Exploring Hallands Väderö: Sweden’s Wild and Peaceful Island

Sponsored post, all words are my own, and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Do you have a favourite island?

That’s the question Skandinavisk asked in celebration of their ØY fragrance – a collection with notes of water mosses, dog rose, crabapple and green leaves, inspired by the solitude and raw beauty of the Nordic islands (keep a lookout for the discount code at the end of this post). 

There’s something magical about the word island, isn't there? It conjures images of wind-blown shores, untouched nature, and life lived at a slower pace. Coming from a sailing family, I’ve been lucky to explore many islands – which isn’t hard when you live in Sweden, the country with more islands than anywhere else in the world (true story!). But my heart always returns to one close to home.

Just a kilometre off the coast of Torekov, where we have our little cabin, lies Hallands Väderö – a 3-square-kilometre, car-free nature reserve where seals lounge on sun-warmed rocks and ancient trees line quiet forest paths. It’s both wild and serene.

Arriving by ferry from Torekov to Sandhamn on a relaxing day trip, you leave behind more than just the mainland—you leave behind the rush of everyday life. Instead, you're greeted by stillness, fresh sea air, and a sense of something timeless.

Let me take you there today!

The ØY hand cream is so lovely and light yet nourishing - I always have it in my bag! It's made with Swedish rapeseed oil – and smells just like a breath of fresh island air. 

Getting there

Hallands Väderö is completely uninhabited, apart from a handful of simple summer cottages tucked among the trees. The only way to reach the island is by boat—and thankfully, a ferry runs from Torekov year-round (see the schedule). When the ferry arrives at Sandhamn, there’s no traffic, no shops – just a few wooden trolleys waiting at the dock. They’re there for the lucky cottage owners to load up with food, clothes, books, and board games – everything needed for slow days and quiet nights, all wheeled through the forest to their front door. The only sign of service is a small, charming café that opens during the summer months – just enough for an ice cream, a coffee, or a slice of something sweet after a swim.

Exploring the island

When our children were little, we’d often spend whole days on the sandy beach in Sandhamn – building forts, collecting shells, and watching the hours drift by. These days, we’ll usually pick one of the many marked trails that weave across the island, each one signposted with different coloured wooden stakes. Our first port of call is often Kappelhamn for a swim.

To reach Kappelhamn, the trail leads through a mix of open meadows where horses roam, and deep, shady forests where moss carpets the ground and the air smells of pine and sea. Keep a look out for the English graveyard – a forgotten resting place for shipwrecked sailors, hidden among the trees and weathered by time. 

Kappelhamn

On the southern side of the island lies Kappelhamn – a favourite spot for boat daytrippers and island bathers. It feels like a tiny archipelago, with its mix of sandy beaches, sun-warmed cliffs, smooth skerries, and a bathing platform. Tucked into the landscape are a handful of off-grid summer cottages – simple and secluded, with sweeping views over the Kattegat. There’s no electricity, just the rhythm of the sea and the quiet luxury of living in tune with nature (rain or shine!). 

  

The ØY Wash (500ml) is ideal for the shower (we have it in our cabin). I love that it's naturally made with Swedish oat fibre and organic aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. One of the scent notes is dog rose, which is found in abundance on Hallands Väderö. 

The clear waters around the island can get surprisingly warm in summer – up to 22°C (that’s 72°F!), which definitely counts as tropical by Swedish standards. Even on chillier days, a quick dip is wonderfully refreshing. I’ll admit, I’m what Swedes affectionately call a badkruka – a “bathing pot” – basically someone who takes forever to get in (and often doesn’t). Per, on the other hand, is a proper Viking and swims year-round without so much as a flinch. So yes, pack your bathers – whether you're a badkruka or a seasoned bather, the sea is always waiting.

The ØY lotion (500 ml) is super nourishing yet sinks in fast – perfect for after a swim. My girls really love it too!

 

To the lighthouse

No visit to the island is complete without a walk to Hallands Väderö Lighthouse. The trail between Kappelhamn and the lighthouse takes you past the old farm – red barns, a few slow-moving cows – a quiet reminder of the island’s farming past. From there, things get a bit more rugged and marshy as you reach the exposed western coast, where the Kattegat winds pick up. Wooden boardwalks and coastal trails lead you out to the lighthouse – a white tower that’s been calmly guiding ships for over a hundred years. You can’t go in, but just getting there is half the experience – big skies, sea air, and that wide-open feeling you only get at the edge of an island. And I’ll admit, the walk feels slightly easier these days without a toddler on our backs.

In spring and early summer, Hallands Väderö quietly bursts into bloom. The meadows and forest edges are scattered with wood anemones, bird’s-foot trefoil, violets, and even the occasional wild orchid. As summer deepens, you’ll find hardy coastal blooms like sea thrift, wild thyme, and yarrow, clinging to the sun-baked cliffs and open fields. It’s a gentle, low-key kind of beauty – nothing too dramatic – but full of life if you stop and take it in. 

Staying the night

Just beside the lighthouse, Fyrplatsen—the island’s original refuge for overnight stays—is perfect for anyone wanting to linger a little longer… or for stragglers who (like us, nearly a few times) miss the 4 pm ferry. Perched out on the wild western tip,the self-catered stay is a pretty exciting place to spend the night, and well worth lugging your clothes, food, and board games all the way out there. Alternatively, Skogvaktaregården also offers overnight accommodation, nestled within the island’s peaceful landscape.

