Kalix archipelago transforms into two entirely different places during summer and winter. Half the year, it’s a white and open landscape with gaps in the trees where the day’s last and most colorful rays of sunlight peek over the horizon. The archipelago becomes ideal for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing, and when you stand still, you often hear it immediately – the silence. In summer, when you stand still, the world shows signs of life with birdsong and lapping waves. Kalix archipelago is a special place. So special that the vendace doesn’t lay roe here but instead small golden nuggets. Here are my three favorite spots in the Kalix archipelago during summer:

1. Halsön-Kallskär

Halsön has two beautiful beaches, but the one that has charmed me the most is Kallskär beach. It’s a large beach with light, smooth sand that’s pleasant to walk on and clings to my wet feet after swimming. Beneath the waves, there’s an equally fine sandy bottom.

2. Stora huvön

Stora Huvön stands out in the archipelago with its nature and is an exciting island to explore with ravines and cliff walls. Smooth stone surfaces, polished so thoroughly that they look soft, cover the western side of the island. The cliffs rise higher than treetops, making you feel small in comparison, just as the vast ravines do. You’ll be completely captivated by the ravine walls and will want to explore the island with the wide-open eyes of a child. On the northeast side of the island, there is an outstanding beach and natural harbor with good water depth.

3. Nordanskär

From above, Nordanskär almost looks like a bird with its head facing north and looking east towards its right wing. The left wing lies to the west, and the short tail feather points south. The bird has two beautiful beaches resting on each wing. There’s also a smaller beach under the right wing that’s not shallow. You can also head inland to see the remnants of the once-thriving Nordanskär spa.