Photo: Per Pettersson Photo: Gunvor Ekström and Kängsö harbour. west towards Furuholmen (bring binoculars). Then turn seals sunbathing ontherocks may have thechance to spot towards Lögsten andyou Then paddleduenorthdet. Hällholmen and Lönngrun- crossing, you can aimfor comfortable witha2–3km your wayifyou back, feel Rånefjärden” to Alskär. On Follow route no. 7“Around southern windsget going. get started earlybefore the Alskär. It’s agoodideato the lovely bathingbeachat we recommend paddlingto If you prefer ashorterouting, Difficulty: Difficulty: Beaches, sealsandboating life at thetopof theGulfof Bothnia. day 1. the northern bayofthe northern Stora Båtöklippan. are offered alongwithacampfire site, toilets dry andacouple of nice tent pitches at your goalfor theday: LillaandStora Båtöklippan. Barren beautyandbeautifulviews home to blackguillemots andherringgulls,amongst others. Paddle past to reach Rödbergsudden. Hällhamnsgrynnan intheBåtöfjärden nature reserve isabird islet, side of Bergön (The Mountain Island) lives upto itsnamewith30metre cliffs at is adeepbayproviding goodprotection ifyou would like abreak.The south lots of tent pitches. The environment isextraordinary anddeserves avisit. southwest, Klippan, isalarge, opensandyheathwithcampfire sites,toilets dry and the smallislets Mittigrundet andYttre Västantillgrundet. By alittlebaydown to the a popularbeach.Continue to Siksundsön, apeninsula without roads ortrails. Pass Begin by paddlingsouthwest to Bockön. The islandhasbeautifulpineheathsand campsite andaseabath.The beachwhere you willlaunchliesnext to theguest pier. TISTERSÖARNA TISTERSÖARNA Maintaining your southeastern course, headto Bergön. At Brändavan, there FJÄRDEN RÖRBÄCK FJUKSÖ- 3 km BOCKBOCKÖN The launchsite isRörbäck, asmallvillage50kmoutsideof Luleå. There isa 7B. BATHING AT ALSKÄR FJÄRDEN FJUKSÖN BOCKÖ- easy difficult 1 day, approx. 16km

RÖVARN 6. THERÅNEÅ ARCHIPELAGO • 2 approx. 45km days, BÖRSTSKÄR DEGERÖ- BERGÖN a curious grey seal water.a curious inthe With abitof luckyoumightspot ST. BÅTÖ- ST. ST. KLIPPAN KLIP BÅTÖ- PAN

Photo: Gunvor Ekström Photo: Göran Wallin Photo: Gunvor Ekström

Photo: Gunvor Ekström between May 1andJuly 31. Skvalpen,part, isa bird protection area sand dunesandabird paradise. The southern Rödkallen-Sör-Äspen nature reserve. Shifting small museum of theisland’s history. Altappen, there part, isaand onthenorthern The Luleåpart. SailingSociety isbasedhere facility. kayak rental. You can driveunloadandparkattheguest parkingabove out, the islands and is easiest andis firstislands topick the after frost. grows fullof C, outer vitamin onthe Sea-buckthorn, northwest. than 2kmof sandy beachto thewest and best launchingspot for kayakers isalittlebeachontheeastern endof theparkinglot. harbour for professional fishermen,withacafé andrestaurant inthesummer. The northwest. shingle fieldsandoldforest. Anice bayto the southern outer archipelago withbare rock, kluntarna: likskär: sandgrönnorna: norr-äspen: smålsön storfuruön: descriptions. unattractive tokayakers. Here are othernicespotsnotinthe route there are alsoplenty of aldershrubberyandrocky beacheswhichare There are lotsof nicebeachesfor rests andovernight campingbut MOREBEAUTIFUL...AND ISLANDS lövskär: brändö harbour: brändön lodge contain good launching spotsbutthere are otheroptions: launching ramp where you canlaunch your Theroute kayak. descriptions Most smallharbours canbeused,there isoften abeachstretch or OTHER LAUNCHING SPOTS… boathouses. renovated in2011.Aboatramp isavailable, aswell asbeachstretches between the outdoor dance floor. Swedish Midsummer celebrations are bighere. The harbourwas information anda smallfishing village. tours. Scenic hikingtrails, labyrinths, nature with rental cottages, 2saunas andboat day 2. Husön orBrändören you can stop andrest before thelast legbackto Rörbäck. starting point for thenext crossing: to 5kmnorth thewestern sideof Bockön. At is perfect for exploring theshallow lagoons.Keep goingtowards Norr-Tistersön, the and autumn.The water isshallow between Sörön, Husören andLövören –thekayak means ‘redcurrant’. Sealscan often beseeninthesewaters, especiallyinlate summer Storstrandsviken onthewestern sideandFjuksöklubben to thenorthwest are inviting. arches outinto thesea.West of Rövarn isFjuksön withseveral hospitable bays. Both to thewest, popularwithboatingpeople. To animpressive thenorth, granite rock The regular route of goesnorth there. normally possible to enter through anarrow, shallow passagesouthof Hamngrundet. Hamngrundet isapier, arest cabin, acampfire sitetoilets. anddry Using akayak itis 3 kmto Degerö-Börstskär. southof Go theislandandfollow At thebeachnortheast. The 4kmcrossing over to Tistersöarna beginsatFjuksön’s cape. northern ‘Tister’ Northwest of Degerö-Börstskär liesRövarn withanice, sheltered bathingbay beaches here. are several lovely sandy rant andcottages, there a guest harbour, restau- Klubbviken with Sea Bath tothename. In addition Sandön lives uptoits around central Luleå. for aniceevening tour Route perfect no.3is Head west, past sideof thenorthern Båtön. Then follows acrossing of about Nice beachesaround thesouthern : One of thelargest smallboatharbours inLuleå. It isalsothemain Beautiful pineheathandmore Beautiful, popular island Nature reserve inthe Nice andsouthsides. beacheson thenorth :

