Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Note that the departures mentioned below are for summer (mid-June-mid-
Aug); the number of boats declines off-season.
Waxholmsbolaget:
Their ships depart across from Stockholm's Grand
Hotel, at the stop called Stromkäjen (tel. 08/679-5830,
www.waxholmsbolaget.se
)
. Waxholmsbolaget boats run from Stockholm to:
Vaxholm
(at least hourly, 75 minutes, 75 kr),
Grinda
(nearly hourly, 2 hours,
90 kr),
Svartsö
(3/day, 2.5 hours, 110 kr), and
Sandhamn
(1/day, Sat-Sun
only,3.5hours,130kr).ThesedestinationsarealllistedinWaxholmsbolaget's
challenging-to-decipher schedule forthe Middle Archipelago (Mellersta Skär-
gården). The same company has routes and schedules for the North and South
Archipelago as well.
Cinderella Båtarna:
This company focuses its coverage on the most pop-
ular destinations. Their ships—generally faster, more comfortable, and a little
pricier than their rivals'—leave from near Stockholm's Nybroplan, along
Strandvägen (tel. 08/1200-4000,
www.cinderellabatarna.com
). Cinderella
boats sail frequently (4/dayMon-Thu, 5/day Fri-Sun) fromStockholm to
Vax-
holm
(50 minutes, 105 kr) and
Grinda
(1.25 hours, 130 kr). After Grinda,
the line splits, going either to
Sandhamn
(from Stockholm: 1/day Mon-Thu,
2/day Fri-Sun, 2.75 hours, 155 kr), or Finnhamn, with a stop en route at
Svartsö
(from Stockholm: 2/day, 1.5 hours, 150 kr). These fares are for peak
season (mid-June-mid-Aug); Cinderella's fares are slightly cheaper off-sea-
son.
On Board:
When you board, tell the conductor which island you're going
to. Boats don't land at all of the smaller islands unless passengers have re-
quested a stop. Hang on to your ticket, as you'll have to show it to disembark.
Some boats have luggage-storage areas (ask when you board).
You can usually access the outdoor deck; if you can't get to the front deck
(where the boats load and unload), head to the back. Or nab a window seat in-
side. For the best seat, with less sun and nicer views, I'd go POSH: Port Out,
Starboard Home (on the left side leaving Stockholm, on the right side coming
back). As you sail, a monitor on board shows the position of your boat as it
motors through the islands.
