Söderhamn-Sandarne, Jungfrukusten

Sawmill era and rebellion history

This tour is easy to paddle, contains lots of exciting history and has the advantage that it starts and ends in the middle of the city. It is therefore suitable as a shorter day trip, but can definitely be extended with an overnight stay or as the start of a real long trip in the archipelago.

You put in the kayak at the kayak dock, on the north side of Söderhamnsån, where the tourist boat Moa is located. Parking is available.

The first thing you see is the large hill Faxeholmen, known from the Engelbrekt rebellion in 1434 when the people of Söderhamn burned down the hated castle: "Faxehus ligger i svartom brandom".

You paddle towards the sea and initially follow the piled quay on the south side, past the recreated Stugsund quay. Already here, probably on the Mariehills side, you can make a coffee stop, but you may also be tempted to continue paddling because you can now see all the islets that stand out against the horizon.

If you continue three kilometers on the southern side of the bay, you will reach Åsbackaudden. Here, and all the way to Källskär, you will find a string of information boards about the sawmill era and prepared resting places. If someone in a family wants to paddle and another wants to cycle or walk the Sawmill Trail, from Söderhamn to Sandarne, you can meet at these rest areas. At several places you can take a dip from jetties and small sandy beaches.

At Sandarne boat harbor there is a kayak dock and here you can have a coffee and ponder another rebellion story, the one usually called the Scots in Sandarne, class struggle of the 1932 model, information board is at the church.

If you now decide to turn back, you can choose to travel on the opposite side of the bay. If you choose to stay overnight, you can find a campsite on the islets. So, a trip suitable for beginners

Tour overview

Type of paddling: Exercise kayaking and sea kayaking

Paddling experience: Beginners

Length of the trip: About 12 km

Attractions: History, cultural sites