And we are off again to Stockholm's Archipelago, this time to Gällnö! Thankfully I have a few friends here in Stockholm who love the archipelago as much as I do, so it doesn't take much convincing to go out on a beautifully sunny day. My friend Emma and I decided to have an archipelago day and it was up to me to pick the island, so off to Gällnö (central archipelago) we went!

We got off to a late start unfortunately because I read the timetable wrong, oops. This is one important thing I should emphasize when going out to the archipelago, double check the timetables just in case. I am not sure how I read that timetable wrong, but I did so we actually ended up missing out boat and we had to wait for over an hour for the next one. Thankfully, it was sunny out so we enjoyed a cup of coffee while waiting on benches, however we were supposed to go to another place to catch the ferry just a five minute walk away, so we took our sweet time. Big mistake, as the line was halfway down the street! I nearly fell over thinking we would not be making this boat because we were foolish to think nobody else was going out, and because of my earlier mishap! I also was tired and wasn't thinking that many people were taking this ferry as Gällnö was not the last stop, but just one stop on the ferry until it reached its final destination, that being Sandhamn. We were so lucky to get on and even get a seat out front, although we were incredibly squished and could barely move, but I was not complaining!

And away we went! As usual, the views are just spectacular during the ferry ride along the sea. You pass many beautiful houses perched on rocks and you get to see small islands and islets along the way. Gällnö is one stop before Grinda, so it is only about a 75 minute boat ride. I actually almost did not get off because I was too busy taking pictures!

When we got off we headed straight for the water, passing beautiful meadows that never seemed to end against the blue clear sky. As soon as we started walking, I was a bit sad we would not be spending the night on the beautiful island, especially after we passed the big red hostel, which looked idyllic in the setting we were in. I made a mental note to come back in the future and spend the night or maybe even a weekend! Gällnö also has a small little shop where you can buy fresh veggies and food, as well as basic food for those camping or staying in the hostel. Both are located near the pier along with the bar and cafe, which serve up fresh food and Swedish beers under the apple trees with a beautiful sea view. This time we packed a picnic lunch but secretly I wished we hadn't so we could go grab a beer at the bar and then eat our food under the apple trees like everybody else. Next time, I will be sure to do that!

We continued along the path until we got to the water, and then put down our blankets and enjoyed our picnic lunch. The swimming area was so incredibly peaceful and serene. There were not so many people out that day, so it felt as if we had the entire island almost to ourselves, since our swimming area was nestled along the forest. I am sure there are many other places on the island to go and swim, but this one seemed perfect for us that afternoon. Some swimming areas are only reachable by boat so you are sure to have a little slice of heaven all to yourself! Before we knew it, it was already time to start walking and head back to the dock to catch our ferry and come back home to Stockholm. It seems like time flies every time I am out in the archipelago and that day was no different. The beautiful blue skies, and nearly 24 hours of sun, makes me wish for summer to hurry up and come back!

Talia Klundt is the Sweden Editor for Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Talia Klundt