You might recognise Sandhamn from the Sandhamn Murders series, but have you ever thought of it as a stunning travel destination?
This Swedish island, where sand beaches meet pine forests, is being touted as the perfect summer escape away from the crowds, heatwaves, and pickpockets of the more popular European summer destinations.
Sandhamn, which means “sand harbour” in Swedish, is an island on the outer-edge of the Stockholm archipelago, and a hidden gem where you can enjoy the white sands and clear waters of Trouville Beach.
Trouville Beach is a long beach located just a 15-minute walk from the island harbour across a beautiful pine forest.
The harbour is charming with a sea-pilot station, the Sandhamn Yacht Club, small sailboats and typical Swedish-style cottages, as well as plenty of local shops and restaurants to chose from.
Sandhamn offers plenty of activities such as kayaking and bicycle rentals.
The island is 50km away from Stockhom and about a two-hour ferry ride from the capital city on the Cinderella Båtarna or the Waxholmsbolaget ferry service.
The Stockholm Archipelago Trail which opened in October is a unique 270 km hiking trail that winds through the Stockholm Archipelago including Sandhamn, where visitors can travel between sections using the public ferry network, offering flexibility to explore the trail for a day or up to two weeks.
Sandhamn is a great place to go if you love sailing with numerous events taking place there including the presitigious Gotland Runt race whcih starts and finishes in Sandhamn each year.
The museum provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to discover the island’s transformation from a pilot station and maritime hub to a summer retreat for the country’s elite, and now to its current status as a popular yachting destination as well as an inspiration for many poets and writers.
Fans of murder mysteries and Nordic Noir might recognise Sandhamn as the island where Mikael Blomkvist seeks refuge in the Millenium series and as the primary setting of Viveca Sten’s The Sandhamn Murders book and TV series.
Places to stay include the Sandhamn Seglarhotellet located near the marina with a bar, restaurant and spa or the charming Bed and Breakfast, Sandhamns Vandrarhem, located in the middle of the village.
