Skälvik on Svartsö – Nature, Trails and History

Skälvik among lakes, trails and island history

On Svartsö, Skälvik combines nature experiences with historic sites and various ways to explore the island actively. When choosing your accommodation, the key consideration is therefore which focus you prefer: walks and longer routes, insights into the island’s history, or activities on and by the water.

A notable natural landmark is Storträsk, the largest of Svartsö’s five inland lakes. Great northern divers and herons can be found at the inland lakes near Lillträsk. Visitors who want to experience the landscape from more than just the trail can also find sea kayaks on Svartsö: Svartsö Kajak offers sea kayak rentals and kayak storage. On land, visitors can cycle along 14 km of gravel roads. This combination appeals to travellers who want to divide their days between water, nature observation and physical activity.

Svartsö’s historical heritage can be explored in Alsviks by and at Boholmen in Storträsk. Alsviks by is one of the oldest villages on Svartsö. An old stone house built in 1732 stands there. Hembygdsgården is located slightly west of the Alsvik landing stage. It was formerly a mission house and is one of the oldest mission houses in the archipelago. There are also swimming opportunities at Hembygdsgården in Alsvik.

Another historic site lies in Storträsk: Boholmen served as a refuge for the islanders during the Russian devastations of 1719. The combination of lake, village history and recorded events gives the trip a cultural focus without compromising the nature experiences. Those interested in the history of villages, buildings and islanders can specifically include Alsviks by and Hembygdsgården in their daily plans.

For active days, consider the section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail that can be started at the Skälvik ferry landing. The boat connection at Skälviks brygga is another important point of reference when planning your journey. This allows you to base your search for suitable accommodation on your preferred travel activities, without assuming anything about the features of individual properties.

The available options offer different focuses for planning your days: the inland lakes and the bird species mentioned represent nature observation, while cycling, the trail section and sea kayak rental provide various active opportunities. The historic sites add village, architectural and island history to this picture. The combination of lake, trail, village and historic site allows you to change your focus for the day according to your interests. Skälviks brygga is relevant for arrival planning because there is a boat connection there; the Skälvik ferry landing also marks the possible beginning of the trail section mentioned above.

Find more destinations for your travel planning at Ingarö, Stugudden, Stavsnäs, Sandhamn, Värmdö, Kalvsvik, Möja and Runmarö.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Värmdö.