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Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in Sweden

There's nothing like admiring the great outdoors by soaking up the serenity of a kayak tour. Paddle past the scenic landscapes of Sweden with 9 kayak and canoe tours ranging from 4 days to 8 days. Watch the world float by on a gratifying kayak adventure.

9 Kayak & Canoe tour packages in Sweden with 77 reviews

• Kayak & Canoe

Team Expedition - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

The Do The North team were efficient friendly and professional. The equipment was easy to use and the information given by Thomas was clear and he made it sound simple.The menus and food all planned by Helena were amazing ...she is a goddess. We loved helping prepare the food and developed great teamwork which made it all a lot of fun with plenty of laughing.What can I say about where we paddled...I was awestruck by the geological history of the area,it was so beautiful.The guidebook provided had good information and of course Thomas was a fount of information and new the islands well.I never felt outside my " comfort zone" on the water .I absolutely loved it. Thankyou Do The North.It has made my holiday very special.

5-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Do the North organised the most incredible and memorable trip for us. We kayaked and camped around the St Anna archipelago in Sweden for 4 nights and wished we had more time out there! Thomas and his team were incredibly helpful throughout the whole planning process and during the trip (he kayaked out to an island to give us a new compass!). The islands are stunning, the meals from the recipe recommendations were delicious and easy to prepare and my friends and I have come away with lifelong memories! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different. Thomas made everything so easy - had all the gear, plenty of recommendations for packing and recipes, pick-up and drop-off, weather updates everyday... the list goes on! Wonderful trip.

6-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Had an awesome time out in St Anna. Thomas was a great organiser and provided us with top notch equipment for our travels. Would love to return in the future.

7-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Loved every minute of this holiday! Its such a unique experience and a perfect way to explore a beautiful country. Really well organised and everything you can think of is provided. Really really good kit especially the tents which were fab! Thomas was great at explaining the trip and so accommodating of our needs. Will have fond memories of singing all day long paddling along and making a cosy camp in the evening with a beer in hand. Loved it!!

8-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Great experience, fantastic holiday, great to know places like this exist!

Long Weekend Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Our 4-day kayak trip by Do the North in Sweden was magnificent. It was very well organised, the communication was fast, all the necessary equipment was provided and of good quality. We had great weather, no accidents, and the surroundings were so beautiful. So it was perfect. We were prety tired by the end though. Some physical fitness is recommendable.

Women's Wilderness Adventure - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

• Food & Culinary

Culinary Adventure - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

Wildlife Safari by Kayak - Seal & Bird Watching Expedition in the Swedish Archipelago

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• Canoeing / Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking in the land of lakes, rivers and archipelagos

Few leisure activities are as fun and accessible for beginners and hardcore enthusiasts alike as canoeing and kayaking. Whether you'd prefer to explore Sweden's waterways with an experienced guide or take a solo tour through the canals in one of the three largest cities, canoeing and kayaking in Sweden have never been easier.

Northern Sweden: Glide the wild rivers towards the sea

Swedish Lapland is home to the country’s wildest rivers. The Torne, Ume, Kalix and Lule rivers offer canoeists and kayakers a true wilderness experience as the waterways cut through ravines across giant Arctic plains and marshes on their way to the Gulf of Bothnia. River canoeing doesn’t get any wilder than this! The highest coastline in the world, Höga Kusten, beckons you to go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along this magnificent Unesco World Heritage site.

Here, above the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun lights up the sky 24/7 in the summertime giving you double the time to explore this extraordinary and dramatic landscape and beautiful archipelago.

Eastern Sweden: Paddling through ancient history

On the Swedish east coast, archipelagos like Stockholm, Gryt, St. Annas and Tjust are just waiting to be explored. Sea kayaking along the eastern coastline is suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. Rent a canoe and venture out into Stockholm’s vast archipelago where you can stay overnight on one of approximately 30,000 islands. The seaside village of Dalarö, located only 45 minutes away from downtown Stockholm, is a perfect place to start your Baltic Sea adventure.