That said, I do love heading back to Torekov and our little cabin at the end of the day – cheeks rosy, candle lit, and a glass of wine in hand. Bliss! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little visit to my favourite island. If you can’t get there yourself, the next best thing might just be the ØY Island Solitude collection from Skandinavisk – it’s like the feeling of the island, bottled up in scent! As a little gift from me, you can get 20% off throughout July on all fragrances from Skandinavisk with the code island20. 

I’d love to hear about your favourite island too, please do share in the comments below if you'd like. 

I'll be back on Friday with a very charming tour. See you then! 

Niki

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A Look Inside a Cosy Off-Grid Cabin Escape in Tasmania

Do any of you work on Teams? I had a call this morning with clients scattered across the globe – some of us basking in European summer, faces glowing, matcha lemonades in hand. Then there was one fabulous client beaming in from the southern hemisphere: woolly beanie, wrapped in a blanket, cat on lap, visibly shivering. I recoiled in confusion – until I remembered it’s the middle of winter down there. The mind boggles.

So, this post is dedicated to you cosy southerners – those of you lighting fires, leaning into the layered life, and hopefully escaping Teams meetings for at least a little while (even if your clients are cool as cucumbers).

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Tasmania right now? Let me point you in the direction of Camp Nowhere.

Tucked away on Yingina / Great Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, this once-humble fisherman’s shack is now a beautifully rustic, open-plan retreat. From every corner, including the bathtub, you’ve got views of forest and distant water. Nature’s always in reach here. Even the snug bed nook has a view of the roaring fire and the ever-changing world beyond the windows.

It’s also full of relaxed, thoughtful details: a cute little fish sketched on the wall, a nod to its laidback lakeside roots, and a gentle reflection of Tasmania’s effortlessly chilled-out vibe.

So if you’re craving stillness, a crackling fire, and a place where you’re never far from the trees (or the view) – this might just be your kind of nowhere (it certainly is mine!). 

How lovely is this place? So calm, so inviting.

I’ve got such a soft spot for bed nooks like this – we have one in our little cabin too, and I sleep like a log in it. There’s just something about being tucked away, fire flickering in view.

Did anything catch your eye? 

Can you imagine spending a few slow days here? No noise, no rush, just a good book and a better view. If so, you can read more about it and book your stay here. 

Tasmania’s been living rent-free in my imagination for years – I’ve never been, but I think about it often. If you’re dreaming too, there are loads more cabins and cottages from the island to explore here.

Speaking of islands – I’ll be back on Wednesday sharing photos from a recent visit to my favourite Swedish island. It’s part of a lovely challenge from Skandinavisk and their ØY collection. Join me if you’re curious to see which island I picked… and fancy a little tour. I have a discount code for you too! 

Happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Critchley

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Inside An Idyllic Norwegian Island Getaway

Hej hej! Happy Friday! In case you’re wondering about the current mood in Scandinavia – it’s very much a case of “gone fishing” or, more accurately, “gone to the summer cottage, back in three weeks.” It’s July, and no one works in July unless they absolutely have to. After all, we’ve endured a long, cold, dark winter – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

One of Scandinavia’s best-kept secrets is the incredible array of islands that come alive at this time of year. There’s something for everyone – tiny skerries, uninhabited nature reserves with hiking trails and camping spots, and charming islands dotted with clapboard summer cottages, old fishing villages, and small harbours where life gathers in the evening. The days follow a simple rhythm: eat, swim, nap, repeat.

This delightful summer cottage is situated in Hvaler, a municipality made up of islands in the southern part of Østfold County, Norway, and perfectly captures the essence of the Scandinavian summer idyll. Its relaxed coastal interior, with blue and white accents, reflects the hues of the Skagerrak Sea, glimpsed through the windows. A sailboat here, a cluster of ornamental glass fishing buoys there – it’s all part of the charm.

Though modest, the cottage offers an effortless comfort: a relaxed sofa, soft blankets, sheepskins and cushions invite you to kick back and unwind. But if the sun’s shining, you’ll probably be tempted to join the alfresco gathering, where fresh prawns await – or slip away to the water’s edge for a quiet moment alone, soaking up the scenery and recharging for the season ahead.

Enjoy the tour!

Charming in every way!

It’s been captured so beautifully that I feel as though I’m right there – soaking up the sunshine on the warm rocks with a book in hand.

Do you feel it too?

Does it sound like your kind of summer? Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to see more snapshots, hop over to @hvalerlivet on Instagram – it’s a true feast for the eyes!

Would you like to explore more Norwegian summer houses today? If so, take a peek at: 

A magical Norwegian house by a fjord
An idyllic fjordside retreat in Norway
A charming little cabin by a Norwegian fjord

By the way, if you're curious about the scent of these islands - Skandinavisk have managed to bottle it up in the beautiful ØY collection and this July you can get 20% off all their fragrances (including candles, washes, lotions etc) with code ISLAND20. Just saying! 

Have a wonderful weekend – and thank you for stopping by!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hvalerlivet, shared with kind permission. 

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