Viggsö is a picturesque island that holds a special place in Swedish cultural history. Just a kilometer long, it is accessible only by boat, making it a serene retreat where the rhythm of the sea shapes daily life. With its rugged cliffs, scattered summer cottages, and tranquil waters, Viggsö embodies the unique beauty of the archipelago—a blend of untouched nature and idyllic seclusion.
ABBA and Viggsö
For ABBA, Viggsö was more than a getaway; it was a creative haven. During the 1970s, the island became a summer gathering spot for the band members and their manager, Stig “Stikkan” Anderson, who owned cottages there. The relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by the sea breeze and a simple out-of-tune piano, provided the perfect setting for Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to craft some of ABBA’s most beloved songs. As Björn described, their songwriting process required “lots of work and time”—qualities the island offered in abundance.
Midsummer celebrations on Viggsö became legendary, with traditional Swedish festivities under the midnight sun. Guests included fellow musicians like Claes “Clabbe” af Geijerstam, who fondly recalled their attempts at building a raft during one such celebration.
In the book the way ABBA enjoyed Viggsö is summed up by Björn Ulvaeus – “The way we worked in the songwriting cottage on Viggsö makes it clear what it’s all about. Work, lots of work. And time. If you don’t put in a huge amount of time, you’ll never get really good. When it’s two guys sitting out on an island with a piano and an acoustic guitar, the song really has to deliver.”
Viggsö remains a timeless retreat, carrying whispers of ABBA’s melodies amid the lapping waves of the archipelago.
The book’s chapter “ABBA and the sea” has more stories and moments from Viggsö to enjoy and cherish.
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ANDANTE – About A Happy Boat
Bokförlaget Max Ström
Enjoy the full story about Andante from its birth at Storebro some 50 years ago. This book covers the entire story about the years with ABBA to present days.
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