Stockholm: Sailing Activity Holiday

Coming in a close second to Auckland as the most boat-intensive city is Sweden’s capital, known (along with several other cities) as the ‘Venice of the North’, and spread over 14 of the many thousands of islands (most sources say 24,000) of the Stockholm skärgården (archipelago). Residents set out for their island hideaways at weekends, sailing between unspoilt bays, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs; islands are dotted with birch trees and wildflower-strewn meadows, interspersed with historic fortresses and old fishing settlements, and you might spot ospreys and sea eagles. Sailing holidays in the Stockholm Archipelago mean sheltered waters and gorgeous scenery. Private tours and sailing lessons can also be arranged at many of the Archipelagos sailing clubs and schools. For a sailing holiday in and around Stockholm city, enquire about such clubs as Vikingarnas Segel Sällskap on Djurgården. For spectators, the Tall Ships' Races is an international sailing event held around the Ports of Stockholm, boasting some of the largest sailing boasts currently in existence, and lasting for around four days in late July.