Sweden’s ‘garden of skerries’ offers island variety

For years I’ve flown over Stockholm’s famed archipelago, or glided by it on a big cruise ship heading for Helsinki. Finally, I filmed one of my TV shows here, diving into the 80 miles of scenic islands that stretch out from downtown Stockholm.

Locals love to brag that there are 34,000 islands, but they must be counting mossy little rocks, so I don’t use that figure. Ferries serve a hundred of them, providing Stockholmers with the ideal island escape.

The local name for this area is “Skargarden,” 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 on Sandhamn), the glaciers lingered longer, slowly grinding the granite into sand and creating smaller islands.

One of the joys of an archipelago trip is to grab a perch on the breezy sundeck with the Swedes as they enjoy their island wonderland. Even if your island isn’t an official stop, ferries will dock on request, or to plop down the day’s mail.

Two major companies run public ferries from downtown Stockholm to the archipelago. Waxholmsbolaget’s big ships depart across from Stockholm’s Grand Hotel, at the stop called Stromkajen (www.waxholmsbolaget.se).

The smaller Cinderella Batarna ships — generally faster, more comfortable, and a little pricier than their rival — leave near Stockholm’s Nybroplan (www.cinderellabatarna.com). Because the routes and schedules can be confusing, it’s smart to review and confirm your plans in advance, ideally at a tourist information office.

Your archipelago options are endless in this idyllic land-and-seascape. For a quick look, consider one of the many half- or full-day package boat trips from downtown Stockholm.

For more flexibility, freedom and a better dose of the local vacation scene, do it on your own. Overnighting on an island really lets you get away from it all and enjoy the island ambience.

Don’t struggle too hard with the “which island?” decision, although nature lovers might want to travel well beyond the island of Vaxholm, where the scenery gets more striking.

With thousands of islands to choose from, every Swede seems to have his or her favorite. Here are four possible island destinations, listed in order starting from Stockholm and sailing toward Finland:

The self-proclaimed “gateway to the archipelago,” Vaxholm is more developed and less charming than the other islands. Connected by bridge to Stockholm, it’s practically a suburb.

But it also has an illustrious history as the anchor of Stockholm’s naval defense network. Its main attraction is its “new” fortress, dating from the mid-19th century, when an older castle was torn down and replaced with an imposing granite behemoth.

The rustic, traffic-free isle of Grinda — half retreat, half resort — combines back-to-nature archipelago remoteness with easy proximity to Stockholm. The island is a tasteful gaggle of hotel buildings idyllically situated amid rustic charm: walking paths, beaches, trees and slabs of glacier-carved granite sloping into the sea.

The remote and lesser-known isle of Svartso (“Black Island”), a short hop beyond Grinda, is the “Back Door” option of the bunch. Unlike Grinda, Svartso is home to a real community; islanders have their own school and library, but only 80 year-round residents.

While the island is less trampled than others (just one bed-and-breakfast and a great restaurant), it is reasonably well-served by ferries. It’s perfect for those who want to slow down and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Out on the distant fringe of the archipelago — the last stop before Finland — sits the proud village of Sandhamn on the island of Sandon. Literally “Sand Harbor,” the town has a long history as an important and posh place — Sweden’s answer to Nantucket.

It is 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 the 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 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.

No matter which island you plan to explore, the best way to experience the magic of the archipelago is simply stretching out comfortably on the rooftop deck of your ferry.

Enjoy the charm of the lovingly painted cabins as you glide by, your lounge chair positioned to catch just the right view and sun, the steady rhythm of the ferries lacing this world together, and people savoring quality time with each other and nature.

The journey truly is the destination.

Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. E-mail rick@ricksteves.com, or write to him c/o P.O. Box 2009, Edmonds, WA 98020.

&Copy; 2010 Rick Steves/Tribune Media Services, Inc.