A conference centre withanice sandybeach,alsooffering

A part ofA part the

A fishingharbour, boathousesandafairground withan Sources: ‘Från Abborstenen tillÖstreklacken’ HARE, HARUN –Shallows water’s onthe edge, GRÖNNA –Shallows GRÅSJÄL, SJÄL –Grey seal ESP, ÄSP –Aspen tree BÖRST –Birch BÅDAN –warn of shallows knownarable was land, this a’bränna’ as BRÄNDBRÄNNA, –Forest burnedto was create BASTA –Simple fishing cabin Bulging stretch of water – AVA Bothnian archipelago. common elements inthenamesof places inthe islands have multiple names.Here are some islands onthemainlandandsomeof thelarger thereBecause ofare thelanduplift, places called istics have given theislandstheirrespective names. animal life, namesof peopleandspecificcharacter their meaningsare not soobvious today. Plant and Island namesoften originate from and olddialects BOTHNIAN ARCHIPELAGO OFISLANDSNAMES INTHE i Norrbottens län’ 9,Gunnar Pellijeff del socken’ Else-Britt ‘Ortnamnen Lindblom, Else-Britt och namniNederluleå ‘Gårdar Lindblom, ÖR –Sand, ridge gravel gravel, beach oronto aboat through onto water andhauled the thedragged VARP for –Aplace fishing. dragnet net Alarge is SLADA –Very shallow water SKATA –Cape REV, REVEL –Rock by ridge andgravel waterline the REFT –Long ridge gravel NÖRD –North MJO, MJU–Narrow KUNO –Woman KLUBB, KLOBB –Small, high islet KALLE –Barerock sticking outof water the hillyterrain HUVUD –High, rocky islet

at Sandgrönnorna. at Nice beach bathing alternative plan handy. wind forecast andkeep an rememberto checkDo the miss Kohamn andNäverön. If you pick route, this don’t between many smallislets. Bergön offers nice paddling between Skisundsön and Siksundsön. The stretch ofgo north Bergönafter Lågören. of Strömmingsören and Fjuksön.at The beaches viken andFjuksöklubben Rövarn.at Storstrands The sheltered western bay to northwest.nice the bays well toilets, as as and dry a rest acampfire cabin, site gerö-Börstskär offers apier, sites- toilets. De anddry Båtöklippan campfire have Siksundsön andStora REST STOPS: TIPS:

