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Observation Tower Saltkaret

The impressive, tar coloured Saltkaret raises to over 20 meters height in the World heritage area of Kvarken Archipelago. The tower, located in the fish harbour Svedjehamn, offers a beautiful view over the De Geer-moraines. This unique moraine archipelago affirms the enormous power of the last ice age in the Kvarken Archipelago.

The visible area from the tower is a perfect example of the De Geer areas in Finland. The tower also pleases many bird-watchers, as many of the typical bird species of the island can be spotted in the area, such as black coots, terns and sea eagles. The wooden observation tower is also an excellent intermediate stopping point for hikers, because it is located directly by the hiking trail. You can reach the lower level of the tower also with prams or wheelchairs.

Driving directions to Saltkaret:

Saltkaret is located in Svedjehamn, which is in the municipality of Korsholm, about 40-45 minutes drive northwest from the centre of Vaasa. From Vaasa: drive on road number 742 (Alskatvägen/Alskatintie) north towards Replot (Raippaluoto) approximately 20 kilometres. After Replot continue straight on road 7240 (Replotvägen/Björkövägen OR Raippaluodontie/Björköntie) approximately 20 kilometres and you’ll arrive to Svedjehamn harbour where the road ends.

There is a free parking place in Svedjehamn. The observation tower can already be seen from the harbour and the parking place. Next to the parking place there is an information sign about the Björkö-Panike hiking trail. The observation tower is located by this trail; about 600 metres walk from the parking place.

You can find the map of the area and further information from excursion map.

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The archipelago section of the Björkö-Panike hiking trail

The archipelago section of the Björkö-Panike hiking trail is 8 km long and primarily traverses the island of Slåttskäret, right in the heart of the World Heritage site. Along the trail, one can experience the tranquility of the archipelago and witness the specialties of land uplift, such as moraine ridges and secluded sea inlets. During the summer, the island serves as traditional grazing land for sheep.

To access the route on Slåttskäret, one must arrange boat transport across the strait either from the Panike side or the Björköby side. In Björköby, the journey can begin either from Svedjehamn or from the Långgrundet rest area (the hike from Svedjehamn to Långgrundet is approximately 3.5 km).

The hiking trail is of moderate difficulty, and parts of the trail are rocky or damp.

Starting points:

1. Svedjehamn parking area: Björkövägen 1008, 65870 Björköby. The parking lot has a voluntary parking fee.
2. Vargis parking, Vargisvägen, 65970 Söderudden.

The initial part of the trail

The initial part of the trail (Svedjehamn – Långgrundet – Svedjehamn) can be hiked without boat transport and partly as a loop. Depending on the chosen route, the hike can be approximately 7-10 km long. Further description of the trail.

Difficulty level: The trail is easy to hike, but there are stairs at two locations to cross sheep fences. The trail is partially rocky. The distance between Svedjehamn and the Märaryggen bridge’s observation platform (1 km/ direction) is a challenging accessible trail. No winter maintenance except on the path leading to the Saltkaret observation tower and a part of the parking lot.

Starting point: Svedjehamn parking area, Björkövägen 1008, 65870 Björköby. The parking lot has a voluntary parking fee.

Bodvattnet trail

Bodvattnet runt 4-km circle trail, with a demanding accessible section of 1 km or 1.4 km / each way

About 100 years ago, the old fishing port of Bodback set off on dangerous trips across the rocky Kvarken to Umeå. In addition to mail, government officials were also transported. Now only a small creek connects this port to the sea! Come and see how land uplift changes the Kvarken World Heritage landscape.

Difficulty: Demanding accessible.
Estimated travel time: During summertime the entire loop (4 km) on foot 1.5 hours, no winter maintenance.

Travel time by wheelchair on one direction:

• The Svedjehamn parking area – Saltkaret observation tower – Märaryggbirdge 1 km, approximately 0.5 hours.
• The Svedjehamn parking area – Bodback old harbour 1.4 km, less than one hour.

The trail between Svedjehamn parking area and Saltkaret observation tower is snow-cleared during wintertime, including the parking area.

