Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights in Sandhamn
Sleeping in Sandhamn
Eating in Sandhamn
Some of Europe's most scenic islands stretch 80 miles out into the Baltic Sea
from Stockholm. If you're cruising to (or from) Finland, you'll get a good
look at this island beauty. If you have more time and want to immerse your-
self in all that simple Swedish nature, consider spending a day or two island-
hopping.
The Swedish word for “island” is simply ö, but the local name for this
area is Skärgården —literally “garden of skerries,” unforested rocks sticking
up from the sea. That stone is granite, carved out and deposited by glaciers.
The archipelago closer to Stockholm is rockier, with bigger islands and more
trees. Farther out (such as at Sandhamn), the glaciers lingered longer, slowly
grinding the granite into sand and creating smaller islands.
Locals claim there are more than 30,000 of these islands, and as land here
is rising slowly, more pop out every year. Some 150 are inhabited year-round,
and about 100 have ferry service. There's an unwritten law of public access
in the archipelago. Technically you're allowed to pitch your tent anywhere for
up to two nights, provided the owner of the property can't see you from his or
her house. It's polite to ask first and essential to act responsibly.
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