Etapp 9, Balesuddens naturreservat - Örnsköldsvik, Höga Kusten-Leden

The stage starts in the Balesudden reserve and continues along the gravel road via Bäckfjärden through the village of Bäck to Utby. Then a hilly stretch over the Vitsjö massif awaits before you reach Svedjeholmen. You pass through the community and further along the Moälven River, cross the bridge and make your way up Varvsberget - Örnsköldsvik's city mountain with beautiful views. The last bit leads down to the center where there is plenty of accommodation, restaurants and the opportunity for a well-deserved break.

From Balesudden nature reserve, the trail follows the gravel road along Bäckfjärden from the parking lot in Sandlågan via the village of Bäck and up to Utby. The last kilometer before Utby is along a paved road. In Utby you turn off the road and continue in the forest along a forest road almost all the way to Småtjärnarna. About 300 meters south of the lakes, the trail turns towards Småtjärnsstugan, which is a log cabin equipped with two bunks, stove, benches and table. There is no cold spring.

The High Coast Trail continues from Småtjärnarna past the Vitsjö massif and on down to Svedje. The trail then runs through the community down to the Moälven River.

After passing the residential area of Hörnett, you enter Hörnsjön nature reserve. The nature reserve is a scenic area, located less than a kilometer from Örnsköldsvik city center. The trail runs partly on paths and partly on the electric light trail.

Around Hörnsjön there are several shelters with barbecue areas. From here, the trail goes up to the top of Varvsberget with a restaurant and views of Örnsköldsvik and the surrounding area.

The last bit goes down Varvsberget past Örnsköldsvik's well-known landmark, the ski jump hill. From the ski jump, the trail runs the short distance along the city streets to the Stadsträdgården stage destination, overlooking the harbor cranes in the Inner Harbor. During the times when the travel center is open, you can alternatively walk through it.

In Örnsköldsvik you will find all the services you need: transportation, a large selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and accommodation. Getting to and from Örnsköldsvik by bus or train is excellent as public transport along the coast is well developed.