Bodvattnet runt 4-km circle trail, with a demanding accessible section of 1 km and 1.4 km / each way
About 100 years ago, the old fishing port of Bodback set off on dangerous trips across the rocky Kvarken to Umeå. In addition to mail, government officials were also transported. Now only a small creek connects this port to the sea! Come and see how land uplift changes the Kvarken World Heritage landscape.
Difficulty: Demanding accessible.
Estimated travel time: During summertime the entire loop (4 km) on foot 1.5 hours, no winter maintenance.
Travel time by wheelchair on one direction:
- The Svedjehamn parking area - Saltkaret observation tower - Märaryggbirdge 1 km, approximately 0.5 hours.
- The Svedjehamn parking area - Bodback old harbour 1.4 km, less than one hour.
The trail between Svedjehamn parking area and Saltkaret observation tower is snow-cleared during wintertime, including the parking area.
Starting point
The Svedjehamn fishing harbour parking area Address: Svedjehamn fishing harbour, 65870 Svedjehamn.
The parking area does not have separate accessible parking spaces, but there is usually plenty of space. The parking area’s surface material is gravel. The parking area is flat.
Bodvattnet runt map on Retkikartta.fi.(Excursion map)
Hiking structures
- Info roof with information about Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage area and trails. For children, there is a separate information wall with tasks.
- Two accessible composting toilets, one at the beginning of the parking area and one next to the observation tower.
- Two accessible table-bench combinations;one next to the Saltkaret tower and the other near the Bodback monument.
- A campsite when turning to the Saltkaret observation tower. The benches are attached to the chair structure.
- Accessible campfire site within 80 metres of the observation tower. Surface material gravel.
- The firewood must be imported from the firewoodshed next to the observation tower, the firewoodshed is not accessible.
- The Saltkaret observation tower has an accessible lower platfrom. There you can see the nearby bay and the de Geer moraine ridges. In winter, the lower platform of the observation tower may be slippery. The high slope of ramp requires a wheelchair assistant.
- A campsite at the Saltkaret observation tower intersection. The benches are attached to the chair structure.
- Märaryggbron - the platform (2 x 2,5 m) and refuges (3 x 1,5 m and 4 x 1,5m) where you can study the fish's spawn in the spring is equipped with a ramp.
Trail description
- The width of the trail is mainly 1.2 m on the trail to the Bodback old fishing harbour.
- At the narrowest point, the path width is 1 m.
- Blue paint mark on trees and rocks at a height of approximately 1 m.
- Wood-coloured signs at a height of approximately 1 metre.
- At the most challenging points of the trail, there is a longitudinal slope next to the Saltkaret observation tower and when rising to the Bodback harbour. The trail also has short sections with various lateral slopes.
- The surface material on the demanding accessible section of the trail is gravel. Gravel material is dense. In places, pits and unevenness on the surface of the trail.
- Four small bridges on the trail section of Svedjehamn parking area - the old harbour of Bodback. The bridges are 3 metres long. There are no gaps in the bridge decks.
- In rainy weather, the surface of the trail to Bodback may become slippery.
Terrain signs
The terrain signs are at a height of approximately 1 metre. The height of the terrain sign is indicated as the height of the central section from the ground.
There is an information roof on the parking area with the main signs and information about Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage area. For children there is an infowall with tasks.
Along the trail, there are metal silhouettes of the the animals in the area and nature trail boards.
On the trail between the Svedjehamn parking area and Saltkaret tower, there is a soundbox from which you can listen to the sounds of nature and a brief presentation of the impact of the post-glacial rebound on the landscape.
Near the Saltkaret observation tower, there is a relief map of the High Coast and the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site, that can be touched.
The lower platform of Saltkaret is accessible.
To see
Walk along the land uplift shores, pass the bays that are closing up from the sea and roam in the birch forests that are used for grazing. Along the trail, you will see Bodback, which is the former fishing harbour of the village of Björkö. Today, Bodback is a museum site that boasts many boathouses and boat docks. During the summer, the seaside meadows are managed by grazing Highland cattle.
Along the trail, you will see Saltkaret, an observation tower, from where gorgeous views open out over the area. The Saltkaret observation tower has an accessible lower platfrom. There you can see the nearby bay and de Geer moraine ridges.