Further down the coast, in the province of Småland, you’ll find Lake Åsnen, Sweden’s newest National Park. It consists of a unique lake archipelago featuring islands, forests and wetlands. People have travelled these waters since the Stone Age and along with astounding nature and wildlife you will find traces of early human settlement. Younger family members will be intrigued by Trollberget (Troll Mountain) and its exciting forests. For a week-long trip you can traverse the 120 km long canoe route Värendsleden and stay overnight at campsites along the way.

Western Sweden: Leisurely canoeing along the coastline

The western part of the country features the province of Värmland where 10,000 lakes create an environment perfect for paddling. Sweden’s longest river, Klarälven, meanders through the entire length of the province before flowing into Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden.

Värmland is also known for its giant forests. In the Glaskogen Nature Reserve you can find 80 pristine lakes and waterways. The rivers Klarälven, Röjdån, Rottnan and Svartälven also offer fabulous canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

Sweden’s western coastline stretches from second largest town Gothenburg up north to the Norwegian border. Known as Bohuslänskusten, it features 8,000 islands dotted with quaint fishing villages, and is world-famous for its fresh seafood. It is also recognised as a sea kayaking wonderland of islands, islets and skerries.

One reason is  Kosterhavet Marine National Park , a 450 sqm natural haven for the flora and fauna above and below the waterline. Or visit the village of Grebbestad and treat yourself to a culinary paddling tour and learn how to open and eat oysters straight from the sea. In the winter, adventure seekers can paddle through icy waters past pristine snowy cliffs.

The large number of islands make these waters un-navigable for shipping, so you will have them all to yourself. Claim an uninhabited island for camping or simply cruise in for a spot of sunbathing or a picnic. The islands also act as wind breaks, making for leisurely paddling.

Southern Sweden: A paradise for kayaking and birdwatching

The southern province of Skåne is flat with many lakes and rivers and a long coastline. If dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea is on your bucket list, the nature reserve of Kullaberg is the place for you. Kullakajak offers guided tours day and night. To experience something as unique as a biosphere reserve, head for the quaint city of Kristianstad where you can paddle on the Helge å river. Keep an eye open for white storks, typical for the region!

The most popular canoe route is Immeln, Skåne’s third largest lake with more than 200 islands perfect for camping, fishing and cooking outdoors. Many islands in Immeln are Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds so bring your binoculars.

Looking for a family friendly and safe paddling excursion? The Rönne å river is a one-way river course winding downstream through lush greenery and open meadows.

Further east, in the province of Blekinge, is the city of Karlskrona. Founded in 1680 it's the only remaining naval base from when Sweden dominated the Baltic Sea. The charming city is spread over 30 islands, with the city center on the island of Trossö that still has many baroque buildings.

If you start your kayak adventure from the harbor of Matvik, you can head for the islands Ekö, Tärnö, and Hallö to put your tent up for the night. On Joggesö, the popular boarding house Gullkråkan is open year around. You need to book in advance.

Canoeing adventure

Family canoeing in the summer.

Photo : Maria Skarve

Canoeing in Idre, Dalarna

Photo : Idre Fjäll

Camping by a lake

Photo : Apelöga/imagebank.sweden.se

Swedish Water

Photo : Lindsten & Nilsson/imagebank.sweden.se

Fun city paddling in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö

Fancy paddling in a more urban setting? In Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö you can rent gear downtown and explore each city’s canals, waterways and islands.

• Stockholm is built on 14 islands, among them Kungsholmen, Södermalm, Långholmen, Reimersholme and Djurgården. A Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) board is a great way to get around and take in the beauty of the capital.
• In Gothenburg , guided kayak and SUP tours around the downtown area are offered by PaddlaGBG . From the calm waters of Säveån you will discover new sides of the city. You can also paddle through Eskils canal out into the southern archipelago to islands like Brännö for a “fika” in the village or to neighbouring Galterö for a stroll on the beach.
• In Malmö , the twisted skyscraper, Turning Torso, and the imposing Öresund bridge will be your backdrop as you travel the canals around town.

