Skärgårdar

Skärgårdar, or archipelagos, are groups of islands, islets, rocks and reefs in a sea or large lake, often separated by channels and straits. They are common along the Baltic Sea coasts and in western Sweden, and they are shaped by glacial history and current sea conditions. The term covers both densely grouped islands and more scattered formations.

In Sweden, skärgårdar are a defining coastal landscape. The Stockholm archipelago, the largest, lies southeast of Stockholm and includes thousands of islands and skerries; there are other notable archipelagos along the west coast near Gothenburg and in the northeast along the Gulf of Bothnia. Similar archipelagos occur in Finland (Åland and the Archipelago Sea) and Norway. The archipelagos are characterized by shallow waters, low-lying shorelines, and a mix of rocky shores and sheltered bays.

Human activity and settlement: Many islands are inhabited year-round by small communities; a larger number host summer houses and holiday cottages, with seasonal transport by ferries or bridge connections in some areas. Traditional livelihoods include fishing and small-scale farming; today tourism, boating, and nature-preserving activities are important. Conservation areas, nature reserves, and restrictions on development seek to protect sensitive habitats.

Ecology: Brackish water supports a unique mix of freshwater and marine species; eelgrass beds, seals, seabirds, and migratory birds are common. Vegetation is typically hardy, with pine and spruce on drier islands and more deciduous flora on richer soils. The archipelagos face pressures from climate change, erosion, and increased development, prompting management under national and regional authorities.