Stockholm – island ferries |
There are a lot of islands in Sweden!
In fact Stockholm is situated partly on the mainland and partly on a number of islands.
And, some of the waterways around these islands are fresh water, and some are salt water, or the sea.
In the centre of Stockholm is ‘Slussen’ – the lock.
This lock retains the fresh water part at its level, which is about half a metre higher than sea level.
Stockholm – The lock – ‘Slussen’ |
Most Swedes seem to own a summerhouse on an island.
We were fortunate enough to spend a weekend at our friend’s summerhouse in Mariehamn, on Aland (pronounced Orland). Just to complicate matters, this island is technically part of Finland.
So, there is quite a bit of boating going on here. I have not seen many of the motor cruiser style that we intend to buy eventually.
With the large sailing areas and not many bridges, sailing boats and the faster motor cruisers seem to dominate.
Small boats at Mariehamn – Aland |
At first I was keen to add Sweden to our cruising area.
But, looking at the great distances to be travelled to get the boat here, and the high cost of pretty well everthing, I am not so sure anymore.
However – tomorrow we head for Holland, and the waterways of Amsterdam, for the long awaited holiday in the Dutch Steel Motor Cruiser.