Tripadvisor helps you explore the endless possibilities with  kayaking and canoeing trips  on the  waterways in Sweden !

Kayaking in Malmö, Skåne

Kayaking is a fun way to explore Malmö city.

Photo : Apelöga

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The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

With its many rivers, lakes, archipelagos and long coastline, Sweden is a kayaker’s paradise. Paddling about in a kayak or canoe is a great way to see the local landscape, spot wildlife and explore uninhabited islands and otherwise-inaccessible areas.

And you don’t have to be superfit either – or set a gruelling pace. Many kayakers chose to just drift along slowly, watching the world go by and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Kayaking in Sweden is the ideal activity for families too, as kids love the independence of having their own boat and being able to go at their own speed.

So where is best for kayaking in Sweden?

Sweden has loads of different options for kayaking from hardcore canoe and camping in the Arctic Circle, to canoeing along wild rivers in Lapland or gentle paddling around the watery cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg.

In the south, the province of Skåne is relatively flat with plenty of rivers and lakes, and a long gentle coastline. The rivers here wend through wooded landscapes and marshlands, ideal landscapes for birdwatching.

Sea kayaking is very popular along Sweden’s west coast, home to the Gothenburg Archipelago and the Bohuslän coast. With some 8000 islands and inlets to explore (many uninhabited), plus pretty fishing villages and sandy beaches and jettys to swim from, this region is excellent for kayaking.

In Swedish Lapland, right up in the Arctic Circle, you can head out into the wilderness by canoe on huge lakes and wild rivers surrounded miles of pristine forests.

And even in the capital Stockholm, you can take to the water. It’s a great way to see the city’s sights on a gentle paddle round the urban waterways, or head out into the archipelago and explore some of the 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago.

Which is the best type of canoe tour in Sweden?

There are loads of different types of canoe and kayak tour in Sweden – it’s a popular sport! Options range from an afternoon pootling about on a city river, to a full-scale week-long expedition camping overnight on deserted islands in a remote archipelago. So, you can pretty much choose whichever type you fancy.

If you want to explore a more remote area, you can opt for a fully organized expedition, which involves several days of travelling by kayak and camping under the stars at night. These tend to be in small groups, with an experienced guide who shows you the best route and helps set up camp and cook at each overnight stop.

Alternatively, if you’re a confident kayaker in a less remote area, you may want to go for a self-guided kayak tour, where all the equipment is provided and you set off on your own with a map and your gear.  

When is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden?

Well, summer is the obvious time to go, when the weather is better, the water warmer and the days are long. In the north of the country, you can still be paddling in daylight at midnight in June and July. The downside is that the waterways tend to be busier and the midges and mosquitos can be worse in summer.

If you’re heading to the south of Sweden, autumn and spring can be lovely times to go kayaking – provided you’ve got the right equipment. You may well have the waterways to yourself and the colours of the leaves in autumn are stunning.

Kayaking in winter is possible, particularly along the more sheltered west coast, but this is usually for experienced paddlers only, and will involve staying in a B&B, rather than camping. You’ll also need to have the full kit, including cold weather drysuits.

Five of the best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

Stockholm city by kayak.

Get a unique perspective of Stockholm’s main sights, including the city hall and old town, by seeing it from the water. Suitable for everyone from complete beginners upwards, this two-hour guided tour takes you round the city’s canals and central islands.

You can either go it alone in your own kayak, or paddle with a friend in a two-man canoe – all equipment is provided.

Explore the Stockholm archipelago by kayak

And if you’ve got a weekend to spare, you’d be mad not to head out out the city and explore the archipelago by kayak. This overnight camping kayak trip starts from the village of Dalarö, just 45 minutes from the centre of Stockholm – but feels like it’s a million miles from the urban bustle.

You’ll paddle through the waters of the Baltic Sea, cooking lunch and dinner on a campfire then bed down for the night on a remote island.

