Finnhamn

Finnhamn is really three islands - Stora Jolpan, Idholmen and Lillskar - with the main one held by the Archipelago Foundation as a reserve. The name comes from the Finnish boats that anchored here on the run to Stockholm. A yellow villa built in 1915 works as a hostel, there are cabins and a campsite, and the ground is kept as it was farmed: meadows grazed by sheep and cattle, which keeps the flower-rich sward that would otherwise close to scrub. Around that are pine, bare rock and swimming places. Kayaks can be hired. It is far enough out that the water is clear and the islands to the east are the last before open sea.

Background

Strictly speaking, Finnhamn is the natural harbour on Stora Jolpan, though the name is now often used for the island as well. It belongs to Österåker Municipality, with Ingmarsö to the west and Husarö to the east. Stockholm City bought it in 1943. The 1915 house was built by a wealthy coal merchant, and the youth hostel inside stays open all year round. A restaurant and a shop open in season. Cinderellabåtarna and Waxholmsbolaget run scheduled ferries, and the trip from the centre of Stockholm takes around two and a half hours.

Source: Wikipedia, "Finnhamn"

What's there

• Three islands under one name - Stora Jolpan, Idholmen, Lillskar.
• A 1915 villa as hostel - with cabins and camping.
• Grazed flower meadows - kept open by sheep and cattle.
• Clear outer-archipelago water - and rock for swimming.

When to go

June to August; boats are sparse otherwise. A full day or overnight.

Things to know

The crossing takes two to three hours each way. Services close outside summer. Accommodation is simple and books early. Weather turns the crossing rough at times.

Nearby

Grinda is closer in; Moja and Sandhamn are south-east.

Key facts