In a world full of places to visit, Öregrund remains one to truly feel — a town where every house, every stone, every gust of sea air seems to welcome you home
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
There are certain towns that, from the moment you set foot in them, feel like walking straight into a storybook. Öregrund is one such place. A charming coastal town with just around 1,600 residents, located in Östhammar Municipality of Uppsala County, it holds within its cobbled streets and sea-scented air a treasure trove of history, nature, and heartwarming simplicity.
It was on a slightly misty, drizzling morning that I set off for Öregrund, about a two-hour drive north of Stockholm. I left around 9:30 am, fueled by a sense of quiet excitement. The drive along the E4 highway was a journey in itself — a beautiful ribbon of road unfolding through Sweden’s scenic countryside. Lush forests, shimmering lakes, and meadows brushed in soft spring green passed by like living paintings. At times, the drizzle blurred my windshield, making it hard to focus on the road, but even that felt poetic — as if nature was gently veiling the landscape, letting only glimpses of its beauty slip through.
The closer I got to Öregrund, the more serene the surroundings became. The modern buzz of Stockholm faded away, replaced by the gentle rustle of trees and the distant cry of seabirds. When I finally arrived and parked my car near the waterfront, the town welcomed me with the scent of salt in the air and a silence so profound, it seemed sacred.
First Impressions: A Town Awash in Charm
One of the first sights that caught my eye was an old wooden sailboat, moored quietly by the quay. It looked almost ready to take on the Baltic Sea, its varnished wood gleaming under the misty rain. There was something deeply nostalgic about it, as if it carried stories of countless voyages within its timbers. Not far off, the lighthouse stood proud against the cloudy sky, a silent guardian of the town. Small hills rose gently around the harbor, dotted with benches and trees, offering perfect spots for reflection and rest.
The town seemed to breathe with a soft rhythm, like a lullaby sung by the sea. Even under the grey sky, Öregrund glowed — every colorful wooden house, every cherry blossom tree in bloom seemed to hum with life.
I began walking towards the town center, following a wooden boardwalk — known as a “brygga” in Swedish — that ran alongside the sparkling water. The planks creaked lightly underfoot, and the scent of wet wood and seaweed rose with each step. Along the marina, boats bobbed gently, their masts swaying slightly in the cool breeze. Among them was a ferry, calmly waiting to transport vehicles and passengers to the nearby Gräsö Island — a charming island popular among locals and visitors for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Exploring the Heart of Öregrund
The town center was a cozy mosaic of cafes, restaurants, and small shops. Few restaurants were open, but the ones that were had a welcoming warmth about them, with the smell of fresh coffee and seafood wafting into the streets. I imagined that in summer, the town would burst into a lively scene of tourists, music, and colorful festivals, but today, with the drizzle pattering on the roofs, it felt like a secret sanctuary.
I wandered through the narrow lanes, each lined with delightful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses painted in cheerful reds, yellows, and whites. These buildings, remarkably well-preserved, seemed like guardians of a different era — witnesses to the town’s rich maritime past. It’s easy to forget today, but Öregrund was once a bustling export hub during the 17th and 18th centuries, famed particularly for “Oregrounds iron,” highly prized in England for its superior quality.
My steps eventually brought me to Öregrund Church, a majestic 15th-century stone building that stands proudly at the heart of the town. Unfortunately, the church was closed, so I could only admire it from the outside. Its sturdy stone walls, weathered by centuries of wind and rain, seemed to tell their own silent story — a story of resilience and faith that has watched over this town for generations.
The Dance of Colors and Seasons
One of the most magical sights I encountered that day was a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. Standing like a pink cloud against the soft greys of the rainy day, it was utterly mesmerizing. Beneath its umbrella of blossoms, the world seemed to hold its breath. For a while, I just stood there, letting the rain bead softly on my jacket, taking in the ephemeral beauty of it all. Moments like these — unscripted, unexpected — are the true jewels of travel.
Everywhere in Öregrund, nature and human craft seemed to weave together in perfect harmony. Trees leaned lovingly over brightly colored houses. Flowers peeked from windowsills. Even the benches seemed thoughtfully placed, inviting you to pause and savor the landscape.
The Spirit of the Sea
Öregrund’s soul is undeniably tied to the sea. Beyond the marina, the endless expanse of the Baltic stretched under a quilt of grey clouds. Fishermen worked quietly on their boats, and seagulls wheeled overhead, their cries carrying across the water.
The Roslagen Maritime Museum — though I didn’t enter on this trip — stood nearby, offering a treasure trove of local maritime history. It’s said that every ship, every sailor, and every storm has left a mark on Öregrund’s identity, and a visit to the museum would certainly deepen one’s appreciation for the town’s seafaring legacy.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Öregrund is also a gateway to endless adventures. Kayaking, sailing, and island hopping are popular in warmer months, and the nearby archipelago promises unspoiled nature, secluded beaches, and forests alive with birdsong. Even on a quiet rainy day like this, the pull of the outdoors was strong, stirring a deep longing to explore further.
A Walk Instead of a Café
Instead of stopping at a café, I decided to continue wandering the quiet streets and waterfront. The idea of pausing indoors was tempting, but the town itself felt like an open-air museum that I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. Walking under the soft drizzle, watching the ferry to Gräsö arrive and depart, and listening to the gentle conversations of locals passing by was more nourishing than any coffee could have been.
There is something profound about small towns like Öregrund. In a world constantly rushing forward, places like these offer a gentle reminder to slow down, to savor the rain, the blossoms, the quiet company of the sea.
A Promise to Return
As the afternoon wore on and the rain lightened to a mist, I made my way back to the car. Leaving Öregrund felt a little like waking from a beautiful dream. Yet, as I drove away, retracing the scenic E4 highway back towards Stockholm, I carried a piece of its quiet magic with me.
There’s no doubt in my mind: I will return. Perhaps in the summer, when the town brims with life and the sea sparkles under the sun. Perhaps again in the rain, to walk the brygga and listen to the whispers of history on the breeze.
In a world full of places to visit, Öregrund remains one to truly feel — a town where every house, every stone, every gust of sea air seems to welcome you home.
Read: Where the Wind Meets the Water
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
