“Another suburb in Stockholm,” you might think. But Mölvik offers more than meets the eye. Mölvik is a part of Värmdö Municipality. Let’s uncover some fascinating aspects of this place.
Värmdö Municipality comprises around 10000 islands. These islands are all part of the Stockholm archipelago. The larger islands include Värmdö and Ingarö. Mölvik is part of this stunning island landscape.
The name Värmdö dates back to 1314. Its meaning remains unclear. It possibly originates from “värmd”. Värmd refers to small hot springs in the ocean. These springs create holes in the ice during winter. The area has evidence of inhabitants from the Stone Age. People then relied on fishing and hunting seals and seabirds. Cereal crops struggled in the coastal climate. Therefore, residents focused on potato cultivation.
Around 1850 steam boat lines began operating. Wealthy Stockholmers started building vacation homes near the stations. Main roads arrived in the 1930s. Steam boats continued serving the islands. Expansion continued. In the 1970s municipal reform created Värmdö. Six small municipalities merged. The new municipality adopted Gustavsberg’s coat of arms. It features two porcelain ovens.
Värmdö has grown rapidly as a Stockholm suburb. It also is one of Sweden’s most exclusive vacation home areas. The population triples during the summer months.
Gustavsberg’s porcelain factory dominated the municipality’s industry. It started in the 1820s. Around 1900 the factory employed 1000 people. That made it one of Sweden’s largest workplaces.
Värmdö offers better access by water than by land. Waxholmsbolaget provides boat services to Värmdö archipelago islands. County road 222 is the major road for land travel from Stockholm. It ends at Stavsnäs ferry harbor. This harbor is a key connection point in the Stockholm archipelago.
Although there is no train service to Mölvik. Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, SL, operates numerous bus routes. Most buses end their routes in Stockholm at Slussen. Bus connections have improved considerably since 2005.
Mölvik is part of a larger story. It involves islands porcelain production and Stockholm’s expansion. Remember its history next time you pass through. It is more than just another suburb.