Märaryggbro also serves as a platform to see fish. The two meter wide bridge has railings and a ramp. Especially in the spring, the stream buzzes when thousands of pike, perch and roach come up the stream to spawn in Bodvattnet.
Björkö-Panike Hiking Trail on the mainland side, 7.6 km /each way and partly Circle Trail
Travel time when the ground is unfrozen 3.5 hours, no winter maintenance except for the trail leading to the Saltkaret observation tower and part of the parking area.Two sheep fence crossings and quite rocky in places.
The section between Svedjehamn and the Märaryggbro viewing platform (1 km/direction) is demanding accessible.
Starting Point
Parking area in the Svedjehamn harbour, 65870 Svedjehamn.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 21. 5709 ' lon: 21° 18.0090' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7041276 E: 3215182
Hiking Structures
Info roof, tables and benches, two campfire sites, a campfire shelter, composting toilets, two accessible toilets (at the beginning of the parking area and next to the lookout tower), two piers, information boards (including maps) in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Take firewood with you from firewoodshed next to the observation tower to the campfire site ( approx. 80 m ). On Långgrunds campfire site there are firewood supply. Two sheep fence crossings. A ferry between Korsbådafjärden jetty and Stora Segelsören jetty starting on 29.6.2024.
To see
Walk along the land uplift shores, pass the bays that are closing up from the sea, cross straits and roam in the birch forests that are used for grazing. At the beginning of the trail, Saltkaret, which is a 23-metre-high observation tower, offers you gorgeous views over the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage site.
There is an information roof near the Svedjehamn parking area where you can find information about Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage area and trails. For children, there is a separate information wall with tasks.
From the Saltkaret observation tower, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage area.
From the Märaryggbro viewing platform, you can observe the spawning migration of fish in the spring.
Trail Markings
Trail markings: orange paint signs.
Märaryggbron - viewing platform, - Bodvattnet trail, the 2nd crossing, 500m/direction.
Bodvattnet trail the 2nd crossing - Långgrund Circle Trail crossing, 800m /direction
Långgrund Circle Trail crossing - Korsbådafjärden jetty, 1.2 km/direction
Korsbådafjärden jetty - Långgrund campfire area 1.2 km/direction
Långgrundsrevet return, 500m/direction
Långgrund campfire area - Långgrund Circle Trail crossing 1 km/direction
Svedjehamn parking area - Saltkaret observation tower -Märaryggbron - viewing platform, 1 km / direction, demanding accessible
The trail starts from parking area at Svedjehamn. The gravel road is closed to car traffic with a boom, but there may be some traffic on the road to the private boathouses and docks, especially during the summer. After the observation tower, the gravel road turns into a stone-ash trail. When you turn into the parking area there is an accessible dry toilet on the right.
Next to the Saltkaret observation tower there is an accessible table-bench combination.
Wide stairs lead to the 23 meter high tower's viewing terrace. The stairs can be slippery during rain and winter. The viewing terrace and stairs are not accessible.
A 44 m long ramp with railing leads to the lower platform of the tower. From the accessible lower platform you can see the nearby bay with De Geer's moraine ridges.
Next to the Salkaret tower is a dry toilet and an accessible dry toilet.
Approximately 80 meters ahead from the observation tower is a fire place. Next to the dry toilet at the tower, there is a wood shed from which you can take the amount of wood you need. The wood shed is not accessible.
The challenging accessible path ends at the Märaryggbro viewing platform which also serves as a bridge over the stream. The viewing platform (2x 2.5 m) and its landings (3 x 1.5 m and 4 x 1.5 m) have railings (1 m high) and a ramp.
The ditch connects Bodvattnet's sparkling lake with the sea, and in the springs, thousands of pike, perch and roach swim up into Bodvattnet's fresh water to spawn. Björköby fishermen's guild has protected the spawning stream, the Bodvattnet lake and the seawater area to ensure reproduction of the fish
Read more about spawning fish.
Märaryggbron - viewing platform, - Bodvattnet trail, the 2nd crossing, 500m/direction.
After the viewing platform, the trail becomes narrower and rocky. The trail passes a well, which is used to regulate the water level in Bodvattnet.