The best of Bohuslän by kayak

This four-day (three-night) self-guided kayak tour heads out along the Bohuslän coast to explore the Fjällbacka archipelago, with its pretty islands, sandy beaches and quaint fishing communities.

You’ll be picked up from Gothenburg, then kitted out with everything you need to explore this beautiful corner of the west coast, including maps, tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food and, of course, a kayak. You can choose where you set up camp each night, so simply head out on the water and get paddling.

Wilderness kayaking in Swedish Lapland

This amazing guided five-day kayak tour starts in Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, and explores the pristine wilderness of the Pearl River Nature Reserve. You’ll camp on the shores of Lake Karats each night (and may well catch your dinner in its waters), surrounded by vast uninhabited forests with no road access.

Do-it-yourself kayak tours in Skåne

Lake Ivösjön, Skåne’s largest lake, is home to Wetlandi , which rents out canoes and all the kit you need to head out onto the water and camp on a deserted island like Robinson Crusoe. Canoes, life jackets and maps are provided, and they also rent out camping and cooking equipment and barbecue packages – or you can bring your own gear and food.

This lush, peaceful landscape is perfect for paddling around with more than 40 islands (many uninhabited) and plenty of secluded beaches and inlets, where you can escape the crowds and set up camp.

See also: The best Swedish islands: our top 12 The best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast The best lakes in Sweden

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My Name is Gideon Glaser, I am from Austria. This summer (around August), I have a Kayak tour over the Götakanal planned. From Söderköping till Göteborg (about a month long). For that I would need a Kayak. I have looked at all the Options and haven’t found anything that could make that happen. So here is my Question. I need a kayak for that and i don’t want to buy one in austria and bring it with me if possible. So i would need to organize one there. In Söderköping, where i would like to start, are no options for that. …  Read more »

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Kayak in Sweden! Your guide to kayaking in Sweden

If you have a love of water and an adventurous spirit, you should definitely try kayaking in Sweden. The country is home to endless lakes , rivers, and coastlines, dotted between Swedish cities and amazing natural landscapes.

Renting a Kayak in Sweden or taking one of the country’s many tours is one of the best ways to explore the unique archipelagos and waterways of the region.

What’s more, you don’t need to be a kayaking superstar to sign up for many of the canoe tours in Sweden. There are adventures and exhibitions to match all skill levels.

Whether you’re drifting through the waters around Malmo , watching the world go by, or you’re tackling some of the tougher, rockier waters around the Arctic Circle, there’s no shortage of options for anyone with a passion for nature.

Today, we’re going to introduce you to the magic of kayaking in Sweden.

When to kayak in Sweden

Provided the rivers and lakes you want to peruse aren’t frozen, you can kayak most times of the year in Sweden. However, the winter can be extremely dangerous for beginners, with ultra-cold water and short days. For the most part, we’d recommend sticking to summer .

The official “kayaking season” for Sweden is usually between June and August. In these months, countless locals and travellers take to the waters to check out the wonders of the archipelago islands. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, it might be worth visiting early in June, or later in August.

One point to keep in mind is if you are kayaking in the Summer, you can expect a few more pests to come your way. Bug repellent might be a must-have.

Depending on your kayaking itinerary, and where you’re going to be going, you can also plan your trip around the Spring or Autumn months instead. You may have more of the water to yourself during these seasons, and you’ll get to enjoy some different colors from the surrounding nature.

As mentioned above, winter kayaking is most likely to appeal to only the most experienced professionals, so we wouldn’t recommend this season unless you have a lot of confidence. If you are kayaking in winter, stick to the sheltered region of the Western coast.

Winter will also require a lot more preparation, including staying in a comfortable, warm lodge (rather than a camping ground). You’ll also need full wet suits to protect against the chill of the water.

Kayaking or canoeing in Sweden: Tour options

There are tons of different kayaking and canoe tours in Sweden, depending on exactly how you want to explore the region. Canoe tours in Sweden can be extremely laid back, particularly if you stick to some of the rivers in the main cities like Gothenburg and Malmo.

