day, when you're not swimming in the calm waters around the island, you can come onshore to sample the numerous galleries, cafes, and tiny shops. Entertainment options are plentiful with several lively harbor bars and restaurants and an active summer season of local sailing events.

Tuesday

Located in the northern archipelago, Finnhamn's natural beauty and Baltic scenery is preserved within one of the region's most eco-friendly destinations. Sheltered bays and rocky cliffs warmed by long summer days beckon you to relax, explore, play in the water, and enjoy the incredible adventure of Sweden's island treasures.

Large portions of Finnhamn are designated as nature reserves, but you're free to responsibly wander the island. Primeval forests and fairy tale meadows, quaint farms and cozy cafes – bike around the island, swim, hike, and relax in one of the Stockholm archipelago's most enchanting destinations.

Wednesday

Perched on the eastern fringe of the Stockholm archipelago, Ostholmen and Möja are companion islands that offer a dramatic and unforgettable place to view the northern lights. The islands are more sparsely developed and less frequently visited than other islands, allowing you plenty of freedom to enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones.

The sauna on Ostholmen is a can't miss attraction; it's free, but book reservations ahead to ensure you have a place. Möja has been inhabited since Viking times and is a wonderful place to commune with nature while biking or hiking. Kayaking is a uniquely beautiful and private experience – much of the surrounding waters and islets are nature reserves, where you can observe wildlife and Baltic flora.

Thursday

Just an hour south is Sandhamn, a beloved sailing destination that combines an idyllic village that looks straight out of the 18th century, with a lively day and nighttime scene of cozy cafes and shops, bustling restaurants, and cheerful bars. White sand beaches are prefect for fun & sun activities, while the interior of the island offers biking and hiking among the stately pines.

Sandhamn is home to the Royal Swedish Yacht Club and numerous amenities, making this a perfect island to wind up your Stockholm archipelago holiday. Enjoy delicious food, pulsating nightlife, and a vibe that caters to the fun-loving vacation yachting crowd.

Saturday

Type: Natural harbor
Latitude: N 59º 14.221
Longitude: E 18º 24.046
Chart Number: N/A
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Napoleon Viken is a gorgeous and popular natural harbor, located on the island of Ägnö, in the approaches to Stockholm. The high, rocky cliffs create a beautifully sheltered retreat, perfect for swimming and play in the sun. Seals frequent the harbor and the port docks, and the entire area is wonderfully scenic.

The island is a nature reserve, come ashore and walk trails through a fairy tale pine forest, pick berries, or have a barbecue. Napoleon Viken is a soothing and relaxing place to begin your Stockholm archipelago holiday in style.

Sunday

Type: Marine service station/guest harbor
Latitude: N 58º 54.071
Longitude: E 017º 57.223
Chart Number: N/A
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Just a couple hours south of Stockholm, Nynäshamn is a bustling town located on the mainland, but which serves as a gateway to the southern reaches of the outer archipelago. Rocky shores and pine tree-shrouded forests march down to the sea, making for one of the most dramatic and scenic portions of Sweden's Baltic coast.

Nynäshamn is home to 27 ancient Viking rune stones, which are just one of the local historic attractions. The town and nearby coast also host picturesque lighthouses, family-owned cafes and restaurants, and numerous entertainment options to make your visit a memorable one.

Monday

Type: Guest harbor
Latitude: N 58º 58 14.9123
Longitude: E 18º 19 32.5571
Chart Number: 6161 SW, 616 SW
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Utö is perched on the southern edge of the Stockholm archipelago and is home to a nature reserve, Sweden's oldest iron mines, and a museum. This island is noted for secluded coves, sandy beaches, and the stark beauty of its natural scenery. There are several areas each for swimming, hiking, biking, and enjoying the long and warm summer days in Sweden.

Utö is connected by a bridge to nearby island Alö, which has additional dining and entertainment options. It's the perfect area to relax and soak in the ultimate enjoyment of a carefree Sweden yacht charter vacation.

Tuesday

Type: Natural harbor
Latitude: N 59º 06.172
Longitude: E 18º 43.265
Chart Number: N/A
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Biskopsö is a picture-postcard beautiful island that is home to a nature reserve and numerous hiking and biking trails. It's also an area of great historical significance: Swedish and Russian naval forces clashed in these waters in the Battle of Viborg Bay in 1790, one of the largest and most consequential sea battles in history.

The natural scenery is the island's main attraction, which is easily accessible via an extensive trail network. Famed Swedish author August Strindberg noted of Biskopsö, “When you land, you are surprised to find a little anchored piece of paradise.” Enjoy a day here surrounded by Mother Nature's beauty!

Wednesday

Type: Marine service station/guest harbor
Latitude: N 59º 11.02
Longitude: E 18º 42.05
Chart Number: N/A
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Nämdö offers an endless variety of tiny islands and islets to explore, with sheltered rocky beaches, flowering meadows, lush forests of spruce and pine, and clear & warm skies all around. Watch sea eagles on the hunt, or seals at play. This is the perfect place to swim, snorkel, dive from rocky cliffs, or just lay in the sun and relax.

Nämdö itself has miles of scenic trails, a quaint little town and farmsteads, and camping areas for overnight stay. A small family-owned restaurant serves cozy meals and there's an historic church on the island that features prominently in Swedish literature. It's a peaceful and idyllic Stockholm archipelago destination.

Thursday

Type: Guest harbor
Latitude: N 59º 16.36
Longitude: E 18º 18.50
Chart Number: 6145 NW
Area: Stockholm Archipelago
Land: Sweden

Back at the gateway to the Stockholm archipelago, Saltsjöbaden is a seaside resort town with numerous amenities for sailors and visitors. The town and harbor are peaceful and relaxing, with numerous options for dining. It's a popular destination for yacht vacationers and daytrippers, with lively bars and entertainment.

Saltsjöbaden has a sandy beach with slides and a large trampoline. The town is adorable and fun to explore, with quaint shops and small attractions. It's a wonderfully relaxing and satisfying way to close out your Sweden yacht rental vacation.

Friday

Return to the marina.