How to Choose the Best Small Boat Trip Destination

The Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

Written by Anders Ahlgren

From Issue Small Boats Annual 2013

Map of the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden.

The 35,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago seem to have been created to please small-boat owners during the summer.

Although the sea breeze can reach 20 knots, the wind is seldom too strong, and seas generally remain calm. At the same time, the sailing is never boring. During the longest days in June, it never really gets dark, and you can even sail at night without lights. Late July is the warmest time but also the most crowded. Weather here can be unpredictable, so rain-gear is essential, along with warm clothes like wool underwear, gloves, and hat—but also a bathing suit.

In Sweden, everyone is assured of access to nature, within the bounds of common sense and courteous practices explained at the very useful website of the Swedish environmental protection agency. You can put in at any island. You can pitch a tent more or less anywhere. When camping, bring a warm sleeping bag and guard against mosquitoes and ticks, and consider being vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, too.

Group of people sit at their campsite next to a wooden sailboat.

Ferries serve many of the islands. The larger islands have stores and fresh water, and inns and guest harbors for those who don’t wish to camp. There are many submerged rocks, so a good chart is a must and GPS is wise. Shallow-draft boats have many advantages here, one of which is searching out the best places to camp for the night among the islands. In the more remote outer islands—my favorite—you can find your own island and see seals, eagles, even porpoises if you are very lucky. And if you are extremely lucky, you can meet a swimming elk.

But in this part of the archipelago, there are no stores or facilities, so you have to bring everything with you and leave nothing behind. If I had only a few days, I would take the boat on a trailer as far out into the archipelago as possible, to set out perhaps in the north from Furusund towards Norrpada, in the midsection from Stavsnäs toward Stora Nassa, or in the south from Nynäshamn toward Huvudskär.

A day’s voyage might be well rewarded if you come to one of the many islands that has a sauna that you can use for free!