Sweden

Brief facts on the subject

• Swedish island destinations range from the Stockholm archipelago over the west coast to Gotland and Öland.
• Gotland is suitable for history, coastal landscapes and a longer island trip; Öland is easily accessible via a bridge.
• The archipelagos of Stockholm and Gothenburg combine nature holidays with excursions by ferry and short stays by the water.
• June to August offers the longest days for cycling, hiking, bathing and boat trips; Spring and autumn are quieter.
• On any island trip, ferry times, luggage, shopping, heating and the distance from the jetty to the accommodation must match.
• Rock banks, sandy beaches, jetties and shallow bathing spots differ greatly and should be checked before booking.

Swedish islands are suitable for travelers who want to combine water, forest, expanse and quiet daily routines. The most important difference is not only between North and South, but between archipelago holidays, big Holiday island and short coastal journey. If you first define the landscape, desired mobility and excursion radius, it is easier to find a suitable holiday home than if you search for the most famous place name. For the other Selection within Island holidays Gotland, Öland, the Stockholm Archipelago and the West Coast are particularly comparable.

Stockholm archipelago: islands with ferry and nature

The archipelago east of Stockholm consists of many inhabited and uninhabited islands. Vaxholm is an important starting point with port, shops and connections to the outer archipelago. Grinda is due Hiking trails, bathing sites and the natural atmosphere are chosen, while Sandhamn is more strongly characterized by harbour life, sailing and summer infrastructure. On Utö, forest paths, bathing places, small towns and History of the former mining. For the regional orientation offers Visit to Sweden supplementary official travel information.

Accommodation on an inner archipelago is often easier to reach and offers more choice in shopping and gastronomy. In the outer archipelagos, the landscape is more open and quieter, for which you must connecting ferries, luggage transport and supplies are planned more precisely. As a capital city, Stockholm remains a practical starting point for culture, museums and the first or last overnight stay. Those who travel without a car should Away from the jetty to the house, match the duration of the last ferry and the possibilities for food before booking.

Gotland: Visby, coast and vast landscapes

Gotland is the largest Swedish island and offers enough variety for an independent holiday week or a longer round trip. Visby is the most important place and at the same time the central port for arrival. The Medieval city walls, church ruins, alleys and the location on the sea make Visby the suitable location for culture, restaurants and short distances. Outside the city, open fields, pine forests, Steep coasts and shallow stretches of bathing.

Fårö north of Gotland is known for the peculiar limestone formations, vast beaches and landscape surrounding the former shooting locations of Ingmar Bergman. The short ferry service from the north of Gotland makes Fårö to a good day destination, but with an accommodation there should be considered the limited supply. Ljugarn in the east combines beach, summer houses and quieter local life. Slite in the northeast is through port, Supply and proximity to other coastal destinations practical. For a house on Gotland therefore not only sea views and land, but also travel times, shopping, parking and the distance to the ferry port.

Öland: Beaches, Borgholm and the connection to the mainland

Öland is located off the southeast coast and can be reached via the bridge of Kalmar without additional island ferries. This easy journey also makes the island interesting for families and shorter stays. Borgholm is the The most important holiday destination with port, restaurants and the ruins of Borgholm Castle. In the south are the open Stora Alvaret, windmills, small villages and a special cultural landscape. Färjestaden at the bridge crossing is convenient for arrival, shopping and excursions to Kalmar; Mörbylånga offers a quieter starting point in the south.

In the north are among others Byxelkrok, Böda and long sandy beaches. There, holiday homes with a garden, bicycle parking space and a short distance to the beach fit for a natural family or active holiday. The west side is More focused on the view to Kalmar and the bridge connections, while the east side seems quieter and more open in many places. The planned daily destinations help with the selection: Those who travel to Kalmar often should Remain west; those who seek beaches and landscape may prefer the north or south.

West coast of Sweden: Gothenburg, Marstrand and Bohuslän

North of Gothenburg begins a rugged coastline with archipelagos, granite rocks and small port towns. Gothenburg is the largest city in the region and is suitable for a combined city and coastal holiday. Marstrand is with its fortress, the sailing port and the car-free areas a popular excursion destination. On Tjörn and Orust you will find larger holiday home areas, rocks on the water and good possibilities for bike and boat tours. Smögen is known for the long wooden walkway at the port, Fjällbacka for the archipelago and the proximity to other coastal towns; Strömstad is located in the north near the Norwegian border and has an important port.