Map of Björkö-Panike hiking trails.

https://www.nationalparks.fi/description-of-trails#BjorkoPanikeHikingArchipelago

Bodvattnet runt 4 km circle trail, with a demanding accessible sections of 1 km and 1.4 km / each way

About 100 years ago, the old fishing port of Bodback set off on dangerous trips across the rocky Kvarken to Umeå. In addition to mail, government officials were also transported. Now only a small creek connects this port to the sea! Come and see how land uplift changes the Kvarken World Heritage landscape.

Difficulty: Demanding accessible.
Estimated travel time: During summertime the entire loop (4 km) on foot 1.5 hours, no winter maintenance.
Travel time by wheelchair on one direction:

• The Svedjehamn parking area – Saltkaret observation tower – Märaryggbirdge 1 km, approximately 0.5 hours.
• The Svedjehamn parking area – Bodback old harbour 1.4 km, less than one hour.

The trail between Svedjehamn parking area and Saltkaret observation tower is snow-cleared during wintertime, including the parking area.

Starting point: The Svedjehamn fishing harbour parking area Address: Svedjehamn fishing harbour, 65870 Svedjehamn. The parking area does not have separate accessible parking spaces, but there is usually plenty of space. The parking area’s surface material is gravel. The parking area is flat.

https://www.nationalparks.fi/description-of-trails#BodvattnetruntTrail

Welcome to the warm and cosy Eagle’s Nest Cottage (A)! Located near the harbour of Svedjehamn in Björköby, 50 m from Bodback nature trail and sea, in the heart of the Kvarken Unesco World Heritage site, close to observation tower ‘Saltkaret’ and restaurant/cafe/museum ‘Salteriet’.

The cottage is open all year round, accommodating 5-6 people or families. The eagle’s nest a is private (a wing off main building), with it’s own parking/garden/furniture/barbeque area, entrance and lobby, one

Bedroom (3 beds), a large living room room with a double sofa-bed and a antique (173 x 80 cm) sofa-bed or a roll-out mattress is available instead.  Fully-functional kitchenette and wood-burning fireplace, bathroom and shower. Wood-burning sauna available (times to be arranged with owner).

Free wifi. Motorboat/rowing boat/rental. Fishing permits from local shop ‘Björkö Handeln’. Swimming area with changing rooms nearby and a beautiful sandy beach only 1.5 km. Pets are also welcome!

+358 50 536 8275

info@bjorkonkotkanpesa.com

https://www.bjorkonkotkanpesa.com/

Welcome to the eagle’s nest cottage (B)!  We are located in Björköby, near Svedjehamn harbour in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage site, Kvarken, 50 m from the sea and Bodback nature trail and close to observation tower ‘Saltkaret’ and restaurant/cafe/museum ‘Salteriet’.

The eagle’s nest B is private, accommodates 2-4 people or small families, with its own parking/garden/barbeque area. It has a fully functional kitchenette, bathroom/shower, a living room (double sofa bed, single bed) and a loft area (2 beds). Wood-burning sauna available (by arrangement). Free WiFi. Motorboat/rowing boat/rental. Fishing permits from local shop ‘Björkö handeln’. Swimming area nearby and beautiful sandy beach only 1.5 km. Pets are welcome!

+358 50 536 8275

info@bjorkonkotkanpesa.com

https://www.bjorkonkotkanpesa.com/

When you drive over the Replot bridge and continue as far as the road ends, you will reach Café Salteriet Svedjehamn in the atmospheric harbor of Björköby. The maritime location in the middle of a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site offers unforgettable experiences to all travelers. Welcome to experience the atmosphere of the old fish harbor cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods and delicious dishes from our kitchen, which you can also take with you to enjoy nature!

Björköby’s nature and Café Salteriet Svedjehamn is a wonderful destination for travelers of all ages. We can also serve larger groups.

On top if the beautiful scenery, close by there are hiking trails as well as the observation tower Saltkaret.

+358 44 239 8821

info@salterietsvedjehamn.fi

http://www.salterietsvedjehamn.fi

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One of the Kvarken’s specialties is definitely the De Geer moraines, or washboard moraines, that form clear streaks in the scenery. You can see these formations best from the observation tower Saltkaret or along the Bodvattnet nature trail.

Is it difficult to choose which place to visit in the Kvarken? Here is some tips of the archipelago’s gems for you!