Sweden's Gothenburg And Scenic Islands Pictorial cottages painted in rich tones are set amidst lush greenery and small docks that
reveal themselves with the passing of a solitary ferry making its way through
Stockholm's stunning archipelago. Sweater-clad residents prepare their boats in the brisk
morning air, as seabirds wheel and dive with acrobatic adeptness over the Baltic Sea.
The Stockholm archipelago, one of the largest in the Baltic Sea, consists of 24,000
islands and inlets. Several of the islands within this chain offer visitors a chance to
experience a unique landscape and cultural richness.
Grinda and Vaxholm, two islands located by ferry from Stockholm's inner harbor, Strandvägen, present diverse attractions, from natural landscape and soft adventure to shopping and cuisine. In addition, the ferry ride aboard Stockholm's ship the Cinderella takes about an hour to reach Vaxholm and another 20 minutes to reach Grinda. The ferry expense is minimal and the scenic voyage of the inlet is breathtaking. GrindaGrinda is an enchanting island with only a hotel, its cottages, seasonal campers, small grocery store and farm animals in residence. This bucolic paradise was once a farming island with agriculture. The island, owned by the Archipelago Foundation, is now a recreation area for locals and visitors. Here, day-trippers and hotel guests explore the unspoiled beauty of the small island via numerous easy walking paths and nature trails. These trails continue past tranquilly grazing sheep, wooded areas abundant with fauna and vistas overlooking the majestic inlet. Many additional activities, such as kayaking, sailing and swimming are popular on the island as well.
With it aura of yesteryear, the island and hotel maintains a rare quiet and serenity that affords guests a peaceful night's sleep and soulful rejuvenation. For additional information on Grinda and the Grinda Wärdshus, visit www.grindawardshus.se. For additional information on Stockholm's Cinderella ferry and schedules, visit http://www.stromma.se/en/Skargard/Cinderellabatarna/. VaxholmVaxholm is a wonderful island to visit. Walk through old town, shop, enjoy the historical architecture and eat a lovely meal by the harbor. The main island is quite small and usually a long afternoon is sufficient to explore. Numerous boutiques feature local Swedish apparel and jewelry (Torg 1), as well as aromatic bakeries and a superb chocolate shop (Waxholms Choklad). Visitors can also take advantage of sight-seeing tours, rent kayaks and, when the summer weather arrives, go sun bathing or swimming by Battery Park.Vaxholm is easily accessible and ferries run frequently throughout the day and evening. For additional information, visit www.roslagen.se Marstrand
The island of Marstrand is located by car or bus about one hour from Gothenburg. Just a
two-minute (free) ferry ride from Koön mainland, the island is tiny. The original
inhabitants of this lovely, fairytale island were the Swedish soldiers and prisoners of
Carlsten's Fortress. Although the fortress is now a museum, it is in remarkably good
condition. On special birthdays of the fortress, live, costumed re-enactments of the
Swedish and Danish battles take place with a fervent vigor.
The island is also a favorite retreat for the Swedish royals, as well as a huge boating culture for its residents. While the population is quite small, the island's Victorian white houses with red roofs and buildings are all immaculately maintained and Marstrand seems like a dream to most visitors who are often surprised that such a beautiful place still exists, if it ever existed at all. Marstrand is not expensive to visit and a full day is sufficient to walk around the island and explore its original shops and Swedish architecture. Moreover, the island's restaurants excel in their menus of fresh fish and Swedish delicacies all with outstanding views of the ocean and mainland. Many visitors fall in love with this petite island and wish to spend the night. There are several inns; however, if you want a historic hotel with posh surroundings and experience the very identity of the island, book a stay with the Grand Hotel. Built at the turn-of-the- century, its 22 rooms are well-appointed and cozy with exceptional views of the island and inlet. The hotel's restaurant is excellent and reasonably priced. Manager Britt Hagman is a veritable volume of knowledge about the four-star hotel and its fascinating history. If you happen to make her acquaintance, she will provide local lore and suggestions on places to visit. For addition information on the Grand Hotel, visit www.grandmarstrand.se.
Sweden is a country of great beauty and diverse landscapes. No two islands or cities are
the same. Each trip to her enigmatic shores will inspire visitors to return and admire the
uniqueness of the land and its people.
Patrice Raplee is an experienced travel photojournalist and editor of Travel Excursion and Seattle Spotlight for Positively Entertainment magazine.
She is a member of North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the Recording Academy. Her photographs and articles have appeared in
numerous international publications, as well as NW newspapers such as the Seattle Times, the Stranger, Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian. As a freelance
photojournalist, she has also worked with acclaimed musical entertainers, such as Santana, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler. Patrice has written several
children’s short stories and is currently working on an adult fiction novel for publication.Photos courtesy of Patrice Raplee. © 2008 |
The charming art deco Grinda Wärdshus, originally built in 1908, with its small guest
harbor, is the center of activity on the island. The hotel and fine dining restaurant are
open year-round and cater to holiday seekers, weddings and group or business
conferences. Guests appreciate the cozy hotel ambience and often relax with a good book
in front of the lobby fire or a chat over a glass of wine.
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