The trail is partly covered with bark and there are duckboards in wet places.
The trail initially goes up a De Geer moraine ridge, but then descends and follows the moraine ridge so that you can admire the rocky slope of the moraine ridge from the duckboards.
Read more about De Geer moraines.
Bodvattnet trail the 2nd crossing - Långgrund Circle Trail crossing, 800m /direction
Bodvattnet circle. Note that the text describes the trail clockwise.
As you continue towards Långgrund, there are various wetlands along the trail: flads, gloes, ponds and marshes.
The forest along the trail gradually changes to a mixed forest of birch and spruce. If you want to continue directly to Långgrund campfire site, continue reading Långgrund campfire site - Långgrund Circle Trail crossing 1 km/direction. Note that the text describes the trail in a clockwise direction.
Långgrund Circle Trail crossing - Korsbådafjärden jetty, 1.2 km/direction
Along the trail there is moss-covered forest with old spruces and fallen trees. You may well hear and see woodpeckers pecking at rotten wood. The decaying wood contains beetle larvae, which in turn are a delicacy for woodpeckers.
The effect of land uplift is clearly visible along the trail; the damp depressions and marshlands are old sea bays. In the middle of the forest you can find an old barn, which once stood next to a beach meadow. Read more about land uplift.
There is a sheep fence that crosses the path. On Långgrund the sheep still graze freely from June to October in the traditional way.
The path follows through damp grey alder forests, close to the seashore and through the rocky birch forest. Just before the jetty there is a table-bench combination where you can rest.
Duckboards with a railing takes you to the jetty at Korsbådafjärden. From here you can continue by a ferry to Stora Segelsören.
On the Björkö-Panike hiking trail, a ferry is available for hikers as follows:
29.6.-15.8. every day 10 a.m. -6.00 p.m.
16.8.- 30.9. Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m. -6.00 p.m.
The operator is on site.
More detailed crossing schedules or advance notice to the driver may be introduced, but changes will be announced separately.
The ferry can accommodate 30 people at the time and the crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Weather permitting: Possible restrictions due to wind and water level.
Korsbådafjärden jetty - Långgrund campfire area 1.2 km/direction
On the mainland side, the trail continues through the shoreline bushes and passes a large boulder. You can continue from here to the Långgrund campfire area or visit the Långgrund cape. To Långgrund campfire area, you can choose the trail that goes over the De Geer moraine ridge, from where you have a great view. But in windy weather, the path that follows the leeward side of the moraine ridge may be a better option.
At Långgrund campfire area there is a cooking shelter. Firewood is available in the shed behind the cooking shelter. The area also has two tables and benches, an open fireplace and a dry toilet.
On the headland, near the campfire area, there is a jetty, from where the hike can continue to Stora Segelsören by boat, which has to book in advance. Boat transport can be ordered from Metsähallitus' cooperating entrepreneurs.
Långgrundsrevet return, 500m/direction
The trail follows the beautiful De Geer moraine ridge and continues through a sparse grey alder forest. It then rounds the former bay, which is now a damp beach meadow, and ends at the rocky beach.
Långgrund campfire area - Långgrund Circle Trail crossing 1 km/direction
At the Långgrund campfire area, the trail is smooth and the surface material consists of sand. The trail passes through the beach forest, where the dominant trees are grey alder and birch. The seashore with dense reeds is visible a little further on.
There are steps to get over a sheep fence near Långgrund campfire area.
The trail gradually becomes rockier and the trees are dominated by birch and spruce. There are several small ups and downs along the path, i.e. you cross De Geer moraine ridges.
Please Note
- The terrain is rocky, uneven in places, so it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes or rubber boots. There are two sheep fence crossings along the trail.
- Everyone's rights apply in the area.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid unnecessary terrain wear.
- You can pick berries and edible mushrooms.
- Soil and bedrock must not be damaged.
- Driving a motor vehicle is prohibited on the Björkö - Panike hiking trail, except on designated roads.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs running free can scare other hikers, wild animals, and grazing livestock.
- Bodvattnet, the dam, the canal and Svartbådavattnet outside of them are closed for fishing from March 1st to May 31st, so that the fish can spawn and reproduce. In addition to that, the dam, the canal and their surroundings within a 100 m radius are protected from all fishing all year round.