An option isto

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Photo: Gunvor Ekström day 2. day 1. The daystages are onlyabout20kmto give you ampletimeto lookaround. no. 4,meaningthatthefirst andlast day-stages are identical to those of thatroute. amongst other places inLuleå’s outer archipelago. The route isanextension of route If you’re anexperienced kayaker, we recommend aroute to Brändöskär andSmåskär Difficulty: A challengingroute spread over several days totheouterarchipelago. Difficulty: shipping harbour. outlet totheold From theforest river old fishingvillage–amyriad of smallcottages thatare now ashore summer houses.Go exposed to strong currents from of theGulf Bothnia. around Uddskäret andpaddlesouth.You are now ontheedgeof theLuleå archipelago, shallow androcky to beginwithbutitgets better whenyou close inonUddskäret, go of thesmallbandof islandsandinto thestrait between Saxskäret andEstersön. It is from theusual southern,south-westerly winds.Set acourse for Bullerskäret, gosouth there onyou willhave acrossing of nearly5km.However, itisrelatively well protected paddle towards thethree smallislands,Trutören, Lågören and Strömmingsören. From Paddle into thebaybetween Persgrundet andBrändöskäret. Here isapicturesque RENT ACOTTAGE TOURIST INFORMATION AND RENTALS GUIDED TOURS and book at: www.lulea.nu/bokastugaand book at: rent for staying Read overnight. more (Sandön) therearesimple cottages to Brändöskär, Kluntarna andKlubbviken ofSmåskär,On theislands Junkön, www.lulea.nu/turistinfo +46 (0)920-45 7000 Kulturens Hus LULEÅ TOURIST CENTRE www.canoeadventure.nu +46 (0)70-5425110 Harbour. Lövören 63,Råneå. Kayak shop/sales atKängsön CANOE ADVENTURE NORTH www.creactive-adventure.se +46 (0)70-2073751 Överstbyn 234,Gunnarsbyn CREACTIVE ADVENTURE tours. unguided ced kayakers alike. Also rentals for – optionsfor beginners andexperien- Take atourskilled with instructor SANDÖN HAGA- VIKEN www.swedishlapland.com |www.lulea.nu |www.lulea.se |www.bottenviken.se KÄNGSÖN E4 1 km 5 km FJÄRDEN After thefirst overnight stay you atGemgrundet goaround thecape and The sameasday1of route no. 4. HERTSÖ- LANDET MJÖ- read more aboutluleå andthebothnian archipelago: ÅGRUNDET DIFFICULT medium UDDENUDDEN SÖRNÄS- SÖRNÄS- UDDEN NÖRDNÄS- LIKSKÄR GRUNDET JONK- 5. THEOUTERARCHIPELAGO approx. 83km •4days,

LAXÖ- GRUNDETGRUNDET LAXÖ- YTTERSTÖN share your experience:

HINDERSÖ- SKOGSSKÄRET FJÄRDEN FURUHOLMEN FURUHOLMEN 7A. AROUNDRÅNEFJÄRDEN •1day BERGET RÖD-

BRÄNDÖ- SKÄRET SKÄRET FLAKA- FLAKA- FJÄRDEN

HAMNÖN CONTACT

its outletof intheGulf Bothnia just southof Kängsön. (210 km),hasnot beenusedfor hydropower andhas The Råne River, ’s northern longest forest river of boathouseswere anice, built, eye-catching feature. been rebuilt instages andduringthe1990’s anumber boat harbourthatwas finishedin1939.It hassince E4. Kängsö harbourisacombined fishingandsmall Kängsön isreached by a35kmdrive alongroute north LAXÖN BLÄSAVIKEN BLÄSAVIKEN

RÅNEFJÄRDEN STOR-BRÄNDÖN

REVENREVEN PILT- PILT- LÖGSTEN LAPPÖN LÅNGÖN HINDERS- HOLMEN HÄLL- L. LÅNGÖREN L. KAYAK RENTAL www.firstcamp.se/lulea +46 (0)920-60300 Campsite, FIRST CAMP www.jopik.nu Hindersön, – SEAKAYAK CENTRE JOPIKGÅRDEN www.luleakajakklubb.bd.se Kanotvägen 14,+46(0)920-222432 CANOE CENTRAL LULEÅ KAJAKKLUBB, www.brandokonferens.se +46 (0)920-74100 Brändö kvarnväg 133, BRÄNDÖN LODGE Lucku- udden Lucku- ÖN # swedishlapland LÅNGHOLMEN 1

DEGERÖN 3 +46 (0)920-60012 SMÅLSÖN ALSKÄRET Storsandrevet HARUFJÄRDEN HARUN HINDERSÖ-

JÄMTÖN KÄ

ST. LÅNGÖREN ST. ST R SKÄRENS SMSMÅ- ET KÄREN

UDDSKÄR

Å- JÄMTÖ-AVAN Kluntarna ESTERSÖN 2 SKATAN SANDÖ- BRÄNDÖ-

SKÄR SKÄR

Sources: Naturguiden/Thomas Öberg and www.bottenvikensskargard.se and www.bottenviken.se Tour suggestions, text, illustrations and cover photo: Gunvor Ekström. Design: Swedish Lapland Visitors Board. www.swedishlaplandvisitorsboard.com

