Not everyone knows that the island is actually called Sandön (Sand Island) – and that because it consists mainly of sand. Sandhamn is the harbor in the northern part of the island, where i.a. The sailing hotel is located. Sandön was originally a treeless and barren island that over the years has been transformed into an archipelago paradise.
Pine forests have been planted to bind the sand and today the island, with its peculiar nature with sand dunes and beautiful forest, is ideal for a combining excursion with swimming and nature experiences. Even its location, at the far end of the outermost archipelago with a magnificent view of the open sea and the horizon, makes the island a beautiful and unique place for excursions in the Stockholm archipelago.
The entire inner part of the island is undeveloped and covered by beautiful pine forest. The ground is largely covered by various heather plants, lingonberry and blueberry and soft moss. Across the entire island there are smaller walking paths to walk on. Peace and quiet prevail here all year round.
The island and its surroundings have a rich bird life. In winter, among other things, the tufted duck, common goldeneye, long-tailed duck and merganser can be seen roosting here. Sandhamn is also a classic spot for the white-tailed eagle and during the winter the white-tailed eagle is seen almost daily. In cold winters, several white-tailed eagles can sit along the fairway’s ice chute. The sea around Sandhamn is rich in animal life and apart from the chance to see gray seals in the water’s surface and on cobs and sedges, the water is rich in fish with e.g. sea trout, pike, perch, zander and cod.
Sandhamn is a true archipelago idyll with old pilot houses, fishing huts and summer houses from the turn of the last century. At the entrance to Sandhamn is the beautiful, yellow customs house, which was designed by the castle architect Carl Hårleman. The house was completed in 1752. Among others, Elias Sehlstedt lived in the customs house during his period as customs inspector. Below the customs house is Sandhamn’s own small archipelago museum. The red little house with the bell tower is an old laundry from the 18th century, and inside is a lot of exciting objects that tell about life on the island over the centuries. The museum is open every day during the summer.
A little way into the village, above the old shipyard, is Kvarnberget. From the top of the mountain you have a fantastic view of the sea. A perfect place for a picnic. Further up in the village is the small chapel that was built in 1934. Here is also the old cemetery that was inaugurated in 1834 in connection with Sandhamn’s first cholera epidemic. It is said to have been the pilot Ljungberg who came ill from Stockholm and died within 12 hours. Because of the risk of infection, he was not allowed to be taken to the cemetery on Djurö, but became the cemetery’s first resident. In addition to Ljungberg, many other pilots, customs officers and other seafarers are also buried here.
The staff at the reception know everything there is to know about the island and give you tips and information. There is also a map of the island here and you can order a picnic and get help booking activities.
During the summer weeks, the Sandhamn guides’ tourist information is also open every day. Here you can rent bikes and carts or book a fun activity. Fishing and casting rods and many other items for archipelago activities are also sold here.
