Värmdö facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Värmdö |
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Island | |
The village of Stavsnäs
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Country | Sweden |
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County | Stockholm |
Municipalities | Värmdö, Nacka |
Coordinates | 59°19′N 18°31′E / 59.317°N 18.517°E |
Area | 181.40 km² (70 sq mi) |
Värmdö is a large island located very close to Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. You can find it on Sweden's beautiful east coast, right in the middle of the Stockholm archipelago. This island is quite big, covering about 181.4 square kilometers (around 70 square miles). Most of Värmdö is part of Värmdö Municipality, which is a local government area. However, some of its western parts belong to Nacka Municipality. Värmdö is a popular place for both people who live there all year round and those who visit during holidays.
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Discovering Värmdö Island
Värmdö is known for its stunning natural beauty and its close connection to the sea. It's a place where you can experience the unique charm of the Swedish archipelago.
Where is Värmdö Located?
Värmdö is situated just east of Stockholm. It's one of the largest islands in the inner part of the Stockholm archipelago. This means it's easy to reach from the city, making it a favorite spot for day trips and summer vacations. The island's location makes it a gateway to thousands of smaller islands and islets.
How Big is Värmdö?
Värmdö is a significant island in terms of size. It measures about 181.4 square kilometers. To give you an idea, that's larger than many cities! Its size allows for a mix of different landscapes, from dense forests to open farmlands and rocky coastlines.
Värmdö's Landscape and Nature
The island's landscape is very diverse. You'll find a mix of tall pine forests, calm lakes, and rugged coastlines with smooth, wave-worn rocks. The eastern parts of the island are more wild and untouched, while the western areas are more developed with towns and villages.
Life on Värmdö
Life on Värmdö combines the peace of island living with the convenience of being close to a major city. Many people live here permanently and commute to Stockholm for work or school.
Villages and Communities
Värmdö has several charming villages and communities. One well-known village is Stavsnäs, which is a historic port town. From places like Stavsnäs, you can catch ferries to many of the smaller, outer islands in the archipelago. These villages often have small shops, cafes, and local services.
Activities and Recreation
Värmdö offers many activities for visitors and residents. In the summer, people enjoy swimming, boating, and kayaking in the clear waters. There are also many hiking trails through the forests and along the coast. During winter, if the ice is thick enough, you might see people ice skating or cross-country skiing. The island is a great place for outdoor adventures.
Värmdö's Wildlife and Environment
The island's natural environment supports a variety of wildlife. You can often spot different kinds of birds, including sea eagles and ospreys, especially near the coast. Deer and other small mammals also live in the forests. Protecting Värmdö's unique environment is important for keeping its natural beauty for future generations.
Protecting the Archipelago
The Stockholm archipelago, including Värmdö, is a special natural area. Efforts are made to protect its delicate ecosystem. This includes managing fishing, preserving natural habitats, and encouraging responsible tourism. Many parts of the island and surrounding waters are protected areas.