Värmdö between the archipelago, nature and culture

The thousands of islands of Värmdö form a large part of the Stockholm archipelago. The landscape is shaped by its proximity to the sea and an old cultural landscape. The locations available for direct selection include Ingaröstrand, Stavsnäs, Värmdö, Kalvsvik, Sandhamn, Gustavsberg, Ingarö, Stugudden, Runmarö, Möja and Skälvik.

Most destinations in the municipal Värmdö guide can be reached by bus or scheduled boat.

Nature

Värmdö has 44 nature reserves and one national park. In Nämdöskärgårdens National Park, visitors can hike along cliffs and beaches in tranquil coastal landscapes and observe birdlife among the islands.

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 heated shelter, a public wood-fired sauna, barbecue areas, walking trails and several natural harbours.

Ösbyträsk Nature Reserve lies east of central Gustavsberg and surrounds the three-part lake Ösbyträsk. Ösbyrundan is a 4.5-kilometre hiking trail around Ösbyträsk; a section near the bathing area is adapted for accessibility. Beavers have settled in the lake, and clearly gnawed and felled trees can be seen along parts of the shore.

The approximately 6-kilometre signposted circular trail Hälsans stig runs through the northern part of Gustavsberg and can be walked year-round. Hamnskogen Eriksberg Nature Reserve combines varied dense and more open forests with expansive views over fjords as well as cultural-historical and archaeological remains.

Hiking

Värmdöleden is approximately 25 kilometres long and divided into three stages. It runs mainly through scenic areas of cultural and historical interest. Ösbyrundan, Hälsans stig and Värmdöleden offer trails of different lengths and layouts; the Artipelag boardwalk adds a short coastal route to this selection.

Artipelag has an approximately 1-kilometre-long boardwalk through the forest, over cliffs and along open water, which is also suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.

Water

Anyone may fish with hand-held fishing equipment in all sea bays and in Lake Mälaren. In Värmdö, swimming is possible from rocks, beaches and bathing jetties; municipal facilities with sandy beaches are located throughout the area.

Värmdö has more than 180 small-boat harbours, guest harbours and club-owned islands.

Culture

The Gustavsberg Collection comprises more than 45,000 objects; a selection is on display at the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum. The collection includes 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.

At Artipelag Restaurant, all dishes are freshly prepared by the chefs. Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are used, inspired by the surrounding nature.

Fredriksborg Fortress on Värmdö is open to visitors. During 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.

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

Skärgårdsmuseet Stavsnäs has permanent exhibitions and temporary special exhibitions that change annually. Its permanent exhibition, which is partly equipped with audio stations, offers 16 listening stations marked with QR codes.

Fotoparken is a permanent open-air exhibition of contemporary photography in Gustavsberg.

To the main travel overview: Stockholm.