Vaxholm Attractions

Vaxholm lies on the island of Vaxö, northeast of Stockholm on the channel used by seagoing vessels making for the capital. On a rocky island between Vaxö and Rindö, Gustavus Vasa built a defensive tower to protect this channel. During the 17th century it was developed into a powerful fortress, and in the following century Rindö was also fortified. The fortress of Vaxholm was given its present form in 1838, but immediately after this rebuilding lost any military significance, since its walls could not withstand modern artillery. It now houses a museum, with a collection of material from its days as a fortress. Until 1912 there was a ban on the construction of stone houses in Vaxholm. During the 19th century this was a favorite summer resort of the people of Stockholm, and the little summer houses with a carved decoration and enclosed verandas, are relics of that period.