If you’re looking for something more intensive, you can consider investing in one of the many longer camping and kayaking expeditions offered by local tour companies. Sometimes, these expeditions take an entire week to complete, and they often involve exploring numerous islands around the Swedish archipelagos .

If you want to explore a more remote area of Sweden, you can explore fully-managed trips offered by local tour companies, which promise an insight into some of the hidden gems of Sweden. These Kayak tours in Sweden generally involve spending more time out on the water and camping under the stars at night.

If you’re new to kayaking , or you haven’t tried canoeing in Sweden before, we’d recommend starting with something small. A simple kayaking trip with an experienced guide will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the wonders of the Swedish landscape.

If you’re a confident kayaker, there are opportunities to set up self-guided tours. For instance, Lake Ivösjön is the home of Welandi, a company which rents out canoes and all the additional kit you might need to head out into the water yourself and set up camp on a deserted island.

With these trips, your canoes, maps, life jackets, and other essentials are provided. You can also rent camping and cooking equipment, or barbecue packages to keep you well fed when you’re exploring everything Sweden has to offer.

Best places for kayaking in Sweden

One of the reasons there are so many canoe tours in Sweden, is there are countless rivers and waterways to explore. You can basically turn up anywhere in the country and find someone willing to rent you a canoe so you can go kayaking on your own, or in a group.

To decide exactly which regions, you want to visit with your kayaking tours in Sweden, we’d recommend:

Knowing your skill level

Some regions of Sweden are more tailored to beginners than others. The south province of Skåne is ideal for anyone who wants to simply explore nature, check out natural landscapes and do some additional bird watching.

Considering your itinerary

Outside of kayaking, what else do you want to while in Sweden? You can paddle around the watery cities of Gothenburg and the Stockholm archipelago if you want a city-based vacation with a few natural wonders.

Alternatively, head out to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights .

Checking your schedule

If you have a lot of time to spend in Sweden, you can consider sea kayaking across the western coast of Sweden, visiting the Gothenburg archipelago and Bohuslän coast. There are more than 8000 inlets and islands to explore here. If you’re limited in time, stick to something closer to the cities.

It’s also worth researching the canoe tours in Sweden on offer when you’re visiting a specific region. Some of these companies will offer special deals which allow you to enjoy much of what Sweden has on offer at once.

You might be able to combine a kayak tour in Sweden with a night in the arctic circle, checking out the northern lights, or a trip to various museums.

What to expect from kayak tours in Sweden

As mentioned above, kayaking in Sweden is extremely varied. There are numerous regions to explore, and unique experiences to enjoy, depending on your skill level, and your expectations. Perhaps the biggest factor impacting your canoe tour in Sweden is where you go.

Northern Sweden

Northern Sweden is one of the colder regions for canoe and kayak tours. This is where you’ll visit if you’re looking into Swedish Lapland, the Arctic Circle, and the incredible Northern Lights. There are some wild and unruly rivers here, such as the Une, Torne, and Lule.

The World Heritage Site at Höga Kusten is ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking alike, with numerous phenomenal sites to see. During the summer, the midnight sun also lights the sky 24/7, so you can continue exploring for as long as you like.

Eastern Sweden

Eastern Sweden is home to archipelagos like Gryt, Stockholm, and Tjust. You can consider sea kayaking across the Eastern coastline or rent a canoe and explore the 30,000 islands on offer.

The seaside village of Dalarö is also available right next to Stockholm, and it’s a great way to relax in between paddling sessions.

Further down the coast, in Småland, you’ll find the national park of Lake Åsnen, which consists of a lake archipelago featuring various wetlands, forests, and islands. People have travelled these waters since the stone age, and there are various examples of early human settlement to explore.

You can also traverse the amazing Värendsleden canoe route here.

