Haparanda Archipelago National Park

Welcome to the Haparanda Archipelago National Park, a place of profound geographical dynamism and stark, unyielding natural beauty. Situated at the very northernmost reaches of the Bothnian Bay, where Sweden meets Finland, this…

To truly appreciate the scale and isolation of the Haparanda Archipelago, one must experience the vastness of the water that surrounds it. For those navigating these expanses by kayak, the journey is an intimate, physically…

Our first significant landfall is Furuö, the second-largest island within the national park's boundaries. The name itself, translating roughly to 'Pine Island,' provides a clear indication of its defining ecological…

We now arrive at Sandskär, the largest and most prominent island in the Haparanda Archipelago. As its name implies, Sandskär is renowned for its spectacular, sweeping sandy beaches, which stretch for kilometers along its…

Navigating toward the southern extremity of Sandskär, we encounter a sudden, charming intrusion of human history: the old fishing village affectionately known locally as Kampala. Emerging from the dense, wild pine forest and…

Just a short, contemplative walk from the cabins of Kampala, nestled quietly in a clearing surrounded by protective trees, stands the old island chapel. This small, unpretentious wooden building is a deeply moving space, serving…

As our exploration of the Haparanda Archipelago National Park concludes, we are left with a profound appreciation for a landscape that is simultaneously ancient and entirely new. We have navigated the unpredictable, brackish…