Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Out on the distant fringe of the archipelago—the last stop before Finland—sits
the proud village of Sandhamn (on the island of Sandön). Literally “Sand Har-
bor,” this is where the glacier got hung up and kept on churning away, grinding
stone into sand. The town has a long history as an important and posh place.
In 1897, the Royal Swedish Sailing Society built its clubhouse here, putting
Sandhamn on the map as the yachting center of the Baltic—Sweden's answer
to Nantucket. It remains an extremely popular stop for boaters—from wealthy
yachties to sailboat racers—as well as visitors simply seeking a break from the
big city.
You'll find two halves to Sandhamn: In the shadow of that still-standing
iconic yacht clubhouse is a ritzy resort/party zone throbbing with big-money
nautical types. But just a few steps away, around the harbor, is an idyllic time-
warp Old Town of colorfully painted shiplap cottages tucked between tranquil
pine groves. While most tourists come here for the resort, the quieter part of
Sandhamn holds the real appeal.
