Ämtöstugorna

The wood-fired sauna is a lovely extra, but Ämtö is what keeps us coming back each summer. The kids count down to it every year. It’s a cozy island where you can simply unwind and enjoy the holiday feeling. The cottages have barely changed since we first started visiting in the 90s, but it’s still our summer gem.

We rented a kayak from Harstena and had it brought over to Ämtö, then paddled to Harstena and caught the archipelago boat back. Such a perfect setup. We were really happy with our stay too: the cottage was laid out well, the host was very friendly, and there was a lovely sandy beach that was great for kids, plus nice cliffs.

The island is wonderful for hiking, and above all for the peace and nature. There are only 12 cottages, so it feels wonderfully quiet, even though the accommodation is basic. Bring a mosquito net and food for your whole stay. There’s almost nothing to buy, just a few snacks, ice cream, candy, bread rolls, and sometimes eggs. Each cottage has a free rowboat, and you can book a private toilet. The shared facilities are basic, with a portable-style toilet seat with a hole. The sauna was closed because of fire risk. Book the boat from home, it was 30 euros per person return in cash. The skipper was a bit disorganized but did what we’d agreed. Leave your car on the mainland, where there are designated free parking spots. Posted August 2018.

The island is gorgeous, and it’s especially nice during the week when fewer people are around. There weren’t any boats available, which was a shame since the island itself doesn’t take long to explore.