Högsåra island by bike
Comfort and coziness in an old maritime pilot village
This route is for you if who are looking for a genial experience – in a relaxing convivial atmosphere with local roots. Högsåra island is perfect for an idyllic day in the ambiance of this beautiful village with its views of the Archipelago National Park. Pack a book, a swim suit and some good food and get on your bike!
The length of the route is approximately 14 kilometers. Please note that the route has a free ferry: check the route timetable for Högsåra in advance (www.lautta.net).
This is a route suggestion. The route is not marked on the terrain.
Stage 1. Kasnäs–Svartnäs 4 km
Kasnäs is the starting point for the tour. Bicycles can be hired at Kasnäs and there is also a shop and a restaurant with a café – offering many opportunities to refill your lunch bag. In the summer, it is worth indulging in a visit to the unique café Källarvinden with its local delicacies; the cafe is located only a few hundred meters north of Kasnäs hotel. Cycle northwards until you have Högsåravägen road on your left, and reach the signpost Svartnäs. Continue down to the ferry quay.
Stage 2. Högsåra ferry 15 min.
Give your thoughts an airing and feel the scent of the sea during the short ferry ride. The ferry to Högsåra island operates about 10 times a day and is free of charge. Remember to check the ferry timetable in advance at www.lautta.net!
Stage 3.Högsåra village–Sandvik 2.5 km
The idyllic village of Högsåra welcomes you with its red sand roads – mainly used only by light traffic. Borrow a village map at the little information booth at the ferry quay and start your tour through the old maritime pilot village of Högsåra and out into the meadows grazed by sheep and cows. In the village, you will find Farmors a charming café offering food, cakes and coffee, and a little further away Lillbacka jetty with its café and Rumpan bar terrace. On the sandy beach, next to Rumpan bar, you can rent SUP boards during the summertime.
The journey continues towards Sandvik. On the way, you will pass Högsåra’s cemetery as well as the three wind turbines that the inhabitants of Högsåra have built together. These power plants have been given the names, Frej, Ilo and Flora, after three local horses.
Once at Sandvik you will find the tent – and camp fire area and a pleasant beach. The beach belongs to the Archipelago National Park, and faces west with beautiful views of Gullkronafjärden – and also the possibility of fine sunsets for those staying overnight or anyone sitting by the fire to enjoy an evening on the beach. The sandy beach is perfect for swimming and the camp fire can be used with caution as long as no warnings about forest fires have been posted. Sandvik also has a dry toilet.
Stage 4. Sandvik–Kejsarhamn–Högsåra village 4 km
The journey continues back towards Högsåra village along the same road by which you came to Sandvik. From here, we warmly recommend a detour to Kejsarhamnen on the northern shore of
Högsåra. This is where the little maritime pilot museum of Jungfrusund and the fishing croft Kejsar- Finas are located. The fine shallow sandy beach is protected from the wind in most weathers
and excellent for swimming. Returning along the road you came by will take you to the ferry
quay. Remember to check the ferry timetable.
Stage 5. Högsåra ferry–Kasnäs 3.5 km
Step aboard the ferry for the return trip to Kasnäs. About 500 meters from Svartnäs towards the main road, a forest road turns off to the right towards Kasnäs. If you choose this road, then you will be able to observe the amazing raised beach, an ancient shoreline in the middle of the forest. Continue to Kasnäs and relax in the warmth of the Spa hotel with a good archipelago meal.