The most beautiful places in Småland
Where Småland ends and the open sea begins – salt, light and a thousand islands.
Salt in the air
Västervik is the place where Småland takes a deep breath and looks out to sea.
On the northeast coast, where Småland's forests meet the Baltic Sea, lies Västervik – for me, the town where summer smells of salt and warm wood. The moment I reach the harbor, I already want to head out: to one of the thousands of skerry islands, by kayak between the rocks, or simply barefoot over the smooth cliffs. And when I wander through the narrow lanes of the old wooden town in the evening, the water glittering and music playing somewhere, this place feels to me like the very essence of a Swedish summer.
In the morning, before the town wakes up, I like to walk up to the old Stegeholm castle ruin and look out over the water. Everything still lies in silvery light, the boats rock gently in the harbour, and I feel as if I have the whole day to myself. Every time, Västervik shows me how little it takes to be happy: wind, water and a little time.
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Archipelago town on Småland's northeast coast.
Where Småland meets the open Baltic Sea.
Thousands of islands, skerries and quiet bays.
Music in the old castle ruins – since the '60s.
Tip: The archipelago boats mainly run in summer, and the Visfestival takes place once a year – it's best to quickly check times and dates on the official websites.
Out on the water
Right outside town begins one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Sweden – countless islands, rocks and quiet bays. You head out by boat, kayak or mail boat, and if you're lucky, you'll see seals or a white-tailed eagle.
My favorite islands: Hasselö with its sandy beach, café and bike rental, and little Idö with its old pilot station. No cars, just paths, water and wide-open space – here I forget about time.
In the lanes of the old quarter, the low 18th-century boatswains' cottages stand close together. I love wandering here without a destination – crooked windows, hollyhocks, cats on warm stones.
On a small island in the middle of town stand the old Stegeholm castle ruins. Since the 1960s, one of Sweden's oldest music festivals has been celebrated here every summer – Swedish songs under the open sky; there's something magical about it.
In summer, the Skeppsbron waterfront promenade is the heart of town: sailboats, ice cream in hand, evening light on the water. The archipelago boats also leave from here – you stand right in the middle of it all and yet you're already gazing out to sea.
By the sea, my mind opens up. That view all the way to the horizon, the wind, the light on the waves – Västervik reminds me how free you can feel when you simply sit there and look at the water.
Impressions
A few moments I captured in Västervik and out in the skerries – the sea, old wooden houses and that special summer light on the Baltic.
What I take with me
For me, Västervik is pure summer feeling. Salt on my skin, the boat trip out to the islands, music within the old walls in the evening – and always that wide view across the water. A place that makes everything feel light and that I'm sad to leave every time.
♥ ♥ ♥
The journey continues
Discover the other stops on my journey through the land I long for – place by place, with heart.
