The Swedish word for a hostel, ‘vandrarhem’ (literally, a wanderer’s home), evokes images of coming home from a country walk to a warm fire. No wonder: the term was coined by the Swedish tourist association, STF, originally formed by a group hiking enthusiasts. STF still runs many hostels across Sweden today, including this one, on-board a 19th-century ship moored on Skeppsholmen island.
The AF Chapman has simple bunkbed cabins that have been lovingly restored to keep their original features and style. If you feel more like a Captain than crew, splash out on the Superior Navigation cabin, which comes with an en-suite bathroom.
Neighbourhood
Skeppsholmen (the ship island) is perfectly positioned between the old town on one side and the opulent east end of Stockholm on the other. There is even an off-shoot island, Kastellholmen, with its own small castle. Skeppsholmen is easily accessed on foot or by bus from the King’s Gardens (Kungsträdgården), which has a metro stop on the blue line.
Nearby
1. Moderna Museet: For Stockholm’s biggest modern art collection.
2. Stallet: For Stockholm’s major world music venue.
3. Kungsträdgården park: For the cherry blossom in Spring, and mini-festivals on weekends throughout the summer.
Time Out tip
Arrive in style to your boat by boat, without spending any extra crowns! Any SL (Stockholm’s transportation company) ticket includes the passenger ferries running between Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen and Djurgården islands. Look for the SL sign on the boat, tap your card and go!