Cruises

Experience Höga Kusten or ‘High Coast’, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dramatic postglacial landscape. It has the Baltic Sea’s steepest coastline and is the only part of Sweden with coastal cliffs.

Sweden's latest cruising destination

A breathtaking part of the world, with lots of things to see and experience. Whether you are here to explore our magnificent nature and its endless outdoor activities, discover the archipelago or enjoy the cities – this area has something for everyone. Höga Kusten or the High Coast of Sweden is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, due the world’s largest land rise since the last ice age. People visit this area from all over the world, for the beautiful scenery, but also to spend time together and experience our way of life!

Kryssningar i Höga Kusten, cruises in the high coast of sweden

Map of scenic route High Coast

Örnsköldsvik

Pronounced ‘uh-veek’ and often shortened to O-vik, Örnsköldsvik is located on Sweden’s eastern coast of Sweden about 375 miles north of Stockholm. It is the northern gateway to the Höga Kusten or ‘High Coast’, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dramatic postglacial landscape. Although the countryside around Örnsköldsvik has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age farming settlement of Gene lies just to the south, the town itself is relatively young: it was founded in 1842 and granted city status in 1894.

Port of Örnsköldsvik
Length	320 m
Distance from centre	100 m
Distance from gangway	Motor vehicles can drive right up to the berth
Coordinates	N 63° 17', E 18° 42'
Website	https://www.ornskoldsvikshamn.se
Population	56,139 (2017)
Language	Swedish
Currency	Swedish Krona
Time zone	GMT+1
Climate	Cool and temperate with frequent rain
Emergency services	Dial 112
Shopping	The main shopping street are Nygatan and Centralesplanaden
Shop opening hours	Typically open on weekdays 10AM-6PM, saturday 10AM-3PM
Visitor service	InfoPoints throughout the city

Härnösand

Härnösand has a rich cultural life and a historical town centre, and is located on an island in the southern part of the High Coast’s archipelago. With its seaside location, unique shops, events, sights and beautiful scenery, Härnösand is the perfect place to explore the High Coast World Heritage Site from, as well as to get to all the other attractions in the region.

Port of Härnösand
Length	300 m
Distance from centre	500 m
Distance from gangway	Motor vehicles can drive right up to the berth
Coordinates	N 62° 38', E 17° 56'
Website	http://www.harnosandshamn.se
Population	25,190 (2017)
Language	Swedish
Currency	Swedish Krona
Time zone	GMT+1
Climate	Cool and temperate with frequent rain
Emergency services	Dial 112
Shopping	Main shopping streets are around the city square
Shop opening hours	Typically open on weekdays 10AM-6PM, saturday 10AM-3PM
Visitor service	InfoPoints throughout the city

Härnösands hamn Birka Cruises — Port of Härnösand

Shore excursions

UNESCO High Coast Scenic Drive

A scenic tour through the world heritage site to get really close to this unique place on earth.

Your tour starts with a scenic drive to Skuleberget. The top of this peak is 964 feet above sea level, and, where the precipice meets the sea, the cliff has a height of 938 feet: the highest coastline anywhere in the world. Visit the Vistor Centre where you can see a permanent exhibition and an audiovisual presentation giving more information about the flora, fauna, geology and culture of this area. Continue afterwards with a scenic drive to Barsta, pausing along the way at Nordingrå, to see the ruins of a 12th-century church. In Barsta you visit the Fishermen’s Chapel: a nearby spring is supposed to bring good health to all who drink its water. You also stop in Bönhamn, a fishing village with an attractive marina that is popular with visiting yachtsmen, before returning to your ship via Svedjeholmen.

Islands of Ulvön

The best way to appreciate fully the unique beauty and remarkable geology of this region is from a small boat. This tour take you to places inaccessible to road vehicles or cruise ships.

This wonderful tour begins with a short but scenic coach journey from the port to the small village of Docksta, where you board your tour boat and set off towards the island of Ulvön, known as the Pearl of Bothina. Your journey takes you past the islet of Mjältön, rising 774 feet above sea level - the highest island in Sweden. Once you arrive on Ulvön island, you can get an idea of the idyllic seaside lifestyle enjoyed by this community. Your guide will take you on a walk on the island, and you also have free time to explore on your own. During your return crossing to Docksta, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the archipelago. Among the islands you will pass is Högbonden, which has one of the highest lighthouses in Sweden. Back in Docksta, re-join your coach and return to Örnsköldsvik, where your guide will take you for a short tour of the city before returning to the pier.

Scenic Skuleberget and Swedish Fika

Visit the highest coastline anywhere in the world on this scenic tour to one of The High Coast most popular attractions.

Your excursion starts with a panoramic tour of Örnsköldsvik city centre, followed by a scenic drive to Skuleberget. The top of this peak is 964 feet above sea level, and, where the precipice meets the sea, the cliff has a height of 938 feet: the highest coastline anywhere in the world. An exciting ride on a ski-lift takes you to the top of the mountain for a magnificent view over the whole area. Enjoy a typical Swedish 'Fika' with cinnamon rolls and coffee or tea at the mountaintop Café Toppstugan. You then have time to explore the mountain on your own before returning to your coach at the bottom via the ski-lift.

Cruises

Sweden's latest cruising destination

Örnsköldsvik

Port of Örnsköldsvik