Back to Skeppsmalen
My old flatmate/roommate from the time we lived in Dunedin, New Zealand is currently visiting us. Rest assured we will take him around the beautiful area on the Swedish High Coast. Yesterday morning, it was sunny and warm, so we decided to go to Skeppsmalen again.
But when we arrived it was overcast and a bit chilly and slightly misty/foggy. Of course, it didn’t deter us from the short hike, and the atmosphere actually enhanced the beauty of this place. Interestingly, there were even a few other people there, which is unusual at this time of the year, especially on a Monday.
Parking fees (SEK40) are paid via an honesty box or - if you have a Swedish account - via Swish:
First is always the small fishing village, because you have to go past it anyway. We had hoped for some fresh fish to take home for dinner, but the local fish shop is already closed for the season. In summer, you can walk in, grab whatever fish you like and pay to an honesty box. Such a trusting and easy system! There is also a little view point and a tiny museum.
From the village, I/we usually follow the trail to the right (Fyrstigen), which leads through a light forest and over rockfaces, until you reach the amazing rocky coast. You go past a small picnic area with a firepit and a picnic table, and there is a woodfired sauna moored as well (summer only).
The blue dots lead you over the rocks to the end of the land, and the iconic view with the lighthouse. I absolutely love this place, and it is different every time you get there, depending on weather, sea state and season. Below are pictures of the same spot, but from 5 different trips:
You carry on over the rocks towards the main lighthouse. There are a number of interpretive panels on the trail, providing you with information about early seal hunters, geology, wildlife and flora here. The main lighthouse is the centre point - from here you have 3 options:
Walk back down the access road to the village (very short).
Go straight ahead and a few hundred meters on take a left on the Landhöjningsstigen, which leads you back to the village as well.
Go straight ahead on the Säljägarstigen, which is the longest (but overall, still quite short) trail, leading you through beautiful light forest, past a few historic remains of seal hunter shelters, and back to the carpark
I always take the 3rd option, since it is still not a long hike, but the most rewarding one.
Overall, this is just a 2.5km trail, but it remains one of our all-time favourites, since it offers such stunning views and different scenery (fishing village, rock, coast, lighthouses, forest, lakes…). Below is a map showing the various trail options and sights/facilities. We always spend a lot of time here, stopping frequently, and enjoying nature and the views.
For more information and photos, just hop over to the trail info: Skeppsmalen Trail Info
As always, thank you for reading and for visiting my website!
Hej då!