Kuststigen Hunnebostrand – Sotekanalen

In the footsteps of the stone cutters

On this stage, which is the same as stage 4 of the Soteleden, there’s a wealth of nature and cultural experiences bringing to life the people who used to live in the area. From the southern part of Hunnebostrand walk via a pontoon bridge to Hunnebo Lera and on through farmland near the island of Ödby and finally to the bridge at Ramsvik.

For anyone interested in history, a visit during the summer to the heritage centre at Gammelgården and the Stenhuggeri (stone cutting) museum in Hunnebostrand, is a must. The trail here leads through leafy forests, pastures, and occasional hilly sections.There are many ancient remains, such as a Bronze Age grave at the top of Röseberget hill by Gammelgården.

The Sote Canal and Mother Lena’s Cottage

The Sote Canal was built to protect seafarers from the dangerous Sotekär shipping channel, where many seamen lost their lives. In 1935 the work was completed and the canal was opened by the crown prince at that time, Gustav Adolf. The canal, which is 4800 metres long, stretches from Kungshamn in the south to Hunnebostrand in the north, and separates Ramsvikslandet from the mainland by a movable swing bridge. Nowadays the canal is used mostly by recreational boats, as many as 50 000 every summer.  

Just north of the bridge to the mainland lies “Mor Lenas stuga” (Mother Lena’s Cottage), a little stone cottage definitely worth stopping at. It was built in the 1700s and Lena and her two sons lived in it for many years. They lived off what the sea provided and also collected flotsam and jetsam. The cottage stands there today as a reminder of times gone by. Have a look inside if you’re passing! The cottage is maintained by the Sotenäsgillet local history society.