Photo: Gunvor Ekström Flakaskäret onyour way back to Kängsön. to get anice finishbetween Furuholmen and tiful Furuholmen, rounding try itfrom theeast around Rånefjärden. Paddle to north thebeau- straits between them. archipelago andit’s nice to paddle inthesmall with theirsteep beachesare rather rare inthe village. The three littleisletsof north Piltreven summer housesbutthey were builtfor afishing is about3km.The cottages here are now ön, aimnortheast towards Piltreven. The crossing Nördnäsudden. From cape thenorthern of Lax benches andacampfire site. Paddle from north is opento anyone andhasafireplace, tables, cabin ontheother sideof thecape. The cabin bay withalanding-stage. Atrail leadsto therest rest stop. Just southof itssoutherntipisasmall and Russia. it onto porcelain factories inGermany, theUK was collected by cargo sailboatsthatshipped from mainlandmines.In thesummer, therock 1900’s, feldspar was shippedto Jonkgrundet with sandybeachesandcliffs, ashelter, acampfire toilets. site anddry In theearly middle of theinlet liesJonkgrundet. Its northwestern cape hasaperfectrest stop The crossing to Flottgrundet isabout3kmlongandexposed to southernwinds. times even seaeagles.Turn west inthestrait between Långholmen andSandöskatan. manholmen andLångholmen. As areward, there are many seabirds some- to spot, shallow here, rocky onlyabout1.5mandpartly –especiallyby thebeachesof Köp- shallow, partly a lunchbreak, precipitous. partly Now paddlesouthto Avasladan. It’s Alskär. The narrow, hasanice part sandybeachperfectfor northern swimming and towards Jämtösund andLuckudden. Keep headingsoutheast for about4.5kmto break. Then follow thebeachto theeast towards Sandviksreven andturnsoutheast grundet andRödberget onthemainland.Here isanice littlebeach,suitable for afirst Nordanborg. Remains of wastewood docks can beseenonthebeach. near theclubhousethere isalovely bathingbeach.There usedto beasawmillat ing kayaks. The Råneå BoatingAssociation clubhousehasa summer café inJuly and outdoor equipment shop. Alanding-stage andatrailer ramp isavailable for launch- The harbouralsohaskayaks andcanoes available to hire orpurchase, aswell asan day 4. day 3. evening sun from thecliffs. spots butintheevening you maywell beleft aloneto putupyour tent andenjoy the 5 km,highlyexposed andvery beautiful.Finnskär’s bays northern are popularbathing is prohibited onHällögrundet between May 1andJuly 31.The crossing to Finnskär is 1957. Hällgrundet andBrändöskär are of part anature reserve anddisembarkation Hällgrundet. The statue of Christ ontheislandwas erected by artist Erik Marklund in visit theoldchapelfrom 1774,whichisstill inuse. The next stage goessouthvia as boattours duringhighseason.Take alookaround cabins, shacks andcliffs and open to everyone. There isalsoaguest harbour, fresh water toilets, anddry aswell at theinnerendof thebathingbay. Here, thelocal council hasbuiltasaunathatis sauna, dinnerandanice bedatJopikgården. paddle into Ostisund andtreat yourself to shingle fieldsandoldforest. You could also Both are real gemswithnice beaches,rocks, route isfound atStrömmingsören orLågören. and Orsskäret. The last night’s camp onthe onthewesternnorth side, upto Klemensskäret stop. Sikören liesjust of north Storsanden. Go sideisStorsanden,northern akilometre longsandybeachandasuitable lunching please becareful anddisturb aslittlepossible. alongsideLångön. north Go On the guillemots alsobreed ontheother islets. It isnice to stop andrest atBredhällan, but disembarkation isprohibited there between May 1andJuly 31.Birds, such asblack four rocky littleislets. The Höghällan, northernmost, isabird protection area and Smulterskäret. Långohällorna isanature reserve andabird habitat consisting of now, way becauseland. ofupondry thelanduplift, fishing villagehasprobably beenaround since the16thcentury andthecottages are will findtheSmåskär Chapel, theoldest inthearchipelago, builtinthe1720’s. The SWEDEN’S NORTHERNMOST DESTINATION ARCHIPELAGO BOTHNIAN THE Now, onlyabout4kmremains of theroute Nördnäsudden alsooffers anice, sheltered inbetweenGo Laxön andGrangrundet andkeep goingwest to Mjöfjärden. In the Begin by paddlingeast towards Flakaskäret, towards thenturnnorth Rödbergs When you have passedthestrait, turnwest andheadfor Långöhällorna via See day2of route no. 4. Paddle southinthestrait between Finnskär andSmåskär. At Kyrkviken, you

