As for what to expect? The trail is surprisingly diverse, especially for a string of relatively tiny islands in close proximity. Some islands are almost completely wild, with no year-round residents, while others, like Sandhamn, have small towns or villages. In the span of just a few miles, you can transition from soft, sandy beaches to rocky, technical trails, to enchanting forests where the trail is made of such soft moss, it feels like walking on a mattress.
Many of the islands are home to foxes, deer, and moose—the latter of which are surprisingly good swimmers, so steer clear. In late summer, you can easily find silence and an abundance of fresh, ripe blueberries and lingonberries in the forests.
The topography of the archipelago is such that the Baltic Sea holds warmth longer here than off the shores of the mainland, which in turn offers milder weather deep into autumn. This stretch between August and October is known as “magic season” in the archipelago, when the days are still long and warm, the sea is comfortably swimmable, and nearly all the tourists have gone home.
It’s ideal for hikers and backpackers seeking some peace and quiet. And when the light shines just right through the pine trees, setting the moss and lichen aglow in sheens of amber, calling it “magical” feels like an understatement.
