KapellskärSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Kapellskär

Kapellskär is a ferry port 90km from Stockholm, often considered a suburb of the capital. Set alongside the Baltic Sea, it became part of Norrtälje, with the formation of the municipality in 1971. Kapellskär is also the northernmost of the Stockholm Ports.

While locals have summer cottages in Kapellskär, for most tourists, the quaint village is a starting point for their travels in Sweden. During winters, many ski enthusiasts like to arrive with ferry tickets to Kapellskär and then head on out to the ski resorts of the Uppsala region. However, the village in itself is a quiet retreat where the local environment tempts passing tourists to stop and linger for a bit longer.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kapellskär

Kapellskär’s significance as a port is evident in its number of ferry connections with cities across the Baltic Sea. It is possible to purchase ferry tickets to Kapellskär using Ferryscanner for boats from Långnäs and Mariehamn in Åland, Paldiski in Estonia, and Nanntali in Finland. The voyage from Långnäs takes 2 hours, whereas the one from Mariehamn is 1 hour and 15 minutes long. There are three sailings daily for the latter, with Viking Line ferry tickets costing €66.

Ferry tickets to Kapellskär from Paldiski cost €26 to €50 for a 9-hour journey on the DFDS vessel. Finnlines operates the boats from Nanntali, with two connections daily. Tickets for the 7-hour trip are between €29 and €40, depending on the season.

The closest airports to Kapellskär are the ones in Stockholm. Between them, the airports have flights coming in from numerous domestic and international cities. Once in town, take Bus #631 or 676 to Kapellskär. Alternatively, rent a car and drive the distance in about an hour. Furthermore, there is a scheduled boat that sails between the two cities once a day. If you have time, take this ferry that leisurely meanders through the stunning archipelago.
 

Port of Kapellskär

The Port of Kapellskär acts primarily as a transit harbor for passengers wanting to visit Stockholm. Assisting the Port in this endeavor is the E18 highway that starts from the docks and cuts through the region, directly leading into the capital city’s center. The harbor’s popularity is also due to its straightforward access, reducing the turnaround time for both ro-ro ferries and cargo ships. The port itself is small, having five berths and a ferry terminal with a waiting room, restaurant, and parking. Although buses run regularly from the Port of Kapellskär to Stockholm, you’ll need to book a taxi in advance.
 

Best Beaches

The beaches in Kapellskär are intimate, family-oriented bathing spots edging along the Baltic coastline and some of the lakes in the district. Travelers who love to spend their summer holidays lounging in the sun next to the water ought to rent a car for easy access to these gorgeous alcoves amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Solöbadet

It takes roughly 25 minutes to cover the 24km distance from Kapellskär to Solöbadet. The drive to the beach is scenic, while the 20 meters long shoreline, surrounded by forests, is equally spectacular. Located on the island of Solös, this safe, clean, and tiny bathing area is excellent for families. The beach is mostly a grassy lawn, has a wooden brygga with a ladder, parking is nearby, and there are changing rooms and toilets in the vicinity. However, since there are no cafés around, remember to bring your own food.

Lommarbadet

A 25-minute westward drive from the city will take you straight to this bathing spot adjoining Lake Lommaren. The 75-meter-long shoreline is primarily a big lawn with intermittent trees that provide shade on hot days. Close to the Vigelsjö camping and picnic area, the beach has accessible toilets, jetties, changing rooms, parking, benches, and a café. The paid waterslide is a favorite with teenagers during the summers. The water at Lommarbadet is warm and calm, making it an ideal spot for a swim at any time of the day.

Svanberga Badplats

Also known as Erkenbadet, since it lies snuggly in a cove alongside Lake Erken, Svanberga is a 30-minute drive from Kapellskär. The 50-meter-long beach is sandy with green patches. A wild bathing spot, expect to share the space with ducks and geese. From a playground and volleyball court to barbeque grills, jetties, picnic tables, a kiosk, and free parking, a range of amenities makes Svanberga all the more attractive. When in the area, don’t miss out on visiting Vikingabyn Storholmen, a lively historical museum with music, displays, arts and crafts, actors in traditional clothes, and loads of amusing activities.

Ekhagen Strandbad

For a day full of adventure, head off on an hour-long road trip to spend the afternoon at one of the beaches in Stockholm. Weekends at Ekhagen are busy, but the 50-meter coastline is highly inviting and picturesque. This sandy and grassy beach borders Lilla Värtan, is minimalistic in terms of conveniences and has a rustic feel. Unfortunately, the parking is a little far away, and there is only one toilet area. Still, families and students from nearby dorms come here when the sun is out, and the weather is warm.

Björkö Örn

Situated to the north of the city, Björkö Örn is a quick 10-minute drive you can take at the last minute. This 85-meter sandy coast comes with an attached green lawn to lounge comfortably. Calm and shallow waters make the beach a hot choice for families. Additionally, the close-by Gräddö camping site offers mini-golf, paddleboards and canoes for rent, and a wood-fired sauna by the sea.
 

Places to Visit

Kapellskär is a small and strangely charming village with a laidback appeal. Moreover, it does give tourists the excuse to step away from city life and enjoy the solitude and adventure of living in a breathtaking setting.

Sladdstycket Hembygdsmuseum

Having a name that is certainly a mouthful for non-Swedish-speaking holidaymakers, Sladdstycket Hembygdsmuseum is a small museum near the port. You can quickly drop in here before using your ferry tickets to Kapellskär for the return journey. The museum focuses on life around the Baltic Sea and displays tools used by residents over centuries, such as a mail-delivery rowing boat named Emvika. A part of Riddersholm Nature Reserve, the museum hosts several fun activities for children and adults during summers.

Söderarm

Installed in 1839, Söderarm is a now decommissioned lighthouse on the island of Thorskär. Honored as a national monument, the lighthouse has a conference center where people come for team-building exercises, events and to stay overnight in cottages. Resident guests can also enjoy a wood-fired sauna, fishing, guided tours of the lighthouse, and the chance to go kayaking in the sea of Åland. Day-trippers should bring along binoculars and snacks for their stopover.

Gräddö Pizzeria

Comfort food with a homely taste, Gräddö Pizzeria is only a 10-minute drive from the Port. Passengers leaving or arriving with ferry tickets to Kapellskär typically take the 4km detour to this rustic eatery that serves delicious handmade pizzas with tasty toppings. Offering takeaway and dine-in service, this cozy restaurant is extremely welcoming and has a vintage appeal accentuated by the jukebox in one corner. Among the must-haves here are the kebab pizza, beef burger, and schnitzel. The pizzeria also has vegetarian pizzas, pasta, sausages, and barbeque dishes on its extensive menu.

Riddersholm

The nature reserve of Riddersholm is an excellent reason to plan a stay near Kapellskär. Wonderful hiking trails, camping spots, fishing opportunities, scenic campfire locations, and seaside nooks form a part of this 650-hectare forested area, packed with lush greenery and a mix of diverse flora and fauna. While exploring Riddersholm, you’ll come across a variety of birds, tufted grass otherwise only found in Ukraine, and astounding views of the Baltic Sea with ferries to Stockholm sailing past in the distance. When planning a hike, remember to pack water, binoculars, and snacks for your trip.

Stockholm

Take a break from the quietude of Kapellskär and dive headfirst into the energy of a capital city by taking a day trip to Stockholm. From pure nothingness to an overload of excursions, the capital is brimming with attractions to keep every family member entertained and excited. Start your day with a walk around the vintage Gamla Stan. Then, head to either the Vasa or ABBA Museum, depending on whether you prefer history or music. A stop to admire the Royal Palace followed by enjoying Fika – coffee and cake – at a hip café is a Stockholm must. However, keep your evening free to scream and shout at the city’s very own amusement park, Gröna Lund.
 

Transportation Around Kapellskär

Kapellskär is a pretty small village and therefore, you can easily walk around from one place to another. Moreover, camping and hiking are the highlights of staying around Kapellskä, and thus, a good pair of walking shoes should be a part of your packing list for a vacation here.

Unless bringing a car when using your ferry tickets to Kapellskär, it is advisable to rent one. This way, you can visit nearby scenic locations and drive to Norrtälje or Stockholm on day trips. Taxis, while available, need to be pre-booked from nearby towns. Otherwise, the wait time for a taxi is around 25 minutes.