Safety
- In autumn, elks are hunted near the hiking trail, so it is recommended that you dress in bright colors when moving in the area. Colorful headgear is especially important to remember.
- Stones, rocks, bridges and shards can be slippery when it is below zero outside or during and after rain.
- Note that there are lots of mosquitoes in June and July. Protect yourself with clothing and/or mosquito repellent. It's also good to have tick pliers with you just in case.
- Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
- If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
- There are no drinking stations along the route. Take drinking water with you.
- Hiking in Finland
- Lighting any campfires is strictly forhibited if the wildfire warning is in effect. This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
- Litter-free hiking Do not litter: take your rubbish back to an appropriate waste disposal point. Read more about litter-free hiking.
Other services
- Boat transport across the straits can be ordered from Metsähallitus' cooperating entrepreneurs.
- There is a summer cafe in Svedjehamn harbour.
Björkö-Panike Hiking Trail map (pdf 2.1 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Nature Trails on the mainland
Sommarö Nature Trail, 1.5 km, a longer trail of 7 km / direction and demanding accessible 2.4 km circular trail
Come and enjoy the world heritage scenery with the whole family. In addition to the nature trail, the area also has demanding accessible sandy roads that are suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Difficulty: Demanding accessible.
Estimated travel time:
In the snow-free season, approx. 1-2 hours, no winter maintenance.
In the snow-free season, travel time by wheelchair:
Sommarö parking area - around Hålören peninsula - Sommarö parking area 2.4 km, 1.5 hours.
Starting point
Parking lot in the Sommarö guardroom courtyard. Address: Sommaröntie, 65930 Södra Vallgrund,
no exact address.
The parking area does not have separate accessible parking spaces, but there is usually plenty of space. The parking area’s surface material is gravel. The parking area is flat.
The road to Sommarö's cottage is closed with a road boom.
The the parking lot as well as the road from the parking lot to the cottage is plowed, but be prepared for delays in heavy snowfall.
Sommarö nature trail map on Retkikartta.fi.(Excursion map)
Hiking structures
- Two campfire sites
- Two composting toilets
- Two lean-to shelters in the yard of the Sommarö guardroom in public use, also a table and benches
- At both ends of the trail, a terrain board with maps, and along the trail, there are five nature trail boards.
- Accessible viewing platform
- The Sommarö guardroom can be rented to groups.
Trail description
The width of the trail: the demanding accessible trail from the Sommarö parking area, round the Hålören peninsula, is approximately 4 metres.
Trail markings: orange (1.5 km / 2.4 km) and blue (7 km) paint markings, signs.
The surface material on the demanding accessible section of the trail is gravel. Gravel material is dense. In places, pits and unevenness on the surface of the trail.
The trail (1.5 km) runs around Ängesholmlampi pond and continues down to the seashore. You can also take the longer route (7 km) leading to the Södra Vallgrund beach, in Sommarösund.
The demanding accessible trail (2.4 km) leaves next to the parking area, going round the Hålören peninsula.
At the tip of Hålören peninsula, there is an accessible platform from which you can enjoy the sea view. There are large pebbles and sea buckthorn bushes on the beach.
On Hålören's eastern shore, there is a campfire site with lean to shelter, fire place and table and bench. There is a jetty next to the campfire site.
To see
In 1940-2000, the area was used as an army depot and as a fort for the coastal artillery. The Finnish Defence Forces left behind a network of roads and paths, foundations of demolished buildings, a pier, foundations for artillery pieces and bullet chambers. There is a memorial for the coastal artillery fort in the area. Only one residential building, as well as a guardhouse and its outbuildings, remain in the area. Along the longer trail, you will see a geologically fascinating giant's kettle, as well as cultural landscape (including stone fences).
Risö Nature Trail, 4.9 km
Estimated time to walk is about 1-2 h in summer.
Easy for beginners, families and groups. Duckboard trail to bird watching tower.
The road leading to Risö's nature trail is temporarily closed
The road leading to Risö's nature trail, Ampumatie and Ampumatie's parking area is closed on weekdays from 7:00 to 16:00. Otherwise, the area is freely accessible, even on weekends.
