The White Boats. ⛴️
You don't need a private yacht. The Waxholmsbolaget is the public transport network on water. Some ships are classic steamers from the 1900s; others are high-speed catamarans.
Strömkajen
This is the main hub in front of the Grand Hôtel. Just show up, buy a ticket on board (cards only), and grab a seat on the sun deck.
The Period Card
If you stay for a week, buy a 5-day or 30-day island hopping pass. It allows unlimited travel on all Waxholmsbolaget boats.
Vaxholm Fortress. 🏰
The capital of the archipelago. It is a charming town of wooden villas protected by a massive stone fortress that blocked invaders for centuries.
The Fortress
Situated on a separate islet. Take a tiny electric cable ferry across to visit. It houses a museum about Sweden's naval defense.
Hembygdsgårds Café
The hardest name to pronounce, but the best desserts. It is famous for its gigantic dessert buffet. Try the "Prinsesstårta" (green marzipan cake).
The Villas
Walk the streets. The pastel-colored wooden houses with intricate carpentry ("carpenter joy") are quintessential Sweden.
Royal Yacht Club
Seglarhotellet
Sandhamn. ⚓
Located at the far edge of the archipelago. Beyond here is only the Baltic Sea and Finland. It is the hub for sailors, the wealthy, and murder mystery novels.
The Contrast:
The harbor is buzzing with yachts and parties ("brats" spraying champagne). But walk 10 minutes into the pine forest, and you are on a silent, windswept white sand beach. It is two worlds in one.
The Freedom to Roam. ⛺
In Sweden, nature belongs to everyone. *Allemansrätten* is a constitutional right.
The Rules
You can walk, cycle, camp (for one night), and pick berries or mushrooms on any land, even private property, as long as you do not disturb or destroy. "Don't disturb, don't destroy."
Grinda
The island of Grinda is a nature reserve perfect for exercising this right. It has no cars, plenty of swimming spots, and a farm shop. It is the rustic alternative to posh Sandhamn.