Sandhamn

Sandhamn
Sandhamn, Stockholm Archipelago
Sandhamn
Coordinates: 59°17′20.55″N 18°54′54.40″E / 59.2890417°N 18.9151111°E / 59.2890417; 18.9151111
Country	Sweden
Municipality	Värmdö Municipality
County	Stockholm County
Province	Uppland
Founded	Before 1280
Area [1]
• Total	0.27 km2 (0.10 sq mi)
Population  (2005-12-31)[1]
• Total	108
• Density	407/km2 (1,050/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Website	www.sandhamn.se

Sandhamn (Swedish for "Sand Harbour") is a small settlement in the central-peripheral part of the Stockholm Archipelago at the 59th parallel north^[2] in central-eastern Sweden. approximately 50 km (30 mi) east of Stockholm. Sandhamn is located on the island Sandön ("Sand Island"), which is, however, colloquially referred to as Sandhamn. Administratively, it is in Värmdö Municipality and Stockholm County.

One of the most important natural ports in the archipelago with easy access to the Swedish capital, Sandhamn has been popular for pleasure boating since the late 19th century. It is known for its tavern, its clubhouse, and its harbour.

While the settlement only has a hundred permanent inhabitants, the number of residents increases to 2-3,000 during the summer. Sandhamn receives an additional 100,000 visitors annually.^[3] Most of the inhabitants are entrepreneurs but many also have regular jobs. For example, two of the major employers on the island, other than the restaurants and bed & breakfasts, are the Swedish Maritime Administration (Sjöfartsverket) and the local police force.^[4]

The harbor can receive 350 ships, while up to 150 boats can be moored on the neighboring island Lökholmen.^[5] Sandhamn is connected to the mainland by ferry lines departing from Stavsnäs and Stockholm, operated by Waxholmsbolaget and Cinderellabåtarna. Cinderellabåtarna's parent company, Strömma Kanalbolaget, also operates tourist cruises that call at the island.

Sandhamn is the scene for the sailing Round Gotland Race covering two days, the most prestigious race in the Baltic Sea and has an average of around 300 participating sail boats, as well as hundreds of spectators invading Sandhamn in the beginning of July each year.