Norrtälje Kapellskär

The town of Norrtälje lies close to Sweden’s Baltic coast, at the end of a long, narrow bay. As its name suggests, the town is situated to the north when viewed from the capital and Baltic metropolis of Stockholm. Norrtälje marks the northern boundary of Stockholm County, although the town itself belongs to the historic province of Uppland. The area immediately around Norrtälje, just north of Stockholm, is also known as Roslagen (roughly, “rowing crew”). It is also considered the starting point for the Swedish Viking expeditions across the Baltic Sea to Russia. Roslagen promotes itself with 13,000 skerries as the northern part of the Stockholm archipelago (Stockholms Skärgård), along with Ängsö National Park, sea eagles, seals, kayaking, sailing, and stays in historic surroundings. For spontaneous holiday plans, the boat-hopping pass (Båtluffarkortet) is a convenient option: it lets you use the many Waxholm ferry company boats as often as you like for five days.

The town of Norrtälje itself is the capital of Roslagen, a small town with charming historic buildings and a street layout dating back to its founding. Norrtälje was founded in 1622 by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf, and was destroyed in 1719 during an attack by Russian troops. Norrtälje developed comparatively early, in the 19th century, into one of the best-known seaside resorts on Sweden’s Baltic coast. The town’s particular appeal comes from its blend of modernity and history, reflected, among other things, in its shopping and restaurants. Visitors to the Baltic coast will find what is probably Sweden’s finest pastry shop in Norrtälje, and in summer the whole town comes alive during its jazz days. The art gallery, Roslags Museum, a former rifle factory, a restaurant ship in the harbor, and, since 2007, a children’s workshop are Norrtälje’s main attractions.

Norrtälje is connected to Stockholm by European route E18, which continues east for about 20 kilometers to the small port town of Kapellskär on the outer Baltic coast. Kapellskär has been a departure point for voyages across the Baltic for centuries and is therefore also known as the “Gateway to the East.” Its name comes from a chapel where sailors placed themselves in God’s hands. Kapellskär harbor has become one of Sweden’s largest ferry ports, served mainly by ferries to Mariehamn in the Åland Islands, between Sweden and Finland in the middle of the Baltic Sea, as well as to Turku (Finland) and Estonia. Bus services to and from the capital and Baltic metropolis of Stockholm connect with the ferries.

With its many holiday homes and campsites, the town of Norrtälje in Roslagen, its surroundings, and the port suburb of Kapellskär rank among Sweden’s most important holiday destinations, offering a blend of proximity to nature, plenty of Baltic Sea waters, history, and convenient transport links.

You can book your holiday home in Norrtälje directly.