2008 April

Stockholm Archipelago

For all its wonderful castles and museums, restaurants, shops and night life, no trip to Stockholm is complete without at least a short excursion to the archipelago. It consists of 24,000 islands, from big to small, some inhabited, others large enough for only a smattering of wildflowers. In the nineteenth century the archipelago became a favorite retreat for the wealthy and famous, who began to build summer residences here. More recently the archipelago has become an experience shared by people from all walks of life–during the peak summer months the areas 10,000 permanent residents are joined by weekenders and vacationers from the city, who fill the cottages and homes of the islands and the pleasure boats that cruise the waterways in between. Day trips to the larger islands of the archipelago can be made by car or bus; however, to see the islands at their best requires a boat. There is a wide variety of scheduled and charter boats available, most departing regularly from downtown Stockholm outside the Grand Hotel. Some are “jazz and shrimp” evening cruises. If you love sailing, you might consider renting your own boat; however, if you are in Stockholm for only a short stay the best mode of travel is by steamship, especially one of the authentic century-old steamers. Among the few ships of their kind still in operation, these grand vessels offer a trip into the graceful travel of the past as well as the captivating beauty of the archipelago.

Exploring the archipelago thoroughly could take a long, pleasant lifetime. For those on a more limited schedule, however, here are a few of the more enchanting ports of call.

Fjäderholmarna
This conveniently-located little cluster of islands is a favorite excursion for Stockholm residents, who come to meander among its historic buildings, its small shops and restaurants, and its bustling harbor area. Fjäderholmarnas fine aquarium is especially popular among the islands younger visitors.

Vaxholm
For many, the island of Vaxholm typifies the attractions of Archipelago life, from the intimate scale of the harbor town to the striking natural beauty of the island itself. Vaxholm island is situated astride what used to be the primary waterway from the Baltic to Stockholm, and so its exceptionally picturesque harbor is graced by a brooding 16th century fortress. Now a museum, the fortress houses exhibits chronicling the history of life in the Archipelago as well as displaying an extensive collection of weaponry, maps, and other materials related to its own colorful history.

Birka
Set on the verdant island of Björkö, Birka is a town with a fascinating historical and archaeological heritage. It was Swedens first sizable community, having established substantial trading links with Europe more than 1,200 years ago. Today Birka is a UNESCO. UNESCO World Heritage site, and its past has been brought alive in the recently-opened Viking Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into everyday living conditions in Birka more than a millenium ago.

Sandhamn
This diminutive community, with a year-round population of less than 150, is best known as the host of one of Swedensbiggest sailing events-the Round Gotland Race. Sandhamns skyline (if a village can be said to have a skyline) is dominated by the signal tower of the Royal Sailing Club (KSSS), which occupies an 18th-century custom-house. Around the KSSS are the towns tiny, closely-built houses, shops, and restaurants.

If you are looking for accommodation in Stockholm, we are at your service!

American Airlines has had too cancel more than 2500 flights this past week, due to extra inspections on one of the most common aircrafts in the fleet: McDonnell Douglas MD 80:s. All airlines’ MD 80:s are up for inspections, but American Airlines has been hardest due to it’s  size and the big number of the aircraft type.

Scandinavian Airlines also has a large number of MD 80:s. Whether the Scandinavian Authorities will take similar initiative as it’s American counterpart, is unclear.

Viking Airlines, with routes to several destinations in the middle east, has has an aircraft standing on the ground at Copenhagen Airport for two days - and the passengers are stuck. It’s not the first time the airline is in trouble.  It has regularly problems with it’s poayments and is haunted by collection services. It is also listed by Swedish Consumer Ombudsman as a business with bad tracking record.