The Roslagsleden runs from Danderyd to Grisslehamn; the section leading into the town follows the shoreline. At the same time, the M/S Eckerö, which runs daily, connects Grisslehamn in Roslagen with Eckerö in Åland. Here, a long-distance hiking trail, a ferry connection and a rich postal history come together as very different starting points for a stay.
Hiking and connections across the Ă…land Sea
The Roslagsleden runs from Danderyd to Grisslehamn and forms part of the European long-distance hiking trail E6. Its route along the shoreline leads into the town. For a hiking trip, Grisslehamn can therefore be considered the endpoint of a longer route; the trail is also part of a wider long-distance hiking network.
The M/S Eckerö offers another perspective on the area’s location: it runs daily between Grisslehamn and Eckerö in Åland. The hiking trail and ferry connection represent different ways to travel, both of which have a link to Grisslehamn. Before your trip, check the ferry timetable and the latest service information.
Postal history and living tradition
The Postrodden commemorates the centuries-long obligation of the farmers of Väddö and Eckerö to transport mail and passengers across the Åland Sea. Today, it is an annual competition, usually held in June. Dates vary from year to year, so if you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date for the relevant year. A folk festival is held at the starting and finishing locations as part of the Postrodden, although the exact program may vary.
The historic buildings also tell stories of travel and transport. Grisslehamns Posthus was built in 1755–1756 as a post house and inn. There were rooms for travelers on the upper floor. Borgen, meanwhile, was built as barracks in 1812 and became a guesthouse after the military left Grisslehamn in 1869. The two buildings have different histories: one served as a post office, accommodation and inn, while the other was initially used for military purposes.
Albert Engström and the town’s cultural history
Albert Engström’s studio is a listed building of cultural and historical value, perched on a cliff near the sea outside Grisslehamn. The rooms have remained largely unchanged since Engström’s death in 1940. The Albert Engström Museum is located in the former home of the artist, writer and satirist in Grisslehamn. It covers his artistic work as well as his life as an influential storyteller and public voice.
Grisslehamn’s chapel also connects local history with artistic influences: it was inaugurated on September 26, 1909, and its altarpiece is inspired by the archipelago and its inhabitants. At Augustberg, rooms have been restored to reflect their appearance during Albert Engström’s time. These different connections offer several ways to explore the town’s cultural history: a preserved studio, a museum, a chapel and rooms whose design harks back to Engström’s era.
Seasonal nature and sailing
Grisslehamn is a good place to observe seabirds, especially in September and October. Conditions and sightings may vary. This seasonal focus offers a specific point of reference for planning your trip: these months are quite different from the summer activities offered by Grisslehamns Motor- och Segelsällskap.
The club runs a sailing school every summer for children, young people and adults. The sailing school is based in Ornöviken. As course arrangements may vary, check the details of the relevant course in advance. The sailing school and autumn birdwatching appeal to different seasonal interests, so the two activities are not limited to the same time of year.
Fishing harbor and trip planning
Grisslehamn’s fishing harbor has 15 guest berths for boats. Capacity and facilities may change, so check the latest information before your visit. Along with ferry services, the long-distance hiking trail and cultural sites, this makes Grisslehamn a destination whose different offerings can be prioritized in different ways depending on your interests and the time of year.
Discover more destinations: Södersvik, Svanberga, Norrtälje, Spillarsboda, Bergshamra, Gräddö, Rånäs, Yxlan.
Return to the main travel guide: Norrtälje.
