Suggested walk

VÄSTERHAMNEN

Today, this area is dominated by the ferry terminal, but in the past it was home to a seaside bathing house, a pleasant park, and a social club. The old social club building still remains. Known as Villa Askudden, it is a large white building. For many years, it housed a first-class restaurant. In 1942, the restaurant welcomed a new entertainer who would go on to great success: Povel Ramel, one of Sweden’s most beloved performers, who began his career here. Today, the building is owned by an insurance company, and the ground floor is home to a coworking space.

ÖSTRA EKUDDSGATAN

From the mid-19th century, regular boat services connected Vaxholm with Stockholm. Waxholmsbolaget began operating in 1869, making it possible to travel to the city several times a day. Well-to-do Stockholmers were drawn here by the fresh air. Sea bathing, nature, and well-being were highly valued, and Vaxholm soon became a popular summer destination. Across the town and surrounding islands, elegant summer villas began to appear, often richly decorated with intricate woodwork. Here at Ekudden, many summer houses were built, and the area became known among locals as the “Gold Coast.”

GALLERI RODDARHUSET

The Rowing Club House was designed by the architect Cyrillus Johansson. It was built in the 1940s as a clubhouse for the Vaxholm Rowing Club and was used by the club from until 2001.

The building played an important role in local club life, with facilities for changing, storage, and social gatherings closely connected to the rowing activities.

After 2006, the Rowing Club House was renovated and reopened as artists’ studios and an exhibition space. It has since taken on a new role as a gallery and cultural venue, while its original character has been carefully preserved.

SÖDERFJÄRDSSKOLAN

The building, which has been a school since 2004, was constructed in the early 20th century and completed in 1907. It was originally built as a military barracks and served that purpose until 1938.

From September 1939 to mid-April 1940, 169 Polish submariners lived here. They had sought asylum in the Stockholm archipelago following Germany’s invasion of Poland. The submarines were taken to Vaxholm Fortress, where they were disarmed, while the crew was interned in the barracks.

The Polish sailors were warmly received in Vaxholm. Leisure activities were arranged, residents donated food, and some invited the men into their homes. Their traditional Polish Christmas play was especially appreciated by the local community.

THE PÅLSUND BRIDGE

The Pålsund Bridge was inaugurated in 1926 and was the first bridge to Vaxön. The original bridge could be opened to allow steamships to pass through.

At the time, however, building a bridge was far from an obvious decision. Some critics argued that it was unnecessary, believing that boat traffic would always be more important than cars. They also doubted that anyone would travel to Vaxholm by automobile for pleasure.

The bridge was largely made possible thanks to the efforts of Arvid Magne, a local magistrate who took the initiative to raise 30,000 kronor for its construction.

THE PÅLSUNDET BATTERY

Here at Pålsundet, various military installations have long existed to defend the shipping route. In 1713, a cannon battery was established here, armed with four cannons. Between 1721 and 1728, a five-pointed redoubt was built. Of these early fortifications, only overgrown earthworks remain today. The Pålsund Battery that we see here today was constructed in the 1870s. The installation consisted of two bunkers built in granite, both of which are still preserved. The site was decommissioned from military use in 1903.

MONTEBELLO

Montebello was the name of the beautiful summer retreat that stood here from the mid-1860s until 1917. It was situated on a high headland, bordered by Pålsundet to the north and Tenö Bay to the south. The entire point was richly covered with leafy oak trees. The first summer guest at Montebello was William Lindberg, a prominent shipyard owner from Stockholm. He leased the land in 1862 and built his summer residence in 1865. Lindberg passed away in 1877, and the lease was transferred to Fritz von Dardel. The von Dardel family spent their summers at Montebello, enjoying walks, swimming, tennis, and croquet – interspersed with fishing trips, picnics, and visits to Vaxholm. Fritz himself spent much of his time drawing and painting. The lease expired in March 1908. In 1917, the landowner, Baron Nils von Höpken, had all the buildings on Montebello demolished. The old stone foundation of the summer retreat can still be seen on the hilltop.