Söderholm

For each visitor I try to plan something fun and unique to do with them. For Katie and Martin this was a weekend trip in the Archipelago. After indecisively flipping through the archipelago ferry guide book and calling several cottages for rent. I finally found a tiny cottage on the outer banks of the middle archipelago that would work just perfectly for us. We hopped on the ferry for our 2 1/2 hour cruise to our destination in which we played copious amounts of Euchre  and ooohh-ed and  aawww-ed to each passing island and sailboat. I will return and sail in these islands someday!

Once we made it to our destination, Söderholm, we quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed to the beach. Ok, this wasn't our rental cottage but it was about the same size! It didn't matter though, we were all in our happy place with plenty of zen time.

We took a short path from the cottage and found a private alcove with smooth rock 'beaches' and several sailboats moored up for the evening. The sun was starting to get low in the sky but the boys dove right in to the cold Baltic water. Katie and I dangled our toes in but didn't go any deeper then that. 

As we watched a gorgeous sunset on the islands we grilled up some delicious summer veggies and Euchred some more on the patio. 

Finally the sun went down and our blissful day in the islands was drawing to a close. I wish I could freeze time in that minute, it was such a peaceful and happy experience. 

Love Always,
Matilda

Vaxholm

The first weekend in July, Dale and I were finally able to get out in the Archipelago. We took the bus to Vaxholm and from Stockholm it took us maybe 45 minutes to get there. Vaxholm is one of the larger and more touristy of the 24,000 islands in the archipelago and once we got there it was pretty covered with people. We walked along the coast until we found a less busy area to picnic on the water and as we were walking we spotted this fortress on a neighboring island. 

The fortress is called Vaxholm Castle and luckily their was a sign in English so we learned this was the main sea route to Stockholm and the fortress was pivotal in protecting Stockholm, and thus all of Sweden, from the Danes in the 17th century and the Russians in the 18th century for those respective wars, and today it is a Museum on Coastal Defense, but we didn't go in.

We had a nice picnic on the coast and ended the trip with a swim in the chilly Baltic sea!

Hope wherever you are has warmer water!

Love Always,

Matilda

Sigtuna

Sigtuna is a small town about an hour North of Stockholm (on public transportation). Last weekend Dale and I ventured to Sigtuna to check it out. Sigtuna was founded in 980 and is the oldest city in Sweden. This picture below is of the oldest street in Sweden, storagatan.

We visited the Sigtuna museum where we learned that just after Sigtuna was founded Sweden's coins were minted there and it was also the Royal residence. My favorite thing in the museum was a reindeer antler carved with unusual detail into what is known as the 'Sigtuna Viking' but it is believed that this is probably supposed to be a portrait of King Eric Segersäll

The town has many ruin stones throughout the city and Dale and walked around to find them all and check them out. Ruin stones are stones with inscriptions or designs carved into them and were a viking tradition from the 4th to 12th century. They usually pay homage to a deceased person but sometimes people made them for their selves  so they would be remembered after their death. 

Sigtuna is situated on the shore of lake Mälaren and we stopped for a mid-day break on the shores. It reminded me of New England a lot.

Finally we walked around some church ruins and then headed back to Stockholm. It was beautiful weather and we had a great time exploring this little old city.

Love Always,

Matilda