21 JUNE 2026
Kapellskär — The Gateway to the Baltic Sea
Kapellskär is Roslagen's largest ferry port and the natural starting point for trips to Åland, Finland and Estonia. But Kapellskär is more than a port — right next to it lies Riddersholms nature reserve, a 655 hectare Natura 2000 area with rich flora, bird watching and bathing beaches along the Åland Sea.
The Harbour and Fairways
Kapellskär is located approximately 90 kilometres north of Stockholm, at the open waters of the Baltic Sea in Norrtälje municipality. The harbour is served by Finnlines with routes to Naantali and Långnäs in Åland, as well as by DFDS and Tallink to Paldiski in Estonia. It is one of the most important cargo ports on the Baltic Sea and a natural destination for those who want to combine a Roslagen excursion with a Scandinavian sea voyage.
Riddersholm Nature Reserve
Directly south of the harbour area stretches Riddersholm Nature Reserve — one of Stockholm County's most species-rich natural areas. The reserve covers 655 hectares (of which 370 hectares is land), protected since 1998 and designated as a Natura 2000 site. It is managed by the Archipelago Foundation.
The landscape alternates between birch slopes, meadows, hazel groves and coastal marshes along an almost five-kilometre-long coastline. On Kvarnbacken, wood anemones and cowslips spread every spring. Along coastal paths, cuckoo pint blooms — one of Norrtälje's rarest orchids. Around Gunnarsmaren, rare plants can be seen during the right season.
In Södersundet, a large colony of great crested grebes nests, and bird life is rich throughout the reserve. The area has been inhabited since medieval times — remains of old homesteads and foundations are still visible in the landscape.
Outdoor Activities and Facilities
Along the eastern shore there are fine bathing spots and a guest harbour. In connection with the reserve there is a hostel, camping site and a network of paths suitable for everything from strolls to half-day hikes.
- Location: 90 km north of Stockholm, Norrtälje municipality
- Ferry routes: Finland (Naantali/Långnäs), Estonia (Paldiski)
- Nature reserve: Riddersholm, 655 ha, Natura 2000
- Activities: Hiking, bathing, bird watching, camping, guest harbour
- Manager: The Archipelago Foundation