Map
**Horns udde is easily reached by car from Västervik. There are about twenty parking spaces without time limits and both a boat slip and a small beach for launching kayaks. There are no toilets or water refilling facilities on site.
The paddling starts at the edge of Idöfjärden and can be bumpy if the wind is from the east.
Once you have passed under the bridge, you will enter the fishing community of Händelöp, which is the only inhabited island in the Tjust archipelago that does not end in -island or -islet. You follow the north side of Händelöp and come out at the western tip of the island called Ö-udden.
The trail continues south and soon you enter a very beautiful archipelago area at Uven, Brännholmen and Kuggen, and this is an area that is made to be explored by kayak. Narrow passages between high islands, and a lot of smaller islands.
If you choose a shorter route, you can look down between Stora and Lilla Kuggen and its narrow passage and then continue east towards Estholmen and Flatholmen.
If you want to take a longer trip, keep to the west and pass between Ängholmen and Nävelsö. Paddle along the north side of Nävelsö on Ålderbäckefjärden. Nävelsö, like Händelöp Nävelsö, is mentioned in the land register in 1544 as a crown farm in the archipelago, but the village itself is on the south side of the island.
At the western tip of Nävelsö, which is also known as Ö-udden, continue south and head for Måsö. You can paddle between Måsö and Stora Smörholmen. Follow the southern side of Måsö, round Äppleholmen and then aim for Stora Vistingsö in the SW. You are now between Vistingsdjupet and Lökholmsdjupet and here it can be a bumpy ride if the wind picks up.
It is possible to get through the strait between Stora and Lilla Vistingsö by kayak and after the passage you follow the west side of Marsö in a northerly direction.
Paddle on the northern side of Marsö and continue in an easterly direction between Krokholmen and Lökholmen. At the easternmost tip of Lökholmen, head towards Estholmen in the north. Choose the side of Estholmen depending on the wind, but then continue towards Flatholmen. Between Flatholmen and Degskären there is a nice inner flat that is perfect for a break.
From Flatholmen you then head NW and approach Händelöps fishing harbor. Inside the long breakwater that protrudes from Händelöps's head are the fishing boats that are mainly used today. Then continue to round Händelöp and keep to the outside of Huvudholmen. The strait that looks open on the map is often blocked with stones. Continue along the north side of Händelöp until you reach the mainland end of the road bridge leading out to Händelöp. From here, head north, keeping an eye out for the islands with bird shelters if they are active, and you'll soon be back on Horns udde again!
Regulations
The kayak trail starts south towards the bridge over to Händelöp. The islands just south of the launch site are bird-protected between 1/4 - 10/7 so keep your distance from them during this period!
