Kayaking in the Gryt archipelago

Kayaking in the Gryt Archipelago is a fantastic experience where everyday needs disappear and you get the opportunity to breathe. Here you are in the middle of nature, and alone or together with others, you get the opportunity to explore all of the archipelago's sweet spots.

In the Gryt archipelago with over 5,000 unique islands and exciting animal species, a powerful silence spreads out to sea. The noise of city life is replaced by the waves of the sea and the whistling of the wind. A silence that must be experienced. On the other hand, paddling among Gryt's islands is a full-scale adventure, with much to see and many beautiful places to visit. Because regardless of whether you are an experienced paddler, or bringing the family for the first time, there is a place for everyone among the sun-warmed rocks and the dense pine forest.

With the archipelago around the corner
At Ekön, which is in the middle of the Gryts archipelago, Christian Swanson, together with Eva-Karin Pettersson, runs Ostkustenkayak. There is probably no one who knows the archipelago around Gryt better and at the kayak center they have a magical starting point with islands and adventures in all directions. Ostkustenkajak has what you need for a wonderful kayak trip, both for an experienced paddler and for those trying it for the first time.

In the kayak, you are in control. It's up to you where the paddling takes you, how strenuous it should be and whether the focus is on relaxation or discovery. Christian tells us that it is also not unusual to be alone on an island.

- There are plenty of islands in the Gryt archipelago and there is no crowding out here. It's a great feeling and perfect for those who want to get out into nature and be by themselves, he says.

With a clear horizon and the outer archipelago around the corner, there is a special sense of freedom at sea. You can reach the most remote places in your kayak and can thus find exactly your donut spots. With binoculars in your pack, you can scout for good places to add firewood or watch the white-tailed eagle soar in the sky in search of its next prey. If you want to stop at several islands, it is easy to have lunch on one and set up camp on another.

But with freedom also comes responsibility. The forces of Mother Nature are strong at sea and the weather can change quickly. It is therefore important to be prepared. Christian talks about the app Båtväder, where you can easily keep track of how the winds are moving and if the rain is approaching.

- With the app, you can also see which places have good rocks to add to or where there are nice beaches, he says.

It's about discovering
Among Gryt's many islands there is a special one for those who like history, red houses with white knots and a lovely pulse. Harstena, which is one of Christian's personal favorites, has a long and interesting history that permeates the entire island. And, like a time travel, you are taken 100 years back in time when you step ashore. A picturesque feeling you cannot miss. For those who have packed heavily and plan to camp, there are places for that at Harstena. But if you instead prefer a quieter and more remote place, it is easy to paddle to a nearby island when evening approaches.

Outside Harstena, by the Sandsänkan lighthouse, there is an exciting place to visit. On smaller outcrops next to the lighthouse, a seal colony has established itself. After centuries of seal hunting, the species has at times been close to extinction, but now it is on the rise. A fantastic development that can be discovered through an organized seal safari from Harstena. Seeing seals beyond the colony is not entirely unusual, but then you need a bit of luck. The seals are fast and often only stick their heads up for a few seconds before deciding to dive back under the surface.

Another well-visited island is Gubbö, where you can reach one of the archipelago's highest points in 15 minutes. Old man Kupa. The walk on narrow paths takes you to the last stage. The stone-like staircase followed by a heavy chain set along the cliff face. A security to hold on to both ascent and descent. Placed in the middle of the mountain is a stone hake that served as a benchmark for sailors. Along the slope, the green forest grows densely, in contrast to the blue sea that spreads out and seems to have no end. The view is breathtaking. A 360-degree view of almost the entire Gryt archipelago.

Of course, Christian has his favorites where he is more than happy to stop. For him, the highlights are Birkskär outside Harstena, Runnskär, bird-protected Klubben and Tallskär. But the most important thing for him is to discover for himself. That's the beauty of paddling. Gryt's archipelago has a number of unique places with room for all kinds of adventures.

Want to inspire others
Gryt's archipelago is a fantastic place, which Christian is struck by every day. With its many islands, open water and beautiful cliffs, Christian wants to inspire more people to discover the fantastic environment. That's why he started Ostkustenkajak 12 years ago. At the time, there was no good kayak center in Gryt that could showcase what the place has to offer, but Christian's gut told him that interest in kayaking and outdoor life would get a boost. And he was absolutely right. In the last five years alone, interest has increased drastically, not least during two years of the pandemic.

Christian has always liked to try new things and develop what he believes in. With Ostkustenkayak, he gets to do exactly that. Because despite hard work and long working days, he is filled with energy. Through his job, he meets people who share the same interest as him, and here he gets to be where he thrives best - in the archipelago. For him, there is nothing that beats the tranquility of the archipelago and experiencing the changes of nature as the seasons change.

---

Did you get curious? Feel free to visit the Gryt archipelago and visit Christian and Eva-Karin at Ekön, they promise to help you with what you need for a wonderful trip in the archipelago. You can read more about Ostkustenkajak on their website .

Vilma Adolfsson