To the south of the fairway is the Nyckelviken Nature Reserve, a protected area in Västerbotten. The reserve is known for its diverse landscape, which includes wetlands, forests, and a variety of wildlife. Elk, beaver, lynx and various birds, such as osprey and white-tailed eagles, live here. The reserve has many hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The reserve includes the cultural landscape around the estate of Stora Nykelviken. It is bounded on the west by Jarlaberg and the oil harbour of Bergs, on the south by Vermdölden and on the east by Skara.
In the centre of the reserve is the estate Stora Nyckelviken, built in the 1740s for the summer holidays of Hermann Petersen, director of the East India Company. In the 1760s, the new owner, the French ambassador Louis Auguste le Tonellier de Breteuil, built the so-called billiard house there. The estate also adjoins two outbuildings, painted in red, an octagonal gazebo, a garden, a stable and a barn, all surrounded by a natural park.
Of the special representatives of flora and fauna in the reserve, there are several old oaks, where barn owls and wood pigeons nest. Among the plants there is a large area of the plague St. John's wort, which has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages. Samples of free-living Adam and Eve orchids can be found in the meadows.
In the bay itself, where the main route of the ships passes, there are at least seven wrecks listed in the register of the National Antiquities Administration. On the eastern shore of the bay is Fredriksvik, which includes several houses sandwiched between high mountains and Salt Lake in the northeast corner of the reserve. The only trail to Fredriksvik passes through the damp and fern-rich valley of Helvetesholet. In the northwestern part of the nature reserve is Roosendalsravinen, surrounded by deciduous forest. A small stream flows through the gorge, flowing into the Salt Lake.
The sea route from Stockholm to Vaxholm is an unforgettable experience. Here you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Stockholm archipelago. The journey begins in the very center of the city, where you can admire the stunning view of Stockholm from the deck of the ship.
As the ship weeds out of the city and into the archipelago, the landscape changes dramatically. Rocky islands with their pine trees and small cottages create a peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and the summer sun gives the sea a deep blue color.
The sailing to Vaxholm takes about 45 minutes and includes several islands and islets where you can see historic cottages and summer houses. The route passes through narrow channels, small ports and harbors where boats of all shapes and sizes are moored.
All in all, the sailing route from Stockholm to Vaxholm is a great way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of summer Sweden.
Arriving in Vaxholm, you plunge into the special atmosphere of island life.
Vaxholm is an island located about 30 km east of Stockholm. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque old town, which has well-preserved wooden houses and cobbled streets. The island also has a well-preserved fortress built in the 16th century. The fortress is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into the military history of the island. Vaxholm is known for its seafood and traditional Swedish cuisine.
To end the day at sunset, kayaking through the canals and straits around the largest natural reserve in the Stockholm archipelago makes this day unforgettable.