, approx. 28km LULEÅ – RÅNEÅ -

Ostisund andBjörkögärdsviken. can bereachedfromNorrisund, café, restaurant andlodging) service (fresh water, showers, office. Jopikgården’s harbour can berented Tourist viathe that cottagesthree Brändöskär at can meanhigh seas. There are andthis archipelago outside the REST STOPS: TIPS: Strömmingsören andLågören. harbour service. The beaches of Hindersön isnearJopikgården’s Långön.beach at Ostisund at cilities toilets. The anddry sandy cottagesrefusehas to rent, fa- toilets. Småskär Bullerviken at water, campfire sites anddry Brändöskär at bay fresh has ospreys. you can spot fishingdelta, Byoutlet. smallÅgrundet the upto Råne the paddle River extend route the by afew hours, exposed to southern To winds. crossing andthat is7kmlong straight towards Siksundsön but Another option isto paddle nice foris very tent pitching. and beautifulpinehas heaths cape of island, the Dalören, Theto northeastern Bockön. Skataudden north andpaddle no. 6.After Avasladan, round route previousthis the with one, several you can combine days Jonkgrundet, Nördnäsudden. Jonkgrundet, Alskär,Rödbergsstranden, REST STOPS: TIPS: LAPLAND SWEDISH the kayakingroutesof

Part ofPart route the goes

If you want to beoutfor

The bathing

- 1. ALHAMN–ANTNÄS–BÖRSTSKÄR • 1 day, approx. 20 km

THE BOTHNIAN ARCHIPELAGO side of the ridge there is a guest harbour, a campfire site and a sauna that is free to LILL- GERMANDÖN RENHOLMS- use. Sauna and swimming in the evening sun is quite an experience. ANTNÄS BÖRSTSKÄR–LULEÅ–RÅNEÅ GRUNDET The island is nice to walk, and there are several trails. Sörskäret has a hilly moraine ridge and in the south there are beautiful cliffs with a view. There is also an old quarry where feldspar was mined 1907–1909. Norrskäret has a nice beach with moss cov- ered sand and sparse pine forest to the northeast. If you wish to stay overnight, there This guide describes paddling STOR- are great tent pitches both here and on the ridge. R Å RENHOLMS- N E Leaving Antnäs-Börstskär, paddle south again towards the bay on the northern routes around Luleå and Råneå. ÄL GRUNDET VE Notviken side of Kunoön, facing northwest. It’s slightly hidden behind Rödhällan. Now you’re N SIKNÄS ANTNÄS- The routes are varied in difficulty RÅNEÅ JÄMTÖN BÖRSTSKÄRET within reach of the mountain, Stor- PÅLÄNG berget, 43.7 m above sea level – this Svart- is high for Luleå! There is a nice beach TIPS: Faced with fresh southern and but they all lead to beautiful, BÖRSTSKÄRS- Yttre svart- skataviken REFTEN on the western side of the island but southeastern winds it’s best to stay north FJÄRDEN of Kunoön both ways, there and back. exciting islands. MJÖ- skataudden it’s a bit shallow even for kayaks. FJÄRDEN7 The last stage follows Kunoön to the Antnäs-Börstskär has SÖRSKÄRET northwest. Go around Stora and Lilla REST STOPS: LAXÖN a pier, sauna, rest cabin, campfire sites. The Bothnian archipelago is the northernmost BOCK- Kunoögrunden on the northern side – ÖN Nörd- Kunoön has a sheltered bay to the north brackish water archipelago in the world. The again crossing the waterway – head skatan and a nice