The Island of Skeppsholmen in Stockholm is one of the hidden gems many tourists do not find out about during their trip to Sweden. Even though Stockholm is mainly known as the city capital of Sweden, it is in fact an Archipelago. The Archipelago of Sweden consists of about 30,000 islands and islets, but only 200 of them are inhabited. The Island of Skeppsholmen is one of these islands that is located right in the city center and offers spectacular views to all that want to admire the most amazing buildings in Sweden.

Castellet is a small citadel located on the islet Kastellholmen, which is connected to the Island of Skeppsholmen through a bridge in central Stockholm, Sweden. Photo by Astrit Malsija on Unsplash.

If you want to take a glimpse of Stockholm and the local culture, head to the island of Skeppsholmen. Besides the museums and mesmerizing viewpoints, this island is an oasis of nature and tranquility. When you want to run away from the hum of the city, this is the best choice.

How to Reach the Island of Skeppsholmen?

Visiting Stockholm will turn out to be an enriching experience. If this is your first encounter with the Nordic culture, expect to be mesmerized. Stockholm is iconic for its culture, being also the capital of Sweden. So, it attracts millions of visitors annually, even though the cost of living is pretty high.

The Island of Skeppsholmen has won the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice in 2020 and visitors have appreciated the relaxing moments they have lived there. At the same time, it is a hidden gem many locals love because indulging in a walk there will boost your mood instantly.

You can reach this island by foot, bus, or boat. It is up to you which means of transportation you choose, but be aware that you need a public transportation card to use it. If you want to walk to the island, you can start from Kungsträdgården, on the bridge that links it to the island. From the National Museum in Södra Blasieholmshamnen, it will take you approximately seven minutes by foot to reach the island.

If you want to reach it by bus, number 65 is the one that can take you there and it will take you 10 minutes. And if you want a new enriching experience, you can choose to travel by boat. This is possible only starting from Nybroplan, Djurgården, or Slussen. Travel cards come with discounts of a free price for boat tours that could take you to the island of Skeppsholmen.

What Will You Find on the Island of Skeppsholmen?

The Island of Skeppsholmen is one of the islands that is known in Stockholm for its peaceful and chill vibe.

Museums

The island is not inhabited, although here you can find some of the most important museums in Stockholm. And if they are not on this island, you can admire them as this island offers numerous viewpoints on the landmarks of the city.

You will find here the Museum of Modern Art, a museum that was founded in 1958. Here you can admire the artworks of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, and many more. You can visit the permanent exhibition for free, but if you are interested in temporary ones, you need to buy a ticket. The museum is home to a sculpture park that can be visited on the island, so it is a nice opportunity to discover more about art.

In the same building, you can visit two more museums. Even though the Museum of Modern Art is the main art museum in the city, its building is home to the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities and the Architectural Museum.

You can learn more about the architecture of the Nordic countries, how it has developed, and how it evolved over the years. But this visit will also help you find out more about the discoveries of Swedish archaeologists in China and Eastern Asia back in 1920.

On the island, you will also find the Stockholm Toy Museum who exhibits a large collection of comics and toys. And for the ones that have a passion for this niche, it is interesting to see how toys have evolved in this part of the world. At the same time, you will get a glimpse of how the comics look and have been created. The collection at the Stockholm Toy Museum is the largest in Scandinavia, so it is worth a trip.

If you are on the island at the right moment, you can also visit Teater Galeasen, which is in the same building as the Modern Art Museum. It is a theater group known for its avant-garde and out-of-the-ordinary performances.

Restaurants

Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Photo by Emanuel Ekström on Unsplash.

There are a few restaurants on this island you can choose from. You can also visit the Modern Art Museum’s restaurant and cafe, but all of them are located in an iconic viewpoint that offers you mesmerizing views over the city.

The Langa Raden, Segelkronan, Monument Ab are located in different parts of the island, so you can explore different perspectives over the city. To taste the local cuisine in a relaxing and peaceful environment, choose one of the restaurants on this island and you will not be disappointed.

Af Chapman

Af Chapman is well-known in the city and among visitors, especially because it is the first thing you see when you reach the island of Skeppsholmen. It is a boat that was used in the past for sailing that was now transformed into a youth hostel and restaurant. So, if you want to spend the night on this island, you can.

Kastellholmen

Kastellholmen is an islet that is connected to the Island of Skeppsholmen through a bridge. Even though it may sound odd, this islet is in fact inhabited. Here you can find a park to take a walk in and admire the surroundings. Moreover, here you can find the Kastellet, a small naval fort that was used by the Swedish as an observation point.

As it is the history of all countries, at some point in the past, the times were turbulent. There were wars and knowing when the attackers are heading towards you is essential because it helps you prepare better. This was the role of the Kastellet, a small observation point built on a hill on the islet of Kastellholmen. The citadel is an important center for meetings, weddings, and conferences.

Final Words

Visiting the Island of Skeppsholmen is a must if you are in Stockholm. Out of all 30,000 islands and islets you could visit, this is the one that will mesmerize you. From here, you can admire the beauty of the National Museum and the Royal Palace on one side and the Grona Lund amusement park on the other.

It’s an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city that comes with peace and relaxation. Discover it and soak in all the beauty nature and other attractions offer you here.

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