Docksta fjord and the Docks from the main pier of the marina
Chapter 5 | #HighCoastSailor Mini-Guide
The Sailor's Club House: a living room for High Coast adventurers
“Every marina has a harbor office. But here at Docksta Havet, we wanted something different - a place where stories begin, friendships form, and adventures take shape. Our Sailor’s Club House isn't just another marina building; it stands proudly at the head of our docks, in what was once a grand boathouse more than fifty years ago. Like all our waterfront buildings, it still rests above the sea, the gentle lapping of waves beneath its wooden floors a constant reminder of its maritime soul.
Those old wooden beams that once sheltered fishing boats now embrace a different kind of maritime spirit, while the sea continues its timeless dance below. Here, in this 100-square-meter space where water meets wood, we've created the heart of a unique community where sailors become hikers and hikers dream of the sea.
Step inside, and feel the subtle lapping of the water beneath the floor - a gentle reminder that you're not just visiting a lounge, you're experiencing a piece of living maritime heritage. The rhythm of the waves under the dock wooden planks creates a natural soundtrack to your High Coast adventure planning”.
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The explorer's lounge by the sea
Where land and sea meet below your feet… where sailors become hikers and hikers dream of the sea…
“Picture this: Early morning light streaming through windows that frame Dockstafjärden. The aroma of freshly brewed Italian espresso mingles with the salty breeze. A Finnish crew planning their hike to Skuleberget spreads out their map on the table, while a Swedish couple browses through our guest book. Someone's sharing yesterday's sunset photos, and yes - there's always room for one more at our coffee corner.
Every object here tells a story. Like that bright green and white burgee from the Finnish Sailing Club, brought by the crews of nine yachts who gathered here to hike Skuleberget together, and the faded Royal Danish Yacht Club flag gifted by a couple of veteran sailors, who sailed their beautifully maintained 1962 Sparkman & Stephens 38' up the High Coast one magical midsummer. Or the well-thumbed "Baltic Sea Routes" guide, left by the family from Kiel, who enriched its margins with carefully penciled notes about hidden anchorages and the best lingon and blueberry spots along our hiking trails”.
Our Club House isn't just a space - it's a living, ever-changing collection of High Coast memories, where every corner holds a piece of the High Coast sailors' growing story.
Here, between Nik Ferrando's artwork and our wall of sailing charts and trail maps, you'll find more than just information - you'll discover your next High Coast adventure.
Maritime memorabilia
Walking in, you'll notice our wall of sailing memories first - colorful burgees from visiting boats, each with its own tale of how it found its way to our harbor. Below them, our guest book has grown since the first season in 2006 into a multilingual testimony of maritime and hiking adventures, each page enriched by notes from previous visitors to the Base Camp.
The Adventure Planning Station
By the large windows overlooking Dockstafjärden, tables stand ready where countless High Coast excursions have taken shape. Here, over an espresso (always free, always Italian), you'll find our collection of detailed trail maps and wealth of local knowledge. Watch how a simple question about Skuleskogen National Park often turns into an animated conversation with other guests, each sharing their favorite viewpoints and hidden gems. During the peaceful hours when our guests are out exploring trails, the space returns to its serene state - perfect for digital nomads seeking a quiet workspace or for those wanting to simply sit and watch boats pass by on Dockstafjärden.
The Living Room
The sofas face the sea, creating a peaceful nook surrounded by Nik Ferrando's maritime art and our collection of sailing posters. It's a cozy spot perfect for a quiet morning read or planning your next High Coast adventure. Our nautical library houses a collection of sailing guides, maritime magazines, and the book-sharing corner with novels that guests often exchange. While some books travel onward with new readers, our collection of local guides and High Coast literature remains available for all guests to enjoy. During rainy mornings, you might find someone lost in a book, while the gentle sound of waves beneath the floor provides a soothing backdrop. When hikers return from their adventures, this space transforms into a gathering spot where stories flow as freely as the coffee.
The Souvenir Boutique Corner
Tucked in a sun-lit corner of our Explorer's Lounge, our boutique tells the story of High Coast craftsmanship and maritime heritage. Here, handcrafted wool beanies by TRPL design catch the light with their reflective patterns - each one created with early morning hikers, trail runners, and evening sailors in mind. These aren't just hats; they're essential companions for those magical sunrise moments at Skuleberget or late-summer sailing under the stars.
You'll discover carefully selected pieces of Italian artisanal costume jewelry and women's fashion - a touch of Mediterranean elegance that somehow feels right at home here in the High Coast. Perhaps it's because, like our waters, they carry stories of sun and salt.
But the heart of our collection beats in our limited-edition #TAGMUG series. Each mug is born from a High Coast Sailor’s story - some celebrate quiet Skogspaus moments in ancient forests, others capture the thrill of completing a #BIG5 summit. We design each one here, inspired by our sailing experiences or by the stories our guests bring back from their adventures. Watch closely, and you might spot the mug that matches the story you're about to create.
