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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!
Getting there
Exploring the island
Kappelhamn
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.
To the lighthouse
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.
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