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Beyond the capital, over 30,000 islands are scattered through the blue-black waters of the Baltic, just 200 of which are inhabited. Spend a leisurely day sailing on a yacht to explore this archipelago close up, gliding between narrow straits that can’t be accessed by larger vessels.

With a maximum of eight passengers on board, it’s an intimate, personal experience, and the captain can choose a route that best suits your interests. You’ll have the opportunity to get off the yacht and explore one or two of the islands, perhaps taking a swim if the weather’s warm enough. You might also have the chance to sail the yacht yourself under the captain’s guidance.

You’ll be picked up from your Stockholm hotel and taken by private vehicle to Vaxholm, a small group of islands about 40 minutes outside of the city. Here, you’ll board your yacht and meet your captain, who’ll discuss what you could see and where you could go, depending on the weather and your interests.

You might explore the contrast along the shores between the charming 19th-century houses and the super villas that have been built in the last few years, their large windows designed to make the most of the views. Alternatively, cross into bigger bays to reach wilder, uninhabited islands and focus on the wide array of pristine nature reserves — look out for seals, ospreys, white-tailed eagles and oystercatchers, among many other species.

Throughout the cruise you'll have the opportunity to disembark on a number of the archipelago islands, some of which have been inhabited since the 6th century. You might opt to swim in the blue-black water or explore the chiseled coastline. Your captain might also give you a chance to take control of the yacht for a short time.

A traditional Swedish lunch is served on board during your sail — the menu changes, but might include salad, Swedish meatballs and a local dessert. Afterwards, you’ll return to Vaxholm, where you’ll be picked up for the return drive back to Stockholm.