Sharon K Kurtz

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Just 30 minutes by boat from central Stockholm, I found myself on Stora Fjäderholmen, the largest of the Fjäderholmarna islands and the closest taste of the Stockholm Archipelago. 🚤🇸🇪

These islands were first mentioned in records dating back to 1381 and have worn many hats over the centuries—trading post, tavern stop for fishermen, battleground in Sweden’s famous 19th-century “aquavit wars,” and even a naval installation during the 20th century.

Today, Stora Fjäderholmen is all about slowing down. Artists and craftspeople work in tiny studios, ferries arrive with day-trippers, and visitors linger over seafood lunches while watching sailboats glide across the Baltic. The island may be small, but it delivers everything people imagine when they dream of the Swedish archipelago—rocky shores, red cottages, sea breezes, and endless views.

With more than 30,000 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, this was my perfect introduction to one of Sweden’s most beautiful landscapes. 🌊

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06/16/2026

Such a peaceful corner of Stockholm ❤️

06/13/2026

Kayaking through the waters of Donsö was one of the highlights of my time in Sweden’s Southern Archipelago. 🚣‍♀️🇸🇪

I pedaled across the bridge from neighboring Styrsö to meet my guide, Mathias Dawidsson, at the marina.

We paddled a double kayak—a practical choice in these open waters and perfect for me since I wanted to take photos along the way. Shorebirds, grazing sheep, rocky coastlines, and sea views made every turn memorable.

Mathias has lived on Donsö his entire life and is now raising his family here. Home to about 1,600 year-round residents, Donsö is a close-knit island community where generations have earned their living through fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime trades.

The island is part of Gothenburg’s Southern Archipelago, a collection of car-free islands scattered across Sweden’s west coast, where ferries and bicycles connect communities and the sea remains central to daily life.

Listening to Mathias share stories of island life gave me a deeper appreciation for this unique corner of Sweden. Göteborg/Gothenburg: The Official Guide

06/13/2026

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06/11/2026