but shallow sandy beach to SUNDOM for Nördskatan and paddle back to water is neither fresh nor salt and this has af- AccomodationPERSÖ- BOCKÖ- the west. RÅN- the pier in Alhamn. FJÄRDEN GUSSÖ- BERGÖN fected plants and animals. The northern location Restaurant FJÄRDEN ÖN ALHAMN FJÄRDEN with light summer nights means that you don’t Sauna available GUSSÖN BÖRSTSKÄRS- to the public Storberget PERSÖN BÅDAN have to hurry for your night harbour, you can Nature reserve TISTERS- KUNOÖN ÖARNA Time for rest in Antnäs-Börstskär. enjoy paddling around the clock. 6 Båtö- SIGFRIDSÖN K ALIXM U NCIPALIT Y fjärdens The archipelago between Skellefteå and Hap- ÖRARNA DEGERÖ- nature res. FJUKSÖ- BÖRSTSKÄR KUNOÖHÄLLAN aranda is beautiful and varied with many islands BRÄNDÖN LU LE ÅM U NCIPALIT Y FJÄRDEN MANNÖFJÄRDEN Ekström Gunvor Photo: E4 BÅTÖN MANNÖN 1 km – exactly 4,001 of them. Service is also great, FJUKSÖN on some islands there are saunas, restaurants and cottages. If you would rather experience STOR-FURUÖN solitude, there are many islands and beaches Harufjärdens A route to the gem of the southern archipelago nature res. Difficulty: medium without piers, cottages or other facilities. 97 L LAPPÖN U Launch at Alhamn, Luleå’s southernmost coastal village and one of the oldest. The There is much to discover amongst all the L E HARUFJÄRDEN village lies on a long, narrow cape by an equally long and narrow bay. South of the islands. Man has lived in the archipelago for R HINDERSÖN IV LULEÅ 4 pier is a small beach where the route begins. E centuries and the traces are still there. Artefacts R HINDERSÖ- ESTERSÖN Follow the cape to the southeast and aim for Kunoön. After about 2 km, you will be of cultural history, labyrinths, fishnet drying FJÄRDEN crossing a waterway, so stay alert. Keep going southeast along the southern beach of HERTSÖ- DEGERÖN Kunoön and then make the short crossing of about a kilometre, to Kunohällan. Birds racks, boat landings and foundation remains LANDET such as the black guillemot, velvet scoter, skua and ruddy turnstone like the cliffs. 3 BRÄNDÖ- Next head due north towards Antnäs-Börstskär, about 4 km. The island consists of show the existence of hunting and fishing since SKÄR SMÅLSÖN Norrskäret, Sörskäret and the ridge that binds these two together. On the western LULEÅ the 14th century. The fishing villages were once LÅNGÖN AIRPORT SAND- BRÄNDÖ- ÖN 5 MJOÖN used by the locals for summer fishing, today they are populated by summer guests. FJÄRDEN STOR-BRÄNDÖN Those interested in plants and geology have a SMÅSKÄREN GERMANDÖ- lot to see. You can find unique specimens such 2. –ERSNÄSFJÄRDEN • 1 day, approx. 22 km FJÄRDEN Larsgrundet Småskärens klippors as Haparanda monzonite rock at Brändöskär or 2 KLUNTARNA nature reserve the small , Euphrasia bottnica at Hindersön, not JUNKÖN With the right kind clothing SÖR-BRÄNDÖFJÄRDEN found anywhere else in the world. GERMANDÖN you can start the season KALLAX In late summer you can find berries, mush- A route inside the before the ice has melted. rooms and maybe a grayling to eat. The grayling Military area NORR-ÄSPEN archipelago, amongst

