Rödkallen
Rödkallen (65.311784, 22.371747) is another of these outer islands where fishermen were coming since the middle-ages to fish herrings.
But it is not easy to get there... The harbour, like in most of the places we have visited so far is located in the 0 to 3 metre zone of the nautical charts and in the 0 to 0.5 metre of the Navionics sonar charts. The Svenska Kryssar Klubb pilot book indicates that boat with a draft of 2.2 metre can make it to the harbour following the two alignments indicated in the charts. What it does not say though is that when you finally make it to the harbour, you discover too late that the harbour is closed because of a fallen pier which partially obstruct the entrance (see the header picture). A real gymkhana in a Lilliput shallow harbour. Getting out is not easier, especially with some side wind, and we will even hit a rock with the stern post, but without any damage...
Fishermen houses are centred around a small internal bay that has been drying-up over the years. Very small boats can still make it here. Fishermen houses are now summer cottages. The island is flat, with rocks and sand. Just a few trees are providing some shelter from the winds. Look carefully for the Lilliputians as you wander around as they have developed small harbours in several places throughout the island.
The pilot house was transformed as a hotel, but it closed several years ago.
Getting there
By commercial transport
Rödkallen is probably quite difficult to access through commercial boats as the main harbour is not open anymore. However, taxi boats can access the inner bay. Check in Luleå for availability.
By own boat
Accessing Rödkallen with own boat is possible. There are two clearly marked alignments that will let you get in safely to the harbour. But this is in such a narrow space that you need to be hyper vigilant, especially if there is a bit of side wind. Boats up to 2.2 metres can get in. Both Cybèle 17 and Belisama touched some rocks on the way... So be extra careful, as it is not funny...
Rödkallen
- Coordinates: 65.311784, 22.371747