Sweden: Stockholm & its Archipelago

Travel to Lidingö in Stockholm and settle in to our first hotel for two nights. It is easy to use pubic transportation to arrive at this hotel from downtown Stockholm or from the airport. Scandic hotels were in the forefront of sustainability practices for decades. Meet the group and our local guides for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

A walk or bus ride to the rowing club where the boats are waiting for us. Our row today will be out and back from the boathouse. First down the long arm of the inlet before we enter the main channel, frequented by many ferries. At a minimum we will row to the island of Fjäderholmarna. If weather and water conditions permit, we will row further into the Djurgårdsbrunnsviken, a narrow canal separating the beautiful island of Djurgården from the mainland. The island has been owned by the Swedish monarchy since medieval times and remains a popular park. On the other bank are multiple museums and a rowing club, where we can stretch our legs and have lunch. Back to Lidingö and a well earned dinner.

Off we go on our exploration of the Archipelago. Leaving the club we pass down the same arm, but once we are at the channel we will turn north. Our destination is Vaxholm both the island and the community. This is the Archipelago’s biggest centre, often visited by day trippers from Stockholm who arrive by ferry. We will land at the local rowing club. From the club we will walk into town where we will find the charming café we have booked for lunch and our hotel. Across from the hotel is the imposing Vaxholm Fortress, accessible with a short ferry ride. Originally constructed in the 16^th century, it has been demolished and rebuilt, the current fortress dating from the 19^th century. Dinner tonight is on your own.

We row east further into the Archipelago. The big bags will be left in storage at the hotel. For two nights, pack one dry bag that we will load into the hatches of the touring boats.  Our destination is Grinda. It will take us a while to row there, but  this is still considered to be an inner island, also called the heart of the Archipelago. Covered in forests it epitomizes the vibe of this summer playground, especially with some lovely swimming beaches. Our charming accommodation for two nights is part of an accommodation complex of hotel (where we will be), cabins, hostel and campground. Of course there is an excellent restaurant for our meals. Plus a sauna. The island has a bakery, walking trails and kayak rentals to fill the afternoon.

This is our chance to go further afield and explore some of the islands stretching out towards the Baltic Sea. Our mid-point is Svartsö, one of the larger islands of the archipelago. The weather and water conditions and other factors will determine our exact routing. There are so many possible ways to wind around the small islands east of Grinda.  Svartsö offers different options too. Should we have a picnic lunch at a wilder part of the island, or join other vacationers at a lovely waterside café?

We begin heading back, pausing overnight again in Vaxholm. Of course there are many alternate routes to take, island to wind around, beautiful scenery and rowing to enjoy.

Today we row the boats home to Lidingö. The last stretch down the long arm feels comfortingly familiar. After putting the boats away, we will head on public transportation to another part of Stockholm, closer to the centre. We have selected another Scandic hotel, noted for sustainability practices. Dinner on your own tonight – there are lots of wonderful choices.

We are hoping to have a final row from Hammerbey rowing club. Perhaps a rowing tour of Stockholm awaits us. If this is not possible, not to worry! Our local hosts have planned a full day to showcase their beautiful city.  Lunch on your own today. Then it is time for the final farewell dinner.

Sad farewells as the group disperses, perhaps to leave Sweden or perhaps to stay on and explore this delightful country a little longer.