Stockholm, Sweden

Europe

15 Mar

Written By Simon Campbell

Paddle around Stockholm’s 30,000-islet/island archipelago, before teeing off alongside the spectacular Lake Ullna.

It’s not in every city that you can kayak (or canoe or paddleboard) your way past the town hall or the old town, taking in palaces and parks, before heading off to find your own deserted island for a picnic or maybe a night under the stars.

Stockholm, and its 30,000-strong national park archipelago is truly unique. You can go from the centre of Sweden’s capital, and then to a sandy-shored island in the Baltic Sea, all under your own paddle power. How far you go depends on you [and your fitness] as the islands stretch for 60km beyond the city, although you can also opt for chartered sailing to ease the load. Sail or paddle past ancient villages, thickly-wooded islands and rugged, rocky islets, getting up close to a myriad of wildlife from grey and ringed seals to white-tailed eagles and eagle owls.

Back on dry land, but still on the water’s edge, is Ullna Golf & Country Club on Lake Ullna, just 12km north of Stockholm, designed by Jack Nicklaus, this compact, challenging course in beautiful surrounds is considered one of northern Europe’s finest. The Swedes are mad about golf, and it shows in the quality of the courses, which also includes Bro Hof Slott’s Stadium course by Robert Trent Jones Jr, built on what was once a medieval royal estate and now considered the country’s top course, although, in truth, you’re spoilt for choice here.