Kayaking in Luleå

Luleå archipelago is part of the Bothnian archipelago, which stretches from Skellefteå in the south to Haparanda at the Finnish border in the northeast. The Bothnian archipelago is the northernmost brackish water archipelago in the world. The water is neither salt nor sweet, which affects both plants and animals. Its northern location with bright summer nights means there is no hurry to your night harbor – you can enjoy kayaking around the clock.  In the Luleå archipelago there are 1312 various islands, characterized by weather and wind, midwinter cold and summer’s magical midnight light. Service is also great, on some islands there are saunas, restaurants and cottages. If you would rather experience solitude, there are many islands and beaches without piers, cottages or other facilities.

There is much to discover amongst all the islands. Man has lived in the archipelago for centuries and the traces are still there. Artefacts of cultural history, labyrinths, fishnet drying racks, boat landings and foundation remains show the existence of hunting and fishing since the 14th century. The fishing villages were once used by the locals for summer fishing, today they are populated by summer guests. Those interested in plants and geology have a lot to see. You can find unique specimens such as Haparanda monzonite rock at Brändöskär or the small, Euphrasia bottnica at Hindersön, not found anywhere else in the world. In late summer you can find berries, mushrooms and maybe a grayling to eat.