The road is closed for safety reasons as there are a lot of work machines in the area.
The goal for the city of Vaasa is that the stretch from Tuovila river to Paukkumaja will be completed during week 45.
We apologize for any inconvenience to the users of Risö nature trail.
Starting Point
Parking area at the end of Ampujatie Road.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 03.7663' lon: 21° 41.9537'ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7003634 E: 232305
Hiking Structures
Risö birdwatching tower, birdwatching platform, campfire site and a dry toilet. NOTE! No wood supply. Bring your own wood if you want to make a fire. There is a map of the area in the parking area.
To see
There are great views opening out from the Ryövärinkari birdwatching tower to the Eteläinen Kaupunginselkä bay (the southern city bay) and excellent opportunities to observe the birds in the area. There is also a lower birdwatching platform by the mouth of River Tuovilanjoki. At the time of the spring and autumn migrations, hundreds of geese, swans, waders and thousands of waterfowls use the area as a resting and feeding place.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted.
The nature trail runs along an easy sandy road, along which you can also cycle. After a walking distance of about 800 metres, you will see a signpost to the Risö birdwatching tower. This smaller trail continues as a duckboard trail (350 m) across a reed-bed area. You will get to the birdwatching platform that is located by the mouth of River Tuovilanjoki by walking to the end of the sandy road and by continuing onto a more narrow trail that runs parallel to the shore. The platform is right by the mouth of River Tuovilansuu.
Please Note
The trail that turns to the birdwatching tower is wet in rainy weather, in particular, and during the time of high water, the duckboards may be partly under water.
Note that there are lots of mosquitoes in June and July. Protect yourself with clothing and/or mosquito repellent.
Kikanberget Nature Trail, 0.8 km / each way
Estimated time to walk is about 1h in summer.
Mainly easy, climb to the rock a bit more demanding. The staircase to the observation tower is steep.
Starting Point
Café next to the Klobbskat harbour.
Coordinates:Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 18.2621' lon: 21° 05.5286' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7033144 E: 204185
Hiking Structures
A ten-meter-high observation tower, information boards, including maps in Finnish, Swedish and English.
To see
geology, vegetation and animals of the land uplift shores, an observation point on the rock, foundations of former fishing huts, boat docks and piles of stones in which net-drying poles used to stand in the past.
From the obervation tower you can spot the Kvarken's beautiful natural heritage from a total height of 25 meters. With the naked eye, the lighthouses are distinguished at Norrskär, Utgrynnan and Valsörarna. In the spring and autumn, the observation tower is a good place for bird watching.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted
Öjen Nature Trail, 4.5 km circular trail
Estimated time to walk is about 2,5 h in summer
Easy for beginners, families and groups.
Starting Point
Parking area that is located by the road running from Vaasa to Sundom.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 04.1704' lon: 21° 34.4469' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7007846 E: 3226122
Hiking Structures
At the campfire site, there are benches, firewood, an axe and a dry toilet.
To see
In Öjen you can find varying habitats from lush groves to barren pinewoods. The oldest trees are nearly 200 years old and many decades have passed since the last logging.Along the trail there are information signs with interesting facts about the nature, medicinal plants and folk tales of the area.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted.
Västerö Hiking Trail, 4.6 km, 6 km or 14 km
Estimated time to walk is about 3 -5 h in summer.
Rather demanding route.
Starting Point
Parking areas by Söderskatavägen and Equityvägen at Västerö. You can choose a longer or a shorter option.
Coordinates
Parking area by Söderskatavägen
Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 20. 2521 ' lon: 21° 57.6175' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7036063 E: 3247942
Parking area by Equityvägen Coordinates:
Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 21. 3112' lon: 21° 58.3042' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7037981 E: 3248668
Hiking Structures
Campfire sites and resting spots, dry toilets, two huts to be used as rest spots (they are not meant for overnight stays). A map for the area is found in the parking area. There are also maps along the trail. The information boards are in Finnish, Swedish and English. Fireplaces in the huts must not be used. Campfire sites may be used. There is wood at Söderskatan's campfire site.
To see
A memorial for the Equity (a ship that carried weapons in the olden days), the cliffs of Ryssberget, the old land uplift forests, bays, flads and seashores.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted.