Whether it's a reflective beanie that will guide you safely along twilight trails, or a colored mug that commemorates your High Coast journey, each piece carries a fragment of our shared adventures. Like the High Coast itself, Each piece is selected to be more than just a souvenir - they're tangible memories of time spent in our special corner of Sweden.
The Adventure Gear corner
Tucked along one wall, our adventure gear station helps turn High Coast dreams into reality. Mountain bikes stand ready for rent (100 SEK/day) - perfect for a quick ride to the museum, exploring Skuleberget's base, or discovering hidden village corners. While many sailing crews bring their folding bikes aboard, our sturdy MTBs offer a great alternative for spontaneous explorations.
Need Nordic walking poles for your trail adventure? Just ask - we're happy to lend them at no cost. And for those seeking a deeper forest connection, our Skogspaus hammock kits (100 SEK/day) invite you to experience the High Coast's ancient woodlands in true Nordic style.
Our map collection covers everything from detailed Skuleskogen National Park trails to specific Skuleberget routes, plus our own custom-made local hiking guides. Whether you're planning a quick village stroll or a full-day mountain adventure, you'll find the perfect map for your journey.
Welcome Point
Our check-in area doubles as an adventure planning hub. While handling the practicalities of your stay, we'll share those special local insights that don't appear in any guide. Here, sailors discover hidden anchorages, hikers uncover unmarked viewpoints, and unexpected trails reveal themselves - each destined to become a cherished memory of your High Coast journey.
Whether you're mooring your boat, checking into our accommodations, or simply seeking local advice, this is where we help transform a simple stay into an adventure. This is where your High Coast story begins.
A Space That Adapts
The rhythm of our Sailor's Club House changes with the hours, like the tides below our wooden floors. Early risers gather for weather reports over their first Italian espresso, while midday might find trail runners mapping their #BIG5 segments. Digital nomads work quietly by the sea-facing windows, occasionally pausing to watch boats navigate Dockstafjärden.
As the day unfolds, you might walk in on impromptu gatherings - sailors sharing cruising insights or hikers marking their discoveries on maps. When evening approaches, our space transforms into a cozy haven where tomorrow's adventures take shape. The sofas fill with guests sharing Skuleskogen stories and sailing plans, all against the backdrop of the setting sun over our marina.
The Heart of Docksta Havet
This isn't just a club house - it's where High Coast adventures begin, where friendships form, and where every visitor becomes part of our ongoing story. Whether you're planning tomorrow's hike, sharing today's sailing tales, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a good book and better coffee, you're always welcome here.
Sailors’ tales from our ☕ coffee corner
⛵️ The Finnish Family
"We discovered the real meaning of 'mountain' here. Our children still talk about the morning hot chocolate while planning climbing adventures with their new Swedish friends. The Club House became our living room for almost a week - base camp for explorations in the morning, gathering spot for trail stories in the evening." As told by Pia and Timo, 🇫🇮 S/Y Tuuli
⛵️ The Digital Nomad
"As a remote worker, finding a marina with both WiFi and a proper workspace is rare. But the Club House offered something more valuable - a community. Between client calls, I'd join the morning coffee discussions about trail conditions or help other sailors plan their High Coast adventures." As told by Lisa, 🇩🇪 S/Y Wanderlust
⛵️ The #BIG5 Inspiration
"Originally stopped just to wait out bad weather, but the maps of the #BIG5 Challenge on the Club House walls caught our eye. Three days later, we'd completed two segments, made friends with a Swedish hiking group, and our sailing schedule? Well, some things are more important than sticking to a plan. That's what this place teaches you." Klaus and Sophie, 🇦🇹 S/Y Aventure
⛵️ The Art of Slow Sailing
"We spotted Nik Ferrando's art on the walls during our first morning coffee. By evening, we were part of an impromptu gathering where another sailing crew and two hiker planned a joint expedition to the national park. Now his print hangs in our home in Helsinki, reminding us of those magical connections." Mikko and Leena, 🇫🇮 S/Y Sisu
⛵️ The Marine Biologist's Tale
“As a marine biologist, I sailed here to study the High Coast's unique post-glacial uplift. The Sailor's Club House - where local knowledge flows as freely as the Italian espresso - became my unexpected workshop space. Between research sessions and video calls with my UK team, I found myself explaining sea level changes to curious hikers while learning about mountain flora from them. The community here sparked something special: two unforgettable days exploring Skuleskogen's trails with my Dutch neighbors from the adjacent mooring, their sailing expertise complementing my scientific knowledge. This place has a way of transforming everyone into both teacher and student.” Emma and Lisa, 🇬🇧 S/Y Blue Light
⛵️ The Unexpected Community
"The most beautiful moments happened in the evenings. After a day of hiking Skuleskogen, we'd return to find other crews gathered on the sofas, sharing routes and stories. Our kids would be reading sailing adventures from the book-sharing shelf while we planned the next day's trails using the maps on the wall. It's not just a club house - it's where sailors meet the mountains." The Johansson Family, 🇸🇪 🛥️ Exploring the High Coast Archipelago
Drop by for a coffee at the Sailor’ Club House
(also your story begins here :)
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