Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
turns at 8.30pm; the cost of Skr1150 includes lunch, dinner, drinks and guided tours
ashore.
Vaxholm
Vaxholm is the capital of and gateway to the archipelago, and it's a charming village,
though its proximity to Stockholm (just 35km northeast, a quick bus ride) means it can be
crowded in summer. Still, on a sunny spring day, its crooked streets and storybook houses
are irresistible. It also has a thriving restaurant scene and a wildly popular Christmas mar-
ket. Boat fiends should plan to check out Archipelago Boat Day on the first Wednesday in
June (book ahead). If you plan an overnight stay, the tourist office keeps a list of private
B&Bs.
The town of Vaxholm was founded in 1647 and has about 11,000 inhabitants. The oldest
buildings are in Norrhamn, a few minutes' walk north of the town hall. Equally photogenic
is Hamngatan, awash with interesting architecture, galleries, boutiques and souvenir shops.
Vaxholm's most prominent feature, however, is its hulking fortress, built in 1548 to defend
the northern sea approach to Stockholm. (It worked, too: when the Russian navy attacked
in 1719, nearly all archipelago settlements were burned to the ground, but the invasion
never reached the Swedish capital.)
Sights
Vaxholm Fortress Museum
HISTORIC SITE, MUSEUM
free; 12.15-4pm Jun, 11.15am-5pm Jul & Aug)
King Gustav Vasa ordered the construction of Vaxholm Fortress in 1544 to protect the
Swedish capital and mainland. It repelled an attack by the Danes in 1612 and the Russians
in 1719, among others. It was a prison from the mid-18th century until 1842. Occupying
an islet just east of town, it's now home to a museum and a B&B. The ferry to the island
leaves Vaxholm harbour every 20 minutes from 11am to 5pm and costs Skr50 return.
Hembygdsgård
MUSEUM
(
08-541 319 80; Trädgårdsgatan 19;
11am-4pm Sat & Sun May-Aug)