The west coast is especially suitable for travelers who want to connect port towns, fishing, kayaking and rocky bathing spots. Accommodation on the mainland offers more flexibility for excursions while a house on Tjörn or Orust is faster in nature. In the high season, parking, bridges, small streets and restaurants are more busy. For houses on the water should be pier, boat, shore access and protection from wind not presumed, but clearly checked in the description.

Smaller island destinations in the south and inland

Ven im Öresund is a small island between Sweden and Denmark and is mainly connected with bicycles, cliffs and short breaks. The ferry from Landskrona brings travelers to the island; for a longer Stay is important luggage, bicycle transport and local supply. Visingsö im Vättern is not a sea island, but an interesting destination for cyclists and families. The island is from Gränna by ferry accessible and offers quiet paths as well as historical impressions. Such smaller destinations are more suitable for a short trip or as a component of a tour of southern Sweden than for a holiday with a daily excursion program.

Which Swedish island is suitable for which holiday?

For a holiday without a car and with ferry experience, well-connected archipelagos near Stockholm or Gothenburg make sense. Those who want to connect historic cities, long coasts and several regions will find on Gotland More space. Öland is suitable for travellers who want to arrive without additional ferry planning and choose between beaches, cultural landscape and excursions to Kalmar. The west coast is a good choice for port towns, rocks, Kayak and maritime atmosphere. Families should also take notes when choosing Apartment with children take into account; When traveling with a dog, paths, nature areas and local rules are out.Traveling with a dog to be included in advance.

Arrival, mobility and travel time

Stockholm and Gothenburg are important flight and train destinations for starting an island holiday. Gotland is usually reached by ferry, while Öland is accessible via the Kalmar bridge. On the larger Islands, a car makes it easier to switch between beaches, places and remote houses. In the archipelago, ferries and buses can be the better solution, as long as timetables and luggage paths fit the accommodation. The instructions to Arrival and departure and Travel arrangements help to plan arrival time, supplies, ferry buffers and the first purchase together.

June to August offers the longest bright days and the best conditions for swimming, cycling and boat trips, but also the highest demand. May and September are often quieter and for hiking as well as Site visits are pleasant, but can be cooler and more changeable. Those who travel outside the summer should Travel times pay particular attention to open gastronomy, ferry offer, heating and short daylight phases.

Choose holiday home in Sweden appropriately

On the water, heating, dry storage, mosquito protection and safe access are more important than the largest possible living space. For families, flat bathing spots, short distances, bedrooms and a kitchen for self-sufficiency. Anyone who brings bicycles, kayaks or fishing equipment needs a dry and safe parking space. At a remote archipelago, shopping, drinking water, garbage, key delivery and The last ferry will be cleared. The test points of Check holiday accommodation before booking help to specify the equipment, location and accessibility before booking.

In addition to the rent, final cleaning, bed linen, electricity, wood, ferry trips, parking and travel to the jetty can play a role in the total costs. A close comparison of Costs and additional costs prevents a favorable weekly price from rising significantly through additional ways or services. If you first want to compare the suitable accommodation type, you will find Rent a holiday home the most important selection criteria for holiday homes and holiday apartments.

Frequent questions about Swedish islands

Which Swedish island is suitable for your first holiday?

Gotland and Öland are good entry points because they combine many places, landscapes and accommodation types. For an archipelago, ferry and luggage planning should be checked particularly closely.

What is the difference between Gotland and Öland?

Gotland is reached by ferry and offers more island feel with Visby, Fårö and distant coasts. Öland is accessible via the bridge and is easier to connect with Kalmar.

Do you need a car in the Stockholm archipelago?

On many inner islands, ferries, buses and footpaths are rich. With a remote accommodation or large supplies, a car up to the jetty can still be handy.

Is it possible to swim in the sea in Sweden?

Yes. There are sandy beaches, rock banks and bathing spots on jetties. Water depth, access, wind and water temperature vary by region.

Is a holiday home on the water suitable for families?

Yes, if the shore, pier and paths are safe and the accommodation has heating, kitchen, shade and suitable sleeping places. The local bathing situation should be clarified in advance.

Is Sweden suitable for a holiday with a dog?

Many regions are well suited, but accommodation permits, linen rules, nature areas, ferry regulations and safe bathing spots must be checked before travel.