Please Note
Note that there are lots of mosquitoes in June and July. Protect yourself with clothing and/or mosquito repellent.
Nature Trails available only by boat
Mickelsörarna Nature Trail on Kummelskär, 1km/1.5 km, a circular trail
Estimated time to walk is about 1,5 h in summer.
Rather demanding route.
Starting Point
Yard of the Mickelsörarna Nature Station.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 27. 6243 ' lon: 21° 46.3972' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7047522 E: 239649
Hiking Structures
A lean-to shelter, a campfire site, a composting toilet, a pier, information boards including maps in Finnish, Swedish and English, a reservation-only sauna, the nature station's tower, accommodation for groups in summer.
To see
Geology, vegetation and animals of the land uplift shores, foundations of old fishing huts and boat docks from the 16th century. There is a great view over the area from the nature station's tower.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted.
Please Note
In rainy weather, the rocky parts of the trail are slippery.
Molpehällorna Nature Trail 1km/2 km/3 km circular trail
Estimated time to walk is about 1,5 h in summer.
Rather demanding route.
Starting Point
The yard of the Molpe Nature Station.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 62° 53. 5349 ' lon: 21° 05.4567' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 6990306 E: 3199951
Hiking Structures
Acampfire site, a composting toilet, a pier, information boards (including maps) in Finnish, Swedish and English, a reservation-only sauna, the nature station's tower, a lookout platform.
To see
Geology, vegetation and animals of the land uplift shores, the reconstruction of the Molpehällorna "vippbåk" beacon (which is a memorial for the first beacon in the Gulf of Bothnia). There is a great view over the area from the nature station's tower.
Trail Markings
Trail is signposted.
Please Note
In rainy weather, the rocky parts of the trail are slippery.
Valsörarna Nature Trail, 2,8 km/ each way
Estimated time to walk is about 3 h in summer.
Rather demanding route.
Starting Point
Pier in the nothern side of the island.
Coordinates:
Pier in the nothern side of the island:
Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 27. 6243 ' lon: 21° 46.3972' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7047522 E: 239649
A pier in the southern side of the island:
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 27. 6243 ' lon: 21° 46.3972' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7047522 E: 239649
Hiking Structures
A campfire site, composting toilets, two piers, a platform for sitting, information boards, including maps in Finnish, Swedish and English. NOTE! No wood supply. Bring your own wood if you want to make a fire.
To see
Geology, vegetation and animals of the land uplift shores, a memorial for Russian soldiers, the lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers' buildings, the biological station of the nature society entitled Ostrobothnia Australis.
Trail markings
The trail is signposted and marked with white squares.
Please Note
In rainy weather, the rocky parts of the trail are slippery.
Björkö-Panike Hiking Trail, the archipelago part, 8.0 km / each way
Estimated time to walk is about 4 h in summer.
Rather demanding route, partly stony and moist. Especially the "Saapasreitti"-trail (hikes with boots on) on the island of Rönnskäret requires either boots or sturdy trail shoes.
Starting Point
Parking area in the Vargis parking area or the parking area in the Svedjehamn fishing harbour. From there, continue by boat to the hiking trail's archipelago part.
Parking area in the Svedjehamn harbour, 65870 Svedjehamn.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 21. 5709 ' lon: 21° 18.0090' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7041276 E: 3215182
Vargis parking area, Vargisvägen, 65970 Söderudden,
Coordinates for Vargis parking area : Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 19.083'
lon: 21° 10.289' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7034304 E: 208287
Korsbådafjärden jetty :
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 21. 374 ' lon: 21° 14.566' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7038208 E: 212220
Rotörskatan:
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 63° 19. 5630 ' lon: 21° 09.4536' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7035252 E: 207674
Björkö-Panike Hiking Trail map (pdf 2.1 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking Structures
Two cooking shelters, lean-to chelter, campfire place, two tables and a benches, three dry toilets, canoe pier, two jetties, view point, information boards (including maps) in Finnish, Swedish and English in the parking areas, close to the piers and along the trail.
