An old fishing port from the middle ages that is the last outpost towards the open sea, used to house archipelago pilots. The island is really two islands connected with a small bridge.
Ever since the middle ages some kind of sea mark has stood at the outer shore. Since 1863 the current iron lighthouse has guided approaching ships into safe harbours.
Updated Oct 21, 2003
In the Swedish archipelago one can see on the higher islands cairs of stone. These cairns were part of the ancient early warning system.
From every cairn there are at least two others in sight, when soldiers or local fishermen spotted an approaching fleet they lit fire to the pyre built ontop of the cairn. The next cairn would then be set on fire and the warning spreading along the coast.
Gubbö Kupa has one of the best views in the archipelago.
Updated Oct 17, 2003
On Fångö there are several old copper mines from the 19th century on the east side, Gruvholmen. When the mines were flourishing over 200 people lived there. These days all that's left are giant mounds of stone and deep mine shafts, a silent memorial of the struggles of the archipelago inhabitants.
"Tyst ligger koppargruvan ett minne från flydda där vinden så sakta susar i aplar som ännu finns kvar väldiga slagghögar vittnar om vad arbetets söner här gjort för en ringa penning de sleto ont i bergdamm, krutgas och lort."
Alsing Svensson - "Fångö gruva"
Updated Oct 16, 2003
Address: N 58.11.00 / O 16.55.50
Harstena lies far out in Gryts archipelago in the outer archipelago one and a half nautical miles from Fyrydden. It's a fantastic old island that's been populated since the 16th century with preserved authentical buildings and homes with the actual descendants still living there, although most of them don't live there permanently.
Updated Oct 16, 2003
Website: http://www.harstena.net/ och http://www.harstena.se/
Although restaurants are scarce in the archipelago one of the finest meals you can get is to visit a local fisherman and buy fresh fish from him.
Don't forget to try the specialty smoked eel and smoked flounder.
Favorite Dish: Smoked eel, salmon and flounder
Updated Oct 28, 2003
During summers a wonderful way to move around the archipelago is "Skärgårdslinjen". The four boat routes visit many of the islands and it's possible to go island hopping.
Written Jul 3, 2005
Website: http://www.skargardslinjen.com/
The best way to get around the archipelago is of course with a sailboat. What other transportation can beat to silently sail by the green islands in a boat with swan white sails rocked by the gentle waves while gazing out at the blue sea warmed by the rays of the sun.
Updated Oct 28, 2003
Fyrudden is the important harbour in Gryt's archipelago where you can buy food and gasoline. There's also a restaurant and a ship's store.
Fyrudden connects the archipelago with the mainland, from here busses go to Valdemarsvik and boats go out to Harstena.
What to buy: Food, something to drink and Gasoline. An ice-cream in the summer and some nice souveneirs in the ship's shop.
Written Oct 16, 2003
Website: http://www.fyrudden.se/
When you go out in the Swedish archipelago you will soon notice how friendly everyone are waving to you as they pass you in their boat.
This is a custom in the archipelago, it is considered polite to wave.
So smile and wave as you sail by.
Written Oct 22, 2003
Comments