Trosa Havsbad – Kråmö round trip

The Trosa archipelago is easily accessible by canoe from Trosa harbor. The archipelago is dominated by the two larger islands Askö and Fifång and the three large open bays: from the north Svärdsfjärden, Asköfjärden, and Yttre Hållsfjärden. On these open bays the wind easily gains considerable power, which can make paddling difficult and unmanageable in certain situations. However, the band of smaller islands between Fifång and Askö provides considerably more shelter from wind, making that part of the archipelago easily accessible. Bokö-Oxnö, Kråmö, Grytan, and Korpen lie like a string of beads nearest the mainland. You reach them via the narrow canal that separates Hämö, just outside Trosa, from the mainland. Most of the islands are part of nature reserves. On the northwestern point of Bokö-Oxnö stands the Julafton lighthouse -- its actual name is Bokö lighthouse -- named after a ship that was wrecked here in a snowstorm.

Kråmö is a suitable destination for a day trip, especially if you are not a particularly experienced paddler. Kråmö is home to an old archipelago farmstead with roots dating back to the 1600s. In the 1940s, Kråmö was purchased by a businessman who built cabins for his employees. The island is now owned by Trosa municipality, which rents out the cabins. Here there is a harbor with docks that at certain times is also served by a tour boat from Trosa harbor.

Start and finish: Suitable launch sites are Trosa havsbad at the Rävudden beach and campsite on the island Öbolandet outside Trosa harbor. The island has a bridge connection to the mainland. Ask at the reception for permission to launch the kayaks at the boat ramp inside the barriers to the campsite and park according to instructions. You can also rent a kayak here. Another suitable location is the small boat harbor next to the bridge over to Öbolandet. A third option is at Stensund folk high school just north of Trosa, which also has kayak rental. The destination is Kråmö. You return to the starting point.

Distance: 12 km

Difficulty: Easy bordering on medium.

Map: Terrain map Sörmland Archipelago, scale 1:50,000, printed on water-resistant material.

The trip offers: Archipelago island with archipelago village, narrow canal, open but relatively sheltered bays, lighthouse.

Kayak rental: Trosa havsbad, Rävuddsvägen 42, 619 31 Trosa; www.trosahavsbad.se. Stensund, Trosa; www.stensund.se; www.skanpol.se; phone: 0739-532419

From Trosa havsbad at Rävudden, aim for the island Hämö across the bay. You will then cross the approach to Trosa harbor on the way, so watch out for other boat traffic. Go to the right of the northern tip of Hämö, follow the island's shores southward toward the reed belt you see ahead. In the left part of the reed belt nearest Hämö, a canal opens up. Here there is also a sign indicating the maximum speed through the canal as 3 knots. In the canal you have Hämö on your left side. Out of the canal, continue following the shore of Hämö to the left; the compass bearing is then almost due east. You can see the Julafton lighthouse with the yellow lighthouse keeper's residence on the next island, Bokö-Oxnö, ahead in your direction of travel. Paddle past the lighthouse on the same bearing, i.e., with the lighthouse on your right side. If the wind is northerly, it may be a good idea to instead paddle on the other side of Bokö-Oxnö. Pass Brännskär, which has a sandy beach on its westernmost point, and approach the next island, Kråmö, from the north side. Here there is a large wooden dock and several red-painted cabins. Go ashore at the beach just beyond the dock. The buildings are on the meadows next to the dock. The entire area is owned by Trosa municipality. You can rent one of the cabins through the Trosa tourist office. The island is served by tour boat from Trosa harbor during summer. For the return, it is best to paddle the same way you came.

Olle Persson

Kråmö dock