I realize it's been a while since I have written anything for my Stockholm's archipelago series, but that is because unfortunately this year I didn't get to go out so often. Last year I was working and commuting to a different city so it seemed that when the weekend came I was just too tired to head out. However, that soon changed and soon as the sun started to come out, then I could not stop looking up the timetables and all the islands I wanted to go and visit. As I have said before, I have quite the long list when it comes to islands I want to visit and explore, I never know which one to choose. This time, my boyfriend and I decided to go to an island not too far and to an island that had a good ferry schedule.  So off we went to Grinda! Grinda is located just 90 minutes from Stockholm and you can catch the ferry from The Grand Hotel. Besides being in the Baltic Sea, Grinda is incredibly peaceful and quiet with all the trees, great hiking trails and swimming areas. The natural landscape is very open and there are rolling fields and beautiful meadows throughout the island. On Grinda you will find grazing animals and you can visit a small farm that has chickens, sheep, cows, and goats. The farm also has a farm shop where you can buy local produce and farm fresh eggs and dairy. 

Grinda Youth Hostel

Shop and kiosk

Grinda Wärdhus

I had been wanting to come to Grinda for a really long time because I have heard how beautiful it is and it is just a stone's throw away from Stockholm. It is incredibly popular during the summer as it is one of the closest islands and it is one of the first stops for those continuing further out into the archipelago. Usually when I go out to the archipelago, I like to pack a lunch and snack all day while I read my book and then have a nice lunch somewhere in between, but this time we decided to have lunch at one of the restaurants along the water called Framfickan. Framfickan is located on the rocks right on the water and has the most spectacular views. While you sit and eat you are watching boats go by and just the sheer tranquility of the sea. They also have couches on the deck for those who just feel like having a drink or a small bit to eat. It was a bit windy during lunch so we sat at the main tables where there was a glass partition blocking the wind, so it felt even warmer to be sitting in the sun. I of course had to start off with a glass of bubbles and then ordered a delicious halloumi salad served alongside fresh bread and Swedish hard bread. My boyfriend enjoyed a nice fish plate with fresh potatoes with dill. It was such a fantastic lunch with the magnificent views. 

Framfikan

View from Framfikan

After lunch we headed to other end of the island and laid in the grass for the rest of the afternoon, reading and just enjoying a lazy afternoon in the sun. Unfortunately, it was still a bit too cold to get in the water as it was only May but we still had a fantastic afternoon laying by the sea. Grinda was so relaxing and so much fun and I can't wait to go back next summer (after I visit a few others on my list) for another fantastic outing in the archipelago!  

Talia Klundt is the Sweden Editor for Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Talia Klundt