Western Sweden

The Western side of Sweden is home to the 10,000 lakes of Värmland, where you can paddle until your heart’s content. Sweden’s longest river of Klarälven sprawls through the province before reaching the largest lake in Sweden, Vänern.

This location is great if you want to check out some of the giant forests and wooded areas Sweden has to offer. You can start your adventure from Gothenburg , the second largest city in Sweden, and travel all the way up to the Norwegian border.

Western Sweden is particularly ideal for lovers of seafood and fresh fish.

One of the biggest reasons to visit Western Sweden is Kosterhavet Marine National Park, an amazing 450 sqm natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can also visit the Grebbestad village where you can capture and eat oysters straight from the sea.

Southern Sweden

Sothern Sweden is where you’ll find Skåne, and some of the most popular regions for canoeing and kayaking within Sweden. The region is the warmest in the country during the summer, so it’s ideal if you want to avoid some if the icy cold waters elsewhere.

The nature reserve of Kullaberg is one of the top places to visit when you’re here, but you should also check out the city of Kristianstad, where you’ll discover the wonders of the Helge å river and may even track down some beautiful white storks.

Easily the most popular canoe route in this area is Skåne’s third largest lake, known as Immeln. This lake features more than 200 islands, where visitors can fish, camp, and even cook outdoors. You’ll also find a special protection landscape for birds, which is ideal if you’re into birdwatching.

Amazing kayaking tours in Sweden

There’s nothing stopping Swedish tourists from picking up a canoe and creating their own kayaking itinerary in Sweden. You may find it’s easier to invest in canoe tour as a beginner, as you’ll get a lot more support from an expert this way.

Here are some of the top kayaking tours in Sweden to consider:

Stockholm city kayak tour

Stockholm is one of the leading must-see destinations in Sweden for most visitors. Fortunately, it’s also ideal for kayaking and canoers.

You can take a Stockholm city tour with the Stockholm Adventure tour company. The 2-hour adventure is ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, plus, it’s surprisingly affordable.

You’ll paddle all the way out into the bay, where you can enjoy a unique view of some of the most amazing architecture in Stockholm. It’s a wonderful way to get started with canoes in Sweden.

Get Your Guide also have a full day tour if you’re feeling more adventurous.

Winter kayaking and fika

Offered by Get Your Guide , this kayaking adventure involves giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Stockholm archipelago during the winter months. The adventure takes about 3 hours in total, and comes with free cancellation, just in case.

Extremely popular among visitors and locals, the adventure gives you everything you need to enjoy a day on the water, including snacks, coffee, and tea.

Best of Bohuslän

Ideal for anyone who wants to spend most of their vacation kayaking in Sweden, this tour will take four days and three nights to complete in total.

You’ll head along the Bohuslän coast to discover the wonders of the unforgettable Fjällbacka archipelago with its stunning sandy beaches, unique fishing communities, and amazing islands.

The tour picks you up from Gothenburg, where you’ll receive everything you need for a wild outdoor adventure. You’ll receive your tent, sleeping bags, food, and a kayak, and you get to choose exactly where you want to set up camp each night.

It’s an amazing way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the kayaking culture in Sweden.

Canoe getaway in Skåne

If you’re hoping to enjoy the wonders of southern Sweden with your canoe getaway, why not check out this phenomenal canoe getaway. The self-guided experience takes between 3 and 5 days and gives you everything you need for a wonderful adventure.

Your tour will take you through Holjeån on an impressive river trail stretching from Östafors to Ivosjön. For beginners, this river offers a laid back paddling experience, so you don’t have to worry about being overwhelmed by the waters.

Kickstart kayaking in Vättern

Customized to suit your skill level, this canoe adventure in Sweden is intended for two people. You’ll have around three hours to learn how to improve your kayaking skills, while you enjoy some of the beauty Sweden has to offer.

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The trip is simple and beautiful, with lots of unique waterways to explore as you develop your knowledge of canoe culture in Sweden. You can even use this trip as a chance to brush up your skills before you tackle some more difficult tours.

