Forgotten islands: Tärnö is Sweden's idyll among the thousands and thousands of archipelagos

It's not easy to pick just one of Sweden's thousands of archipelagos as the most beautiful. Until you come across Tärnö. This rock in the sea is a Swedish idyll straight out of a picture book. Nevertheless, many crews hurry past it on their way to Stockholm and prefer to stop on the exposed island of Utklippan. Or they head north-west to the more extensive archipelago off Karlskrona. Tärnö, on the other hand, can be found further west, less than three miles from Karlshamn.

The island, which was once inhabited and farmed by several families, is now privately owned. It comes to life mainly during the summer, when those who have moved away return to their holiday homes and day trippers and yachties visit. There is also an upmarket campsite on the archipelago.

Sailors head for the north side of the island, where there is a well-protected natural bay. In the shallow and crystal-clear water, you might think you're constantly running aground, but don't worry, it's deep enough. If you don't want to anchor, you can go to the municipal jetty on the east side or to the south-west next to the ferry landing stage. There you will find an ice cream parlour and the obligatory simple island restaurant. The menu here includes specialities such as waffles filled with fish. And of course there are lovely barbecue areas.

A few of the typical red and white painted wooden houses are scattered on land. In between are granite humps and a little forest. Paddlers and a few fishing boats can be spotted along the shoreline - nothing more. Simply marvellous!

Position

56° 07' 16'' N, 014°58' 32'' E

Size

approx. 1 x 0.7 nautical miles

Inhabitants

Only in summer

Harbours & bays

The large harbour bay in the north of the island is also an excellent anchorage that offers good protection from west to south to east. The long, municipal jetty on the east side can be used for a fee, as can places near the ferry jetty in the south-west. The south and parts of the east of the island are a nature reserve and are not suitable for anchoring.

Tips

The circular walk around the island is a must. It's over after two hours at the latest, but they are worth their weight in gold. The small lighthouse in the south is the destination. Information about the island at naturkartan.se (search term: Tärnö).

Other forgotten islands:

• The Italian Ventotene is an insider tip
• The cradle of radio lies on the Irish island of Rathlin
• Îles Chausey - France's rocks in the sea
• Sejerø - Danish top stop in the Great Belt
• Greece's last island Kastellorizo is worth a visit