Skälvik: Lakes, Village History and Trails on Svartsö

Skälvik combines the landscape of Svartsö with fascinating insights into village history and the island’s natural environment. The area is a good starting point if you would like to combine water, historic buildings, and active pursuits during your trip. The section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Svartsö can be started at Skälvik ferry landing. Skälviks brygga also has a boat connection, making it an important reference point when planning your accommodation and excursions on the island.

Lakes and nature around Skälvik

One of the area’s distinctive landscape features is Storträsk. The lake is the largest of Svartsö’s five inland lakes and therefore gives the area a different character from a purely coastal landscape. Red-throated divers and herons can be found at the inland lakes near Lillträsk. Those who enjoy birdwatching or incorporating waterscapes into their daily plans will find specific nature experiences here to include in their trip.

The water can also be incorporated into different types of holiday days. There are swimming opportunities at the Hembygdsgården in Alsvik. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Skälvik, it may therefore be decisive whether you are primarily planning hikes, nature observation, or a stay with time by the water.

Alsvik and the history of Svartsö

Alsviks by is one of the oldest villages on Svartsö. This historic setting is home to the old stone house in Alsviks by, built in 1732. Such tangible traces also make the island interesting for travellers who would like to learn more about its long-established settlement history in addition to enjoying the landscape and activities.

The 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. You can mark this place as a cultural and historical focus on your daily itinerary, while the swimming opportunities at the Hembygdsgården provide a different point of interest. Another historical reference point is Boholmen in Storträsk: during the Russian devastations of 1719, the island’s inhabitants used the site as a place of refuge. In this way, the lake landscape is linked to a specific chapter in the island’s history.

Hiking, cycling and kayaking

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail offers an opportunity to explore Svartsö on foot. Its section can be started at Skälvik ferry landing. Those choosing their holiday accommodation according to their planned activities may therefore wish to consider Skälvik particularly if this section of the trail is part of their itinerary.

Cyclists can use 14 km of gravel roads on Svartsö. In addition, Svartsö Kajak offers sea-kayak rentals and kayak storage. This creates different ways to plan your trip: you can focus your days more on hiking, cycling, or excursions on the water.

More places for orientation

Sandhamn, Runmarö, Möja, Stugudden, Stavsnäs, Gustavsberg, Ingarö, Kalvsvik.

For the broader travel overview: Värmdö.