Axmar between Archipelago and Cultural Reserve

Axmar combines the maritime landscape of an archipelago with an exceptional cultural site: Axmar bruk was declared a cultural reserve in 2011. It includes the sea, the harbor, the Hyttan, and Engelska Parken. Anyone wishing to combine nature experiences, harbor history, and activities on the water during their trip will find a range of different facets in this documented setting.

Cultural Reserve with an Industrial History

The present-day Hyttan is at the center. It was built in 1861, while iron production there was discontinued in 1927. As a monument in the cultural reserve dating from the 1860s, the Hyttan also serves today as a venue for concerts, theater, exhibitions, and other activities. This makes it possible to experience the historic character of Axmar bruk not only through its buildings but also through a changing cultural program.

Skerries, Lagoons, and Shallow Wrecks

The Axmar Nature Reserve is the largest continuous archipelago area on the southern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and covers approximately 4,500 hectares. The shallow bays and lagoons of the archipelago provide diverse underwater habitats for animals and plants. A special view of the maritime surroundings can be experienced in Axmar Blue Park: Around 20 shipwrecks lie in the waters surrounding Axmar bruk, most of them so shallow that they can be seen from the surface.

Axmar Blue Park can be explored on a circular tour by paddling, snorkeling, or scuba diving. In addition to spending time on land, this provides a water-based way to get to know the underwater landscape and the wrecks from different perspectives.

Hiking, Cycling, and Kayaking

There are several clearly described routes for walks and hikes. The “från stig till vrak” trail starts at Axmar bruk and runs one kilometer northward along the coast on the mainland. On Kusön, a forest trail of approximately three kilometers runs between Badviken and Korshamn. However, an important current restriction for trip planning is that the hiking trails on Kusön are currently not cleared and cannot presently be used for hiking.

The surrounding area can also be explored by bicycle along several designated routes. At Axmar bruk, there are four cycling routes that lead, among other places, to Gåsholma Fiskeläge and Gnagmurs Nature Reserve, passing through forests, along the coast, and over the sea. Three different routes are available for kayaking around Axmar: a shorter tour lasting a few hours, a day trip, and an overnight tour. The selection therefore ranges from a short excursion to a longer undertaking on the water.

Nature Watching and Events in 2026

In 2026, beaver watching from an observation hide will be offered from May to September. In addition, seal and white-tailed eagle safaris departed daily from the harbor from June 22 to August 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Another fixed date is September 12, 2026: On that day, “Kolbullens dag” will take place at the harbor, featuring freshly prepared kolbullar.

Regional Orientation

When planning a trip, Axmar is particularly well suited to combining an archipelago landscape, nature watching, historic sites, and activities on the water. For regional orientation, you can also explore ValboValbo, NorrsundetNorrsundet, ForsbackaForsbacka, BergbyBergby, GävleGävle, HedesundaHedesunda, and HamrångeHamrånge.

To the overarching travel overview: Gävle.