Pite-Rönnskär – An Archipelago Idyll

LIGHTHOUSE, FISHING VILLAGE AND WEATHER STATION

Pite-Rönnskär is a unique island in the archipelago, a former lighthouse and pilot station that is now known from the maritime weather reports on Swedish radio. The name hints that it primarily served the shipping routes to Piteå. For decades, the island has been a popular destination among boaters, and since Kinnbäck Archipelago Tourism began offering boat tours, interest has only grown.

For the past hundred years, the 37-meter tall Heidenstam lighthouse—nicknamed “The Queen of Lighthouses”—has towered over the island. The site also served as a fishing village. In the 1600s, Queen Christina granted the fishing rights on the island to the fishermen of Piteå.

Around 30 fishing huts remain today, now converted into summer cottages. For those wanting to stay overnight, there is a well-equipped guest harbor as well as a hostel with a small shop open during the summer season, where you can buy ice cream and coffee during your visit. Pite-Rönnskär still bears a strong and tangible legacy from its fishing era, where the historical fishing village has transformed into a dense cluster of charming holiday cabins. For those wanting to explore the island's nature, there’s a trail that leads to the opposite side.

There’s also a local legend here: Deep in the spruce forest on the northeastern part of the island lies a mythical boulder known as “Klockstenen” (The Bell Stone). According to folklore, every time the church bells ring, this mighty, moss-covered rock is said to rotate a quarter turn clockwise. From Kinnbäck on the mainland, boat taxis are available to Pite-Rönnskär.

Transport to the Island

Boat transfers to Pite-Rönnskär from Kinnbäck's marina, north of Byske, are available during the summer. Nordisk Sjötaxi operates the service, which can be booked on their website.

Pite-Rönnskär Guest Harbor

Located in a scenic fishing village setting on Pite-Rönnskär near the county border and just inside Nygrån lighthouse, this guest harbor is dredged to a depth of 2.5 meters and situated on the island’s north side. There are nice barbecue areas close to the harbor, along with dry toilets and a sauna.

Hiking on Pite-Rönnskär

A charming nature trail on the island of Pite-Rönnskär.

Follow the boardwalk past the wheelbarrows toward the leading marks—orange beacons guiding ships into the harbor. These beacons stand at the edge of the forest and are easy to spot. You're now on the nature trail that stretches to the backside of the island. The walk takes about 20 minutes. Bring swimwear for a dip—the sandy bottom is soft underfoot. There’s also a grill area available.