Wilderness kayaking in Lapland

Swedish Lapland represents one of the most challenging locations for kayaking in Sweden . However, this doesn’t make the region any less impressive. The guided five-day kayaking tour begins with Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, before eventually reaching the Pearl River reserve.

Though the weather is a lot colder here, the kayaking adventure is designed to be accessible for beginners, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much. You can camp on the shores of lake Karats and even practice a little fishing too.

Swedish sea kayaking adventure

If you’re interested in learning more about sea kayaking throughout Sweden, then this could be the ultimate day trip for you. Designed to take around 8 hours in total, this Swedish kayaking adventure visits a unique area with around 5000 islands, slabs, and rocks in total.

You’ll be guided through each amazing place with a focus on safety and precision.

The adventure includes a lot of instruction and guidance from a professional, so you can develop your skills while you’re exploring.

5 day wild camping adventure

If you’re planning to combine your adventure into the Swedish lakes and rivers with a wild camping opportunity, this is the ultimate tour for you. The 5-day wild camping adventure takes you to the remote Saint Anna Archipelago on the Eastern coast of Sweden.

You’ll find a wide range of 6000 islands to explore, with dozens of sheltered forested routes to take, and locations where you can set up your camp whenever you like. Your kayaking tour guide will handle all of the equipment you need for kayaking, cooking, and sleeping.

Weekend Sweden kayak tour

If you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to your canoe tour in Sweden, but you still want to spend longer than one day on the water, try this weekend kayaking tour . Over the course of two days, you’ll head out into the Stockholm archipelago, where you’ll relax with a partner on the open water.

Unlike many of the canoe trips which ask you to fend mostly for yourself, this tour includes lunch, dinner, breakfast, and a Swedish “Fika ” experience. You also get all the tools you need for camping overnight in the archipelago.

Canoe tours in Sweden: Swedish rivers

If you’re keen to stay close to the main cities and tourist spots while visiting the amazing Swedish islands , you’ll have no shortage of canoeing and kayaking options close to the mainland. Stockholm, Malmo and Gothenburg all offer kayaking gear to rent, so you can explore the canals, waterways, and Swedish rivers for canoeing.

Stockholm is actually built across 14 islands, including locations like Södermalm, Långholmen and Kungsholmen. You’ll be able to explore either on a traditional canoe, or with a stand-up paddle board in some regions.

Gothenburg offers both guided and self-guided kayak and canoeing tours. You can start from the calmer waters of Säveån and paddle through Skills canal into the southern archipelago for islands like Brännö, where you can enjoy a delicious afternoon fika.

Malmo is home to some of the best architecture in Sweden. As you travel the canals around town, you can check out destinations like the Øresund Bridge and twisted skyscraper.

If you’re looking for a safer, family-friendly paddling excursion, we’d recommend visiting the Rönne å river one-way river course winding through beautiful open meadows and fresh greenery.

Planning your kayak tour in Sweden

Proper preparation is crucial to any outdoor adventure or excursion. The most important thing you can do to stay safe is make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Nature can be beautiful, but it can be dangerous too.

Decide from day one whether you’re going to invest in a kayaking tour in Sweden, or whether you simply want to hire your gear and go from there. We’d definitely advise looking into some of the top gear companies in the region to give you more confidence when you’re on the water.

Point 65 in Sweden even sells modular kayaks so you can carry them with you wherever you go.

Other points to keep in mind include:

Take plenty of water

Kayaking and canoeing, even on easier tours, can be thirsty work. Make sure you have plenty of water with you at all times for your trip. It’s also a good idea to keep some snacks handy if you’re planning on being out for longer periods of time.

Check the weather

Always double-check the weather conditions before you go out on the water. Choppy conditions can be difficult to handle for beginners. If it’s raining, you may want to move your excursion to another day.

Dress correctly

Waterproof clothing is an obvious must-have. Rain jackets, rain pants, and a good set of shoes will ensure you stay comfortable during your adventures. Remember to bring an additional set of dry clothes