Västervik in the north east of the province of Småland might be the prettiest town in Sweden. And no less stunning is the archipelago of 5,000 islands that fans out from its harbour and is served by ferries between June and August from the town.

The archipelago is a magical, watery world of islands, islets and skerries just a short boat trip from Västervik and is waiting for you to discover and explore it. Out in the archipelago there are guest and natural harbours, country stores, youth hostels, restaurants, secluded bathing spots and where flora and fauna flourish.

Västervik is a real sommarstad or ‘summer town’, attracting the ‘boaty crowd’, day-trippers and holidaymakers with its mix of 18th century architectural charm, maritime atmosphere, range of quality eateries and events. Through the centuries the town has become famous for its boat building skills and even today, handcrafted yachts and motorboats made in Västervik grace the waterways of the world.

Down by the harbour and around town the restaurants and cafés pour out onto the streets in summertime and here you can enjoy locally caught fish and other dishes of the region.