About the section
Sandhamn is probably the most famous place in the Stockholm archipelago.
Known for its bustling life and the beautiful houses in and around the village, the harbor is full of boat guests during the summer.
However, few people know what lies beyond the restaurants, hotels, beaches, and crowds. Sandhamn has very beautiful forests and nature. The sparse pine forest is a dream to walk in. The numerous spots where the view of the sea and horizon takes over make you want to linger.
The section is easy to hike but at the same time bewilderingly beautiful.
How to hike the section?
The section starts from the quay where the public ferries arrive. Here, you are in the heart of the Sandhamn community. We recommend walking left, clockwise around the trail on Sandhamn.
From the quay, the trail goes behind the Seglarhotellet on the gravel road. Of course, you can walk in front and look at all the boats before heading up the hill along the only natural road eastward.
From there, follow the trail with a view of the sea almost the entire way around. In some places, you are a bit more in the forest.
You cross several beautiful sandy beaches. You can find the trail more or less straight across to the other side. Enjoy the beautiful spots and the lovely houses you pass.
After the large beach Trouville, at the southeasternmost point, the trail follows the southern coast. Here you have the magical pine forest on one side and the sea, horizon and beach on the other. So beautiful.
When you reach the western point, the trail goes back via the cemetery into the village. Follow the trail up on the knoll with a view northward, walk between the houses, and be captivated by the beautiful homes.
Eventually, you will come out beside Sandhamns Värdshus and the pilot station. From there, you see the quay you started from. Now you can take the opportunity to stop at one of the tempting places for something good to drink or eat.
The sections of Sandhamn and Runmarö go very well together.
Trail marking
On Sandhamn, the trail is sparsely marked to be in harmony with the many landowners.
Follow the trail marked with ribbons and arrows where blue represents the sea, the yellow represents the sun, and a reflecting center line represents the shimmering horizon. This also makes the trail visible in the light of a headlamp.
The marking of the trail is done in one direction, either clockwise or anti-clockwise according to “How to hike the section?”. Where it is obvious where you should walk the marking is sporadic, where it is unclear or at intersections the marking is much closer together. If you do not see a marking continue straight on the path you are on or check out your position in the digital map.
Accessibility on the trail
On Sandhamn, there are many possibilities if you have a stroller, if you have limited mobility or if you are in a wheelchair.
The only real limitation is how far you want to go.
Note that on the sandy beaches, it can be quite soft and tricky, but besides that, you can choose any forest tracks you want.
About Sandhamn
Sandhamn is actually the name of the village on Sandön, but colloquially it is used for the whole island. It is an island composed of sand and pine forest in the outer archipelago.
Sandhamn was historically a grazing island and a natural harbor where ships could take shelter from the weather.
From the late 1600s, customs established themselves on the island, and a small community grew. During the Russian Pillage of 1719, the entire island was burned down. But shortly after, it was rebuilt. During the mid-1800s, the pilot station also moved to Sandhamn, where they are still active.
In the early 1900s, many of Stockholm’s elite established themselves in Sandhamn during the summer. You can still see this in the beautiful houses on the island. The main reason for this was that the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) opened its clubhouse in 1897.
In modern times, Sandhamn is known as the start and finish for the Gotland Runt regatta and for being featured in several TV series.
Plan your trip
You can travel to Sandhamn year-round from Stavsnäs. During the summer months, you can take the Cinderella boat from Stockholm City via Vaxholm and also travel with the North-South line.
Search for Sandhamn in Google’s travel planner below.
Eat, sleep and do on Sandhamn
Sandhamn has it all.
Nice hotels like Seglarhotellet, Sands, and Missionhuset. Plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Additionally, there is a plethora of activities. See Sandhamnsguiderna for tips.
The right of public access – an obligation when venturing into nature
In Sweden we have a common law called “The Right of public access”. It is fantastic to have the freedom to roam but it comes with obligations. The existence of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is solely thanks to the goodwill of all landowners. In nature, we respect all people, all animals, and all protected areas. We leave only footprints behind and we take only memories with us.
Please take whatever garbage you generate back to the mainland where waste management works and is available. On the islands it is expensive and complicated. Please use public toilets or make sure that there is no trace left behind.
From March to September, dogs must always be kept on a leash.
Respect fire bans and absolutely do not light fires on the rocks. They crack.
Read more here