Seskaro

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Hiking guide for Seskaro trail

Seskaro is an island which is part of Haparanda archipelago. Several bridges and smaller islands connect it to the mainland. Although it is an island, you might still spot a moose. Other animal that frequents this island are seals. Seskaro has a large campsite right by sandy beach. The beach is very shallow so you might walk quiet a bit if you wish to swim. The beach seems to be very popular also with the locals. 

More information HERE

Map of hiking trails on Seskaro island

GETTING THERE

Stockholm  – 1020km (11h 30min)

Lulea – 130km (1h 35min)

Oulu (Finland) – 160km (2h)

By car: Follow road to Seskaro camping just before the campsite, turn to the parking lot for the beach. There are clear signs for this. 

By public transport: Doesnt seem to be any

Camper/ Van overnight stay: 

Paid – Seskarö Havsbad & Camping, family campsite (2025 price per night 350SEK, including electricity and showers). Nice campsite with all amenities. Many trails start right at the campsite

More about the campsite HERE 

Free – One of the small islands before Seskaro (see Campercontact app, sitecode 69473) and then park at the beach parking

Seskaro hiking trails directional posts
Well sign posted network with various trails
Example of the terrain and the marking, follow coloured stripes on trees

TRAIL NAVIGATION

Navigation is very easy, all trails are very well marked in both directions. Each loop has designated  colour. Follow stripes on trees of your chosen colours. Several turns have additional poles with coloured arrows. Take picture of the map at the camping or screenshot of pdf map (link below), physical map is also available. But it is not necessary since the trails are so well marked. 

Trail run race on the marked trail takes place each May, see more info HERE 

Seskaro pdf map of all marked trails HERE

For gpx map for Tre vikar trail HERE

Example of directional post and markings of the trails on Seskaro island
Another example of the trail markings
Along the coastline are several picnic areas with BBQ

TRAIL DETAILS 

Tre Vikar – 12km loop

Beautiful trail with changing terrain and views, although majority is in forrests. The northern part takes you through woodlands but the density and type of trees is constantly changing as well as terrain. You will face nice smooth forrest trail as well as more challenging terrain as medium rocks, roots, loose rocks and sand. Once you reach small sand dune, you will start heading back along coastline, although not always right by it. For this part I recommend to have mosquito spray with you. Expect similar terrain with some rocks and roots. At some parts the plants are growing on the path, but no nettles, so its safe for shorts. The entire trail is relatively flat, no climbs. 

ProTip: If it is nice weather, bring swimwear since you visit 3 sandy bays. 

Example of the terrain on Seskaro trails
Most of the terrain is very easy non-technical forrest trails but certain parts can be harder. I found this part the hardest
Easy forrest trail with some rocks

OTHER DETAILS

Tree coverage: Mostly tree coverage but with several open sections, good protection from sun needed

Geocaching: No geocaches or  Adventure Labs. 

Dogs: It is possible to the trail with a dog if trained for steep climbs and long distances. Dog must be leashed. 

Shoes recommendation: Sport shoe with good profile

Hiking poles: Not necessary.

Trail running: Good for beginner trail runners. No climbs and good to train for various terrains such as rocks or running on sand.  

Some parts of the trail can be little sandy, but usually very short and not very hard to walk on
One of the swimming bays on Seskaro island
One of the bays you can swim at

FACILITIES

There are some facilities along the way.

Restrooms: At the Seskaro swimming area and outhouse style WC at Temminiemi

Restaurants: Seskaro camping

Shops: Seskaro village, 3+km on foot one way

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I completed 12km Tre vikar Seskaro loop on Tuesday as a trail run. It was hot and sunny. I have not encountered anyone on the trail except two cyclist. There were people at the beaches/bays since it was hot day. It might get busy during weekend, especially in nice weather. 

Tip: If you go early, some parts along the coastline might have spider webs across the trail. Get light stick to carry in front of you to catch the spider webs. 

Sand dunees around Temmilahti
Sand dunes a the Tre vikar trail
Nice rocky area along the trail
Tip for other hikes in Sweden

Gesunda

Venjan

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