Located 50km east of Stockholm in the outer archipelago, the idyllic island of Sandhamn is a magnet for holidaymakers, sailors and yachters. City dwellers and domestic and international tourists flock here during the summer months. Haven't you been there yet? Go there this summer, you won't be disappointed! We’ve created the complete Sandhamn guide with our top tips for things to see and do on Sandhamn. Read and be inspired by our list of tips for restaurants, cafés, attractions and activities, and view our map showing the exact locations of all our suggestions.
There’s a long list of things to see and do on Sandhamn. Here are our top tips for things you can do solo or with friends and family.
Sunbathing and swimming at Trouville
On the southern part of the island, about a 20-minute walk from the harbour, lies the fantastic Trouville beach. This white sandy beach has a distinct Mediterranean feel. It’s an inviting place to spend a long, lazy day of sunbathing and swimming.
Sandhamn Museum
Sandhamn Museum is located right next to the historic Customs House. You can find out more about Sandhamn and what life has been like on a remote archipelago island over the years. The old and exciting exhibits testify to the island’s history over the past centuries. The museum is open daily during the summer.
Harbourside summer shops
Stroll along the harbour and check out the quaint summer shops, where you can buy everything from clothes to souvenirs and books. Looking for summer reading? We suggest books from the hugely popular “Sandhamn Murders” series by Swedish author Viveca Sten.
Harbourside crazy golf
Challenge your friends or family to a fun game of crazy golf! There’s a crazy golf course next to the guest harbour, which is open during the summer. An enjoyable activity for the whole family.
You’ll have no problem finding delicious food and beverages on Sandhamn; just choose the restaurant or café serving what you and your party want! Complete satisfaction guaranteed!
Café Strindsbergsgården
Café Strindbergsgården is a real gem for the whole family, which you simply must visit. Freshly baked waffles served with home-made jam and cream, coffee and pastries, ice cream and delicious food like home-made Toast Skagen. You sit outside in the leafy garden with a view over the harbour.
Sandhamns Värdshus
Sandhamns Värdshus is a classic restaurant dating back to the 1600s. On the menu, you’ll find delicious home-made, archipelago-inspired food, such as steak tartare, fish- and seafood casserole and sirloin steak. The delightful outdoor dining terrace by the water's edge is open during the summer.
Dykarbaren
Dykarbaren has a waterside location and one of the best views over the harbour. This is where local people, regular patrons and tourists from all over the world gather to enjoy delicious, well-prepared food. The aim is to serve top-class food prepared from scratch, well-shaken cocktails and drinks made from premium ingredients, as well as a wide assortment of beers and wines. The outdoor dining terrace is perfect on warm summer evenings!
Sandhamnsbageriet
Copy the locals and visit Sandhamnsbageriet to buy freshly baked bread and pastries for your picnic on the beach. Some real classics that have featured in its range for many years are the Sandhamn loaf, the Hurtbulle, and the sweet Seglarbullen – you simply must try them!
Spending several days at Sandhamn is no problem. If you’d like to stay overnight, you can book a room at one of the island’s hotels. They all offer high standards, friendly service and closeness to the sea.
Sandhamns Seglarhotell
Sandhamns Seglarhotell is the modern archipelago hotel that you’ll find in the harbour. It offers its guests a pool, hot tub, sauna, SPA, yoga, delicious food and a beach club. The 83 rooms have archipelago-inspired interiors. A stay at the hotel always includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, the loan of a bathrobe and slippers, as well as admission to the spa suite.
Sands Hotell
Sands Hotell is modern, elegant and personal. You can either stay in one of the hotel’s 18 rooms or book an apartment with hotel service. The view of the harbour from its conservatories and terraces is hard to beat. Bistro Sand offers delectable flavours, a vibrant menu and wine list, as well as a welcoming atmosphere.
As Sandhamn is located in the outer reaches of the Stockholm Archipelago, you must come here by boat. Fast & easy – by private boat – a cruise with experiences along the way: choose the option that suits you best!
Travel by Cinderella Boat – fast and easy
If you want a fast and easy way to get to Sandhamn, you should book a ticket on a Cinderella Boat. The journey takes just over two hours from central Stockholm, and along the way you can see and experience the fantastic archipelago. The on-board café sells beverages, sandwiches, coffee and cake, and hot food. On departures with the M/S Cinderella II, you can book a table in the restaurant and eat lunch or dinner from the boat’s à la carte menu.
Take the boat from Stavsnäs
Take an SL bus or car to Stavsnäs, the journey takes no more than an hour from central Stockholm. There is plenty of long-stay parking at the harbour in Stavsnäs. From here you can take the Sandhamnspilen. The journey from Stavsnäs to Sandhamn takes about 30 minutes.
Guest harbour – take your own boat
If you have a private boat, you can moor at the guest harbour on Sandhamn. During peak season it is advisable to pre-book your berth to make sure of it. The harbour and island offer all the amenities you could possibly need.
Thousand Islands Cruise – stop at Sandhamn
The exclusive all-day Thousand Islands Cruise is a unique experience for anyone who wants to spend a whole day enjoying the archipelago. During the day, you’ll receive the best service aboard the M/S Waxholm III, with morning coffee, lunch, afternoon coffee and a two-course dinner with aperitif. Inbetween meals, you enjoy the archipelago scenery, and listen to the guide’s anecdotes and stories. The boat makes stops at three archipelago islands, where you get the chance to go ashore and join guided walks. Kymendö (Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s summer island), scenic Bullerön and Sandhamn are the islands you can visit during the cruise. The stop at Sandhamn is about one hour long.
Strömma Canal Tour to Sandhamn
Come aboard the M/S Strömma Kanal for the Strömma Canal Tour to Sandhamn if you’d like to get better acquainted with the archipelago. The tour is guided and covers large parts of the archipelago. You’ll see beautiful merchants’ villas, lush nature and magnificent marine scenery, with cobs, skerries and seabirds. Once you arrive at Sandhamn, you can choose whether to explore the island for yourself or join the guided walk.
Tips – Book the Strömma Canal Tour to Sandhamn with lunch on the outgoing or return trip; pre-book for a guaranteed place on board.
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