The High Coast has something else that large parts of the Norrland coast lack – an archipelago. And for many visitors, the islands are the most attractive places.
Here you can both enjoy the sea, nature and be to yourself.
Högbonden
The nature at the Högbonden nature reserve is rugged and rugged. Just getting here is a bit of a struggle. Boat from Barsta or – in high season – Bönhamn and then it’s up to the path that winds over stones and rocks and between struggling marten trees. But the reward when you get up is all the greater. The view from the old lighthouse, Sweden’s second highest, is magical. Here you have a coffee or a bite to eat in the small garden before the boat goes home. Or why not stay a night or two? The old lighthouse keeper’s residence is now a hostel with a good standard and a fantastic view. After an hour in the wood-burning sauna by the sea, taking a dip, climbing up to the hostel and having dinner while the evening sun turns the sky pink is one of the most relaxing things you can do this summer.
Alnön
Sweden’s sixteenth largest island was created through volcanic activity around 570 million years ago. A summer paradise where the island’s ten thousand year-round residents are joined by thousands of visitors. Tourists and residents of Sundsvall on summer vacation flock above all to the beaches on the southern and eastern sides of the island. The beautiful Tranviken – Norrland’s Hawaii – is the most attractive, according to the locals themselves. In the southeast, you will find the idyllic fishing village of Spikarna, and if you want to eat well, there are many cafes and restaurants to choose from. The hobby geologist naturally sniffs out the premises with finds of the island’s unique rock alnöite. Here’s a good number to hit the neighbor in the head with when you get home: The Alnö bridge, with its 1,042 meters, was Sweden’s longest bridge until 1972, when the Öland bridge was built.
Brämön
Enchantingly beautiful but difficult to access. There you have Brämön southeast of Sundsvall in a nutshell. No bridge, no regular boat traffic. But transport can usually be arranged from the fishing village Lörudden on the mainland side. Brämön is known for its beautiful orchids and here there is also a beautiful chapel from 1624. The whole island – as well as the two small villages of Sanna and Brämöhamn – is a nature reserve.
Svanö
Svanö is located in the middle of the mouth of the Ångermanälven, with a road connection from Sandö since autumn 1982. Culturally and industrially historically interesting island, which had both a sawmill and a paper mill. Here there are guest jetties, walking paths around the island and a permanent exhibition with historical Swan Island pictures. Svanö was declared a republic with a twinkle in his eye in 1976 by the theater man and cultural champion Rolf Tourd, who operated on Svanö for two decades. He also started the country’s first community radio station here. The guest harbor with hot tub and sauna – which is rented out by Svanö Sportklubb – is popular.
Trysunda
Unspoilt nature, secluded bathing bays, well-preserved fishing village. The Trysunda nature reserve is one of the absolutely most beautiful and idyllic places in the entire High Coast. Regular archipelago boat leaves from Köpmanholmen and despite the island being a bit out in the archipelago, it is well visited in summer. Book a hostel or cabin before you leave, if you are not planning to go home the same day.
Mjältön
Sweden’s highest island! 236 meters above sea level, land elevation has pushed up the top of Mjältön and a walk up to the top from the protected guest harbor in Baggviken is good exercise. Once up at the highest point, you have an outstanding view of the High Coast. You can get to Mjältön with your own boat, kayak or M/S Asta, which departs from Veåsand at Skuleberget havscamping.
Strängön
Actually, Strängön is two. In other words; The Straits Islands. Long narrow and beautiful. There is minimal competition for space here, even though there are both summer cottages and year-round accommodation. The easiest way to get here is by regular boat from Köpmanholmen – it’s the same boat that then goes on to Trysunda and Ulvön. Tell which of the islands you want to disembark on: choose Västra Strängön in the first place. There are notice boards and maps about the history of the islands here. Bring everything you need – there are no shops here and the boat trips are few and far between!
Lungön
It’s really is calm and quiet on Lungön northwest of Härnösand. There are a few permanent residents here, but in the summer, the island comes alive. The easiest way to get here is by private boat from the south side of Hemsön and dock in the protected harbor on the north side. Once here, you can then visit the old fishing village of Sundhamn on the outside of the island. A walk to the Lungö lighthouse in the south is also recommended.
Storön
One of the World Heritage High Coast’s most interesting geological formations is undoubtedly the steep and mighty Storön, which lies off the coast of Norabygden, north of Hemsön. Here you can study various rock formations from several different periods in Earth’s history and see how ice and sea waves affect them. Paths lead you around the island and there is a cabin to spend the night in.
Hemsön
Not so long ago a hub in the Swedish coastal defence. Today, the Swedish Armed Forces have left the island and the Cold War installations Hemsö fortress and Havstoudd. Hemsö Fortress is a destination that attracts large crowds every year. But on Hemsön you will also find, for example, the cozy fishing village of Prästhushamn in the southeast and the fine-grained beach at Sågsand. A trip up to the viewpoint on Hultomsberget – why not spend the night in the cabin there? – can also be recommended. Otherwise, the island is well suited to be discovered by bicycle or kayak, both of which can be rented on the island. You get here by car ferry from Strinningen.
Åstön
An island with a bridge connection easily loses its identity as an island, but not Åstön a few miles due east of Sundsvall. The pace is calm here, even though both the community of Åstön and the fishing village of Skeppshamn with its beautiful chapel are popular summertime excursion destinations. Åstön is a popular outdoor and walking area with rich plant and animal life. You are welcome to set up your tent here, but keep in mind that a belt across the island by the village of Åkerö, Skeppshamn and down to Söråkersviken is a nature reserve. A plus: several restaurants/cafes nearby.
