Hitis& Rosala islands by bike
Cycle to the archipelago villages in the footsteps of the Vikings
Jump on your bike and island hop out to the archipelago islands of Hitis and Rosala. On board the ferry, the sea winds will whisper ancient archipelago stories in your ear. On the journey, you will pass by the ancient trading sites leading to the archipelago village of Hitis. Then the journey continues to Rosala Viking Centre, where you can experience Viking life.
The route is 20 km long. A single journey by ferry takes 25 min. The ferry is free of charge. Check the timetables before your trip.
This is a route suggestion. The route is not marked on the terrain.
Stage 1. Ferry from Kasnäs to Långnäs
You start from Kasnäs, where it is possible to hire a bike. There is also a shop, from which you can, for example, buy food for your journey. The ferry Aurora departs from Kasnäs harbour and calls at Långnäs, which lies between the villages of Hitis and Rosala. The trip is free and the ferry has several departures per day. Check the ferry timetables in advance. This 25-minute journey offers lovely views of the archipelago. Seafarers have travelled these waters since ancient times!
Stage 2. Långnäs–Hitis 6.5 km
After Långnäs, continue on Norrfjärdsvägen road until you reach a road junction. Then turn left towards Hitis and continue straight ahead to the village. Sea eagles and deer are common in this area, so cycle slowly and keep your eyes and ears open. A sea eagle is a majestic sight as it
glides over your head.
At Kyrksundet you cycle over a small bridge. On the northern shore, there are remains of a chapel from the 13th century and a memorial monument. The inlet of Kyrksundet probably served as a port and commercial site from as early as the 8th century. It was here that parts of the only rune stone to be found in Finland were discovered, and this, similar to the many other archaeological finds in this area, testifies to the fact that the area lay along a Viking route.
Continue to Hitis village. The village road is bordered by wooden houses and it leads you to a wooden church from the end of the 17th century. Take a look inside – it’s well worth a visit. The library in Hitis has an information point where you can find out about most of the services and activities the village has to offer. Take a break at the summer café Café Kardemumma or Backom Café & Pub, both of which are open from spring to autumn. The village shop in Hitis is open all year-round.
Stage 3. Hitis–Rosala 9 km
Cycle back along the same road. If you feel like a refreshing break you can stop at the beautiful sandy beach of Gröndalen. If so, go right just before the junction leading to the ferry. Continue towards Rosala village when you reach the junction. The fishing village of Rosala has a Viking centre where you can learn about the history of the Vikings and even experience for yourself a day as a Viking!
Stage 4. Rosala–Kasnäs 5.5 km
Take Norrlandsvägen road from Rosala. Make a detour to Nötholmen to look at the giant glacial potholes, which were bored into the rock during the ice age. Rosala’s own microbrewery is located along the way. The fact that the Vikings were fond of the taste of beer is evident from the range of the brewery’s beers.
Return to the ferry quay at Långnäs and take the opportunity to enjoy the sea voyage back to Kasnäs. Remember to check the ferry timetables.