To see
You are walking along the land uplift shores, passing the bays that are closing up from the sea, crossing straits, and hiking in the birch forests that are used for grazing. The birch forests have plenty of dead trees and trees that have been blown down, making the forests a valuable environment for many animal and plant species. The white-backed woodpecker, an endangered species in Finland, has also been found in the area. Sea eagles also breed in the area, and circling eagles are a common sight above the islands. In the archipelago, sheep are kept for grazing from June to October.
Route Description
Trail markings
Signage and orange colored markings as well as orange colored salmiac figures.
Along the trail there is a low bridge and a sheep fence that you have to get over.
In rainy weather, the stony parts of the path and the duckboards are slippery.
- Korsbådafjärden jetty- Bullrikören, campfire site, 3 km
- Bullrikören, campfire site - Rötorskatan crossing Havrefladan 1.2 km
- Rötorskatan crossing Havrefladan - Rötorskatan, campfire site, 3.8 km
- Rötorskatan, campfire site - Rötorskatan korsning Havrefladan (hike with boots on), 3.0 km
Korsbådafjärden jetty- Bullrikören, campfire site, 3 km
There is a campfire site next to the jetty in Korsbådafjärden. The campfire site has a cooking shelter and two tables and benches. In addition, there is a firewood store and a dry toilet adjacent to the campfire site.
The stretch, which initially runs along the beach meadow, has some duckboards. About halfway through this trail section there is a lookout platform from which you can look over Korsbådafjärden.
Between Stora Segelsören and Slåttskäret there is a bridge about 10 meters long. The height of the bridge above the water surface is about 1.5 meters. Almost all wet areas provided with duckboards. Small steps have been built to cross the sheep fences along the path.
Bullrikören, campfire site - Rötorskatan crossing Havrefladan 1.2 km
Bullrikörens campfire site has a lean-to chelter, a campfire place, a wood shed, a table and bench combination, a dry toilet and a jetty suitable for kayakers. There is a sheep fence around the campfire site and steps to get over it.
The trail continues from the campfire site in a light birch forest. At Havrefladan there is a table and bench combination and after this the path descends rather steeply to the island of Rönnskäret.
Rötorskatan crossing Havrefladan - Rötorskatan, campfire site, 3.8 km
The path winds through a moist land uplift forest where the dominant tree is birch. Along the path are some old hay barns, where plants, twigs and leaves from sea bays and marshes were stored as winter fodder for animals. In early summer, especially on this part of the trail, there is a lot of lily of the valley growing.
Rötorskatan, campfire site - Rötorskatan korsning Havrefladan (hike with boots on), 3.0 km
There is a campfire site near the shore, where there is a cooking shelter, a wood shed and a dry toilet. There is a jetty at the shore. After about 500 meters from the main trail, a narrower path turns east. The boot trail (walking with boots on) is marked in the terrain, but there are no other structures along this part of the trail.
Along the path there is old forest, fallen trees and bushes. There are also signs of human activity; overgrown meadows and pastures and remains of hay barns.
For this part of the route you should be equipped with rubber boots or high-soled hiking shoes.
Please Note
- The terrain is rocky, uneven in places, so it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes or rubber boots. There are sheep fence crossings along the trail.
- Everyone's rights apply in the area.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid unnecessary terrain wear.
- You can pick berries and edible mushrooms.
- Soil and bedrock must not be damaged.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs running free can scare other hikers, wild animals, and grazing livestock.
Safety
- In autumn, elks are hunted near the hiking trail, so it is recommended that you dress in bright colors when moving in the area. Colorful headgear is especially important to remember.
- Stones, rocks, bridges and shards can be slippery when it is below zero outside or during and after rain.
- Note that there are lots of mosquitoes in June and July. Protect yourself with clothing and/or mosquito repellent. It's also good to have tick pliers with you just in case.
- Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
- If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
- There are no drinking stations along the route. Take drinking water with you.
- Hiking in Finland
- Lighting any campfires is strictly forhibited if the wildfire warning is in effect. This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
- Litter-free hiking Do not litter: take your rubbish back to an appropriate waste disposal point. Read more about litter-free hiking.
Other services
- Boat transport across the straits can be ordered from Metsähallitus' cooperating entrepreneurs.
- There is a summer cafe in Svedjehamn harbour.
Kvarken Brochure
Pdf-file 3,0 Mb (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Map and Services of Björkö–Panike Hiking Trails
