The Stockholm Archipelago: Book Review
Published 16 years ago, updated 6 years ago
The Stockholm Archipelago
Arholma-Landsort and Gotland
Lars Hässler & Lars Granath
Nautiska Förlaget
ISBN 978-91-89564-44-2
UK Recommended retail price £39.50
UK distributor www.imray.com
The Stockholm archipelago is one of the most attractive cruising areas not just in the Baltic but anywhere in Europe, and the English version of this popular guide will be greatly appreciated by any non-Swedish speaking visitor. The actual title of the book refers to its geographical span as it covers the coastline and islands that lie between the islands of Arholma in the NE and Landsort in the SW, with the large offshore island of Gotland thrown in as a bonus. At the heart of the vast archipelago lies the capital Stockholm, and especially for foreign sailors a more logical title should have been “The Stockholm Archipelago and Gotland”.
This comprehensive guide covers over 200 natural harbours, 72 guest harbours or marinas, as well as details of yacht clubs, restaurants and useful tips on what to do ashore. The local information is excellent and the rich historic background absolutely riveting. The description of every place is accompanied by a colour map giving depths and GPS landfall points, recommended mooring or docking facilities, anchoring spots as well as very helpful information on local weather conditions and critical wind directions. The descriptions of larger places also include tips on local transport, provisions, fuel, chandleries, boatyards, even where to find the nearest sauna. Also included are aerial photographs of every marina or guest harbour. The large island of Gotland is similarly well covered.
The two authors have a vast cruising experience between them. Lars Hässler is a well-known sailor in Sweden whose book “Profession: Circumnavigator” was reviewed on Noonsite. Lars Granath, who is a geographer and cartographer, was responsible for the charts and the detailed information on all natural harbours.
