Holiday apartment in Värmdö – archipelago, nature and culture

The thousands of islands of Värmdö make up a large part of the Stockholm archipelago. At the same time, Värmdö’s natural environment is shaped by its proximity to the sea and an old cultural landscape. The area has 44 nature reserves and one national park. As a result, coastal landscapes, forests, lakes, islands and places shaped by cultural history exist side by side.

Nature

In Nämdöskärgårdens National Park, visitors can hike along cliffs and beaches in tranquil coastal landscapes and observe birdlife among the skerries. Bullerö is home to the entrance to the national park, information boards, a small exhibition and other visitor services. There is also a campsite, a year-round warming hut, a public wood-fired sauna, barbecue areas, walking loops and several natural harbours.

Ösbyträsk Nature Reserve lies east of the centre of Gustavsberg and surrounds the three-part lake Ösbyträsk. Beavers have settled at Ösbyträsk; clearly gnawed and felled trees can be seen along parts of the shore. In Hamnskogen Eriksberg Nature Reserve, varied dense and more open woodland alternate. There are also wide views over fjords as well as cultural-historical and archaeological remains.

Geographical setting

Most of the excursion destinations in the municipal Värmdö guide can be reached by bus or scheduled boat. Värmdö has more than 180 small-boat harbours, guest harbours and club-owned islands. The connection between the mainland, islands, bays and waterways therefore also shapes the area’s spatial diversity.

Hiking and water

Ösbyrundan is a 4.5-kilometre hiking trail around Ösbyträsk; a section near the bathing area has been adapted for accessibility. The approximately 6-kilometre signposted circular trail Hälsans stig runs through the northern part of Gustavsberg and can be walked year-round. Värmdöleden is approximately 25 kilometres long and divided into three stages. It runs mostly through scenic areas of cultural and historical interest.

Artipelag has an approximately 1-kilometre-long waterfront walkway through the forest, over cliffs and along open water, which is also suitable for wheelchair users and families with prams. Anyone may fish with hand-held fishing gear in all sea bays and in Lake Mälaren. In Värmdö, swimming is possible from rocks, beaches and bathing jetties; municipal facilities with sandy beaches can be found throughout the area.

Culture

The Gustavsberg Collection comprises more than 45,000 objects. These include studio ceramics, display vases, everyday tableware, sanitary ceramics, as well as art and design made of enamel and plastic; the objects were produced at the Gustavsberg factory between 1825 and 1993. A selection is exhibited at the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum.

Värmdö kulturhus is located in Gustavsberg’s former household porcelain factory. It offers programmes and activities with different content for various age groups and interests. The kulturhus also houses the 26-square-metre exhibition room Galleri i, where artists, craftspeople, associations and schools can exhibit. Fotoparken is a permanent open-air exhibition of contemporary photography in Gustavsberg.

At the Artipelag Restaurant, all dishes are freshly prepared by the chefs; seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are used, inspired by the surrounding nature. Skärgårdsmuseet Stavsnäs has permanent exhibitions and temporary special exhibitions that change each year. Its permanent exhibition, partly equipped with audio stations, offers 16 listening stations marked with QR codes.

History

Fredriksborg Fortress on Värmdö is open to visitors. On guided tours, visitors can learn about the history of the fortress. Fredriksborg was ready for action in 1733 and was intended to defend the narrow Oxdjupet passage outside Vaxholm.

When considering a holiday apartment in Värmdö or accommodation for your stay, you can compare the displayed offers with one another. This allows you to verify the points that are important to you directly in the offer.

Additional local pages: Ingaröstrand, Stavsnäs, Värmdö, Sandhamn, Kalvsvik, Gustavsberg, Ingarö, Stugudden, Runmarö, Möja, Skälvik.

To the higher-level travel overview: Stockholm.