Gålö Havsbad - Holiday Cottages and Hostel

The area around the campsite is lovely and it’s close to Stockholm, but the shortage of toilets and showers made the stay miserable. The site wasn’t even half full, yet there were constant queues. Having around 10 toilets for the whole place is absurd and feels like a serious planning failure that shouldn’t be allowed. The campsite sits on a large open field, which is sadly common in Sweden, and the Wi-Fi doesn’t work. Also, be aware that they host events like weddings on weekends, with the parties that come with them.

We’d never camped before, and this turned out to be a really good place to start. The website lays things out clearly, with marked caravan pitches and a separate area for tents. The bathrooms were clean, and there’s a kitchen with a stove, microwave, and oven. Bring your own cutlery. There’s lots to do nearby, including hiking trails, a lake for swimming, mini golf, and other games in Spelhalle. The bus stop right outside is handy if you’re using public transport from Stockholm. For a first tent, the basic Decathlon model worked well for us. It’s easy to put up, and you can follow their instructions or watch the videos. Great spot for a weekend away. Happy camping!

A walking route of about 11 km goes around the island, and with a short hike you can find lots of little beaches that feel almost private. The main beaches get a bit crowded. The archipelago is lovely and easy to get to from Stockholm.

The area felt quiet and tucked away, even though it’s as close to Stockholm as you can get. Nature is all around, and the beach was lovely without being crowded. The trails are clearly split by length and difficulty. Our cabin was clean and cozy, and the internet worked. A really great stay.