Grisslehamn

An artists' district by the Sea of Åland

Grisslehamn lies on the northern tip of Väddö, about 110 kilometres north of Stockholm, and has since the Middle Ages served as an important link between Sweden and Finland. As early as the 1300s the locality is mentioned as a key station for postal connections to Finland via Åland – a historic role that continues to shape the place's identity. The old post house from 1756, designed by the architect Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz, is one of the locality's oldest preserved buildings and bears witness to Grisslehamn's importance as a border town.

The locality is inseparably linked with the artist and author Albert Engström (1869–1940), who arrived in Grisslehamn in 1900 and settled on the property Augustberg. His home and the magnificent studio, built in 1907 and situated on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Åland, are today a museum and one of the region's most visited cultural destinations. The Albert Engström Museum houses paintings, prints and objects that reflect his life and work, and during his time the locality attracted other prominent cultural figures.

Things to do in Grisslehamn

Grisslehamn's harbour and the surrounding fishing hamlet invite you to walks along the quayside and views towards the archipelago. Bathing opportunities are available near the locality, and the surrounding rocks and coastal paths offer nature experiences with views towards the open sea. One of the more unusual traditions is the historic postal rowing race, which honours the rowers who for hundreds of years carried post across the Sea of Åland.

From Grisslehamn's harbour departs Eckerö Linjen – Sweden's shortest ferry connection to Åland – with a crossing of around two hours to Eckerö in Åland. This makes Grisslehamn a natural starting point for a day trip or onward journey to Åland and Finland.

How to get here

Grisslehamn is reached by car via road 76 and national road 77 northwards from Stockholm, a distance of about 1.5–2 hours. Public transport is available by regional bus from Norrtälje, which in turn is reachable by commuter bus from Stockholm. Roslagsleden, the 190-kilometre hiking trail from Danderyd to Grisslehamn, ends right here – a popular destination for multi-day hiking through Roslagen.