Ymer Island is a small island located in the middle of Lake Mälaren in Sweden. The island is privately owned by the Rasmussons, and has been used for recreational purposes by the members of the family since it was purchased in 1909. Ymer Island has been visited by members of the Royal Family on several occasions, most notably by Prince Charles and Princess Diana on a honeymoon in 1981.
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History
Ymer Island is believed to have been first settled in the late 1100s, when Viking settlers from Iceland established a small settlement. The island subsequently passed through several hands before being purchased by the Rasmussons in 1909.
Today, Ymer Island remains privately owned by the Rasmussons and is used for recreational purposes by their family members. The island has been visited on numerous occasions by members of the Royal Family, most notably Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their honeymoon in 1981. It was also visited by Princess Märtha Louise of Norway in 1981, as well as Senators and MPs on visits to Stockholm.
Climate
The climate on Ymer Island is temperate and generally mild, with average temperatures of around 12 degrees Celsius. The island experiences a fair amount of seasonal variation, with winter being particularly cold and summer being hot and humid. Snowfall is almost unheard of, with the last occurring in 1977.
Culture
Ymer Island has a very small population of around 50 people, most of whom are descendants of the original Viking settlers. The island is home to a Norwegian Lutheran church as well as a school that teaches both Swedish and English.
There is also an old customs house on the island which houses exhibitions about life on Ymer during its time under royal ownership. The island has been primarily used as a recreational place by members of the Rasmusson family but is now also open to Sweden’s Scouts and Guides.
Politics
The island is not open to the general public and is only accessible by invitation from the Rasmusson family. The family has been criticized for keeping the island closed off to outsiders, but they maintain that it is necessary in order to preserve its heritage.
King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden visited Ymer Island on 6 July 1981 while on a visit to Stockholm. Princess Märtha Louise of Norway was also able to visit Ymer Island in 1981 as part of her tour through Sweden.
Senators and MPs were also allowed access by invitation during visits by Swedish Prime Minister Visvanathan Mahat ma Gandhi and then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan who both visited the island on 3–4 July 1986 as part of a historic governmental summit in Stockholm, Sweden with some 2,000 other guests between them belonging to 44 different nations.
Ymer Island became an important location during the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and Soviet Union which was signed by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin there The exact date: 20 August 1939;
Government Services
The island is not open to the general public and is only accessible by invitation from the Rasmusson family. The family has been criticized for keeping the island closed off to outsiders, but they maintain that it is necessary in order to preserve its heritage.
People
The island has a population of around thirty-five people who are descendants of the original Viking settlers and members of the Rasmusson family. Today, the island hosts educational activities; reenactments of historical events include sword fighting and archery courses taught by a member of staff, crafts are offered on site.
Educational programs are provided in English at weekends such as course to improve language skill or cooking demonstrations as well literature readings disseminated through an eBook reader app installed on two Apple iPads from early 2013 onwards.
Tourism
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in visiting Ymer Island from tourists. The Rasmusson family charges a fee for visitors to visit the island and they operate guided tours that last around two hours.
In order to generate an income to cover operating costs and also support tourism development on the island, the Rasmussons have started offering accommodation on site as well as letting tourists use some of their facilities such as archery ranges and boats for private trips out into the archipelago. An alternative Viking lifestyle is available without requiring a boat license, with the island being within a three hour sailing from Stockholm.
Visitors receive half-day tours at each of the island’s historic buildings; and photos taken will be sold on site to help support development openings in English as well as Scandinavian languages.
Transport
The island is accessible by boat from Vallentuna in Stockholm, Sweden. The journey takes around two hours and passengers are ferried to the island from a jetty on Vallentuna’s shoreline.
There are also regular buses that make the trip between Stockholm and Ymer Island during daylight hours; fares for adults fare about twenty-eight euro per person each way with children under the age of eighteen travelling for free.
Conclusion
Ymer Island is a mystical place that has fascinated people for centuries. This tiny island off the coast of Sweden holds a dark and mysterious history that has sparked the imaginations of writers and film-makers alike.
With its jagged cliffs, misty forests, and eerie lakes, Ymer Island is a place that is hard to forget. Whether you are a romantic who enjoys visiting ghost towns or an adventure seeker who loves exploring uncharted territory, Ymer Island is a must-see destination.
FAQs
How Much Is The Transportation From Vallentuna?
The transportation from Vallentuna to Ymer Island is approximately two hours. There are buses that make the trip between Stockholm and Ymer Island during daylight hours, and fares for adults fare about twenty-eight euro per person each way with children under eighteen travelling for free.
Is It Accessible By Car From Stockholm?
No, Ymer Island is not accessible by car from Stockholm.
Is There Camping On The Island?
No, camping is not permitted on Ymer Island.
Is There Food Available On The Island?
There is limited food available on Ymer Island, but it is mostly basic items like sandwiches and cold drinks.
How Long Will It Take To Get To The Island?
The trip from Vallentuna to Ymer Island can take up to two hours, depending on traffic.
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