summer houses. Alhovaara Niilo Photo: is easiest to catch by the rocky shallows in the Kallviken Jakt- Bådans Difficulty: medium outer archipelago. nature reserve SÖR-ÄSPEN viken KALLAX- 1 Launch in Kallax – the village ÖN As you can see, there is a lot to do and SANDGRÖNNORNA known for its fermented her- discover in the Bothnian archipelago. STOR- Mine ring. There is a fishing harbour HALSÖN PITE Å M U NCIPALITLU LE Å M Y U NCIPALIT Y Farstugrunden FURUHOLMEN Welcome! Rödkallens and a leisure boat harbour. nature reserve South of the leisure boats is KALLFJÄRDEN a rather overgrown beach STOR- RÖDKALLEN that makes a good launching HUNDSKÄRET 10 km spot. The trailer ramp is also BERGÖN an option. Paddle south between the ERSNÄSFJÄRDEN mainland cape and Kallaxön. IMPORTANT TO KNOW DIFFICULTY LEVELS MAPS/NAUTICAL CHARTS Round the cape near the twigs • The archipelago is relatively We have given the routes three Use the terrain map, scale 1:50,000 or a nautical chart with more extensive (it’s very shallow behind them) and go north past Björnhällan, shallow with an average of only different difficulty levels: easy, information about shallows, markings, waterways etc. ‘Båtsportkortet för Furuholmarna and Jaktviken. RENHOLMEN 10 m. This means short, steep medium and difficult. View these Bottenviken’ is a nautical chart of a very manageable size, also available There are plenty of summer Vibbo- näset waves when the wind blows. as recommendations. The estimated laminated and waterproof. The website www.bottenvikensskargard.se houses here and some enjoy BÖRSTSKÄRS- 1 km FJÄRDEN It also means that shallows times assume good weather and an has paddling information and tips on nice spots to visit or stay overnight. the view and southern loca- tion all year round. and rocks can be found in the experienced kayaker. A route that is The book “Din egen lots till Luleå skärgård” is available for purchase at Turn west, past Björkören middle of a large inlet. simple one day can be really difficult Luleå Tourist Information Centre in Kulturens Hus. and follow the northern beach of Halsön. Then go south in the strait between Halsön • The water level is heavily the next if the wind starts blowing. and Granön. The strait is shallow and rocky, especially on the Granö side. You will TIPS: The southern wind picks affected by winds and air Check the sea weather reports and soon reach Stor-Hundskäret, a lovely, unpopulated excursion destination. The south- up speed over Börstskärsfjärden, ern beach has a pleasant rest stop. pressure. Low and high water use your best judgement. meaning that the Renholmen-Bergön Go south past Lill-Hundskäret and then southeast towards Vibbonäset. Paddle route can be exposed. Jaktviken and can differ as much as 2 metres easy: The route is close to the shore, across the bay towards Renholmen. To your north is a big, sandy beach, well suited for Kallviken are famous summer house • Southern and south-western no crossings longer than 2 km, a lunch break. areas. There are vantage points on Ekström Gunvor Photo: winds are the most common day-stages no longer than 20 km. Now the journey back to Kallax begins. About 2 km northwest is Stor-Bergörundet Renholmsberget and Bergön. and after about another kilometre, the southern tip of Bergön. Paddle into the strait in summer and all crossings in medium: Paddling on wider inlets. Paddling between Bergön and Kallaxön. At Bergön, where the strait begins widening, there is REST STOPS: Stor-Hundskäret the archipelago are more or Crossings no longer than 4 km, together is another beach with tables and benches. has a nice little beach with a camp- less affected by these winds. day-stages no longer than 30km. an easy way If you then paddle north towards Kallaxön, you will arrive after about a kilometre, fire site. There are sandy beaches The nights are light and usually difficult: Contains paddling outside to increase at a larger pier by Strömmingsvarpberget. We recommend disembarking here (watch on Renholmen and Bergön. There safety – and out for sharp rocks) and walking up to the old quarry where feldspar was mined is also a small rest stop on the calm, on a windy day you can the archipelago, crossings longer than it’s more 1905–1938. The quarry is now a water filled ravine with steep walls. Information southern beach of Halsön. go paddling at night instead. 4 km and day-stages longer than 30 km. fun too! signs tell an interesting story. Photo: Gunvor Ekström

3. NEAR CENTRAL LULEÅ • 3 hours incl. breaks, approx. 13 km 4. THE NORTHERN ARCHIPELAGO • 2 days, approx. 40 km

longest at 896 metres. Keep going south day 2. The paddling continues in the strait between Lappön and Hindersön. Stenarmen along the beach to Granudden. 500 metres TIPS: There is a sauna raft in Hindersön has been inhabited since the 16th century and people still live here. Do KARLSVIK due east is the cultural conservation area Stensborgsviken that can be HAMNÖN FURÖFJÄRDEN paddle into the Norrisundet strait. There is a seal boat and a small fishing museum First at Stensborg. The island provides a great rented for saunas and dining. there. Take a walk, it’s about 500 m to the inn. Here you will find a diner, rooms to rent Camp excursion with piers and campfire sites. In the orna Gültzau- (www.riverrafter.se) On Wednes- GLO- and activities such as art exhibitions and music nights, read more at www.jopik.nu. ip past there was a sawmill here that received day nights in June and August, HOLMARNA SANDSKÄRET N LULE- udden The route continues along Hindersön. The next rest stop is Carlsgruvan, 3 km from logs driven down the river. The sawmill was regattas are held in Gråsjäl- Norrisundet. This was the site of an unsuccessful iron ore mine in the 19th century. ULE RIVER FJÄRDEN J KÅTA- LAPPÖN L closed in the 1920’s but there are remains färden. The boats sail pretty HOLMEN SKOGSSKÄRET There are mining pits and information signs. At nearby Kortspelargrundet there is an HAGA- LULEÅ CITY and information signs. fast, so pick a safe route close to old powder magazine used by the mine. A kilometre north of Stensborg is VIKEN RISÖN Granden the shore if you’re out alongside Jopik- Head west towards Knivören and follow the beach to the northern cape. Here Gråsjälören. There was a steamboat pier YTTERSTÖN them. Carlsgruvan gården follows a three kilometre exposed crossing westwards towards Skogsskäret. To the Ettans and a restaurant here up until 1940. After south is a beautiful sandy beach and a pine heath where you can rest. BERGNÄSET Beaches at Bergnäset harbourbåthamn being abandoned and left to dilapidate, the REST STOPS: 3 km HINDERSÖFJÄRDEN The final crossing is 2 km, directly westward from Skogsskäret. There are rocks Bridge Stenarmen and the Karlsvik HINDERSÖN GÄDDVIK Malm- building was demolished in the sixties. Now here and there right under the surface, keep a look out. there is a lovely bathing beach, a pier and banks. Piers, campfire sites, dry GRÅSJÄL- hamnen Go in between Lövren and Ytterstön and turn south. On the western beach of campfire sites with a view of Luleå’s South toilets and information signs at FJÄRDEN Ytterstön is another nice bay for a rest. Go around Risön and up towards Stor- Harbour and the Bergnäset Bridge. Paddle Stensborg. Sandy beach, dry toi- A two-day route with a taste of the outer archipelago Risöholmen again, on the south side this time. Risögrundet is a bird protection area let and rest cabin at Gråsjälören. Gråsjäl- via Oskarsvarv and the Bergnäset Bridge Difficulty: medium and disembarkation is prohibited between May 1 and July 31. ören and back to Gamla färjeläget again. day 1. Hagaviken lies on the north part of Hertsölandet. There are many summer houses and a small boat harbour. A little sandy beach at the southern end of the Maybe you will find your very own TIPS: As is often the case, you chanterelle spot on one of the islands. Stensborg harbour is a good launching spot. have to have respect for the Gran- Begin by paddling across the bay towards Hagavikssskatan and then towards southern winds. The Hindersö- udden the next cape to the northeast, Tallholmsskatan. Turn east and paddle in between fjärden crossings are exposed. Stor-Risöholmen and Lill-Risöholmen and head north along Risön. The strait between If you don’t want to camp there 1 km Bottenviken.se Photo: Björkön and Risön has rocky shallows in the middle. Go north of this and follow the are several accommodation Luleå Airport Lulviksbadet buoys between Kåtaholmen and Gloholmarna. The buoys mark a dredged channel in options available in Hindersön. the strait that otherwise wouldn’t have been passable. See www.hindersonhembygd.se Here is the first crossing. Paddle in a north-eastern direction towards the northern See the city from the water and experience Luleå’s history part of Sandskäret, about 2 km. There are beautiful cliffs on the north cape and there WORTH A VISIT: The Lapp- Difficulty: easy are both cliffs and a beach on the north-eastern side. ön nature reserve, Renmåla- The next crossing is directly eastward, about 2 km to Hamnön. Keep going east berget Mountain, shingle fields and old forest. The archipelagic The route begins at Gamla färjeläget, a small harbour on the edge of the city penin- along by the three little islands east of Hamnön. A three kilometre crossing to Lappön environment at Norrisund. sula. Just north of the harbour is a sandy beach. First, paddle north past Gültzau- begins at Enagrundet. Lappön got its name from being grazing land for reindeer in Carlsgruvan at Hindersön. udden, named after Christian Gültzau who founded a shipyard here in 1830. the winter. There is an old forest nature reserve here. In the middle of the island are Turn northwest towards Stenarmen in Karlsvik. This was the site of Luleå’s first meadows and haymaking shacks used in the past by the residents of Hindersön. REST STOPS: Sandskäret’s ironworks between 1906 and 1925. There are information signs and remains of old Paddle on along the northern beach of Lappön. A large, shallow bay to the beaches to the north and east. buildings and docks. Paddle past the campsite and out into the Lule River. Niporna northeast has both a sandy beach and cliffs. From here you can see Båtöharun, Lappön’s beach to the northeast is a very popular bathing beach. In the summer, you will find Kolarens café with a Hindersöharun and Estersön, all on the outer rim of the archipelago. and the Gemgrundssanden beautiful view above Niporna. There are rapids by the island of Granden, strong ones Now go south and paddle into the strait between Björkön (the northern part nature reserve. Norrisund, at high water, don’t go too close if you’re inexperienced. These are popular salmon of Hindersön) and Lappön. In the bay behind Gemgrundet is a sandy beach, Carlsgruvan, Skogsskäret’s and trout fishing waters. Gemgrundssanden, suitable for overnight camping. southern beach. Ytterstön’s Directly opposite Niporna is Gäddvik. Paddle over there and follow the beach View of central Luleå from the Gråsjälören beach. north-western bay.

towards Bergnäset. When the Bergnäset Bridge was built in 1954 it was Sweden’s Wallin Göran Photo: