The Seafaring Life

The Seafaring Life

At heart, modern Swedes are still seafaring Vikings. Sweden's cultural dependence on boats runs so deep that a popular gift at Christmas is candles containing creosote, providing the comforting scent of dock and hull for when sailors can't be on their boats. In summer, thousands of craft jostle among the islands of the archipelago. Statistics claim there are more than 250,000 boats in the Stockholm archipelago alone.

Island Hopping, Archipelago, Stockholm. Beauty and sheer relaxation don't come any better than this. Whether you hitch a ride or charter your own boat, exploring the 25,000 islands of Stockholm's archipelago is among the greatest Swedish adventures.

Vasamuseet, Stockholm. Those interested in boats will be fascinated by the Vasa, a warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was raised nearly intact in 1961. The sheer bulk of this man-of-war is awe-inspiring, and the accompanying exhibition offers an interesting insight into maritime life of old.

Summers in Gotland. Sweden's rugged holiday island is the perfect place for swimming, boating, and sea kayaking. Views of the island from the water beat those of the water from the island—and nothing beats a Gotland sunset from a bobbing boat of your own.

SS Mariefred, Mariefred. Catch a ride on the world's oldest continuous-service steamship. Mariefred has chugged along faithfully for more than 100 years between Stockholm and the town of the ship's name. Still with its original engine and fittings, the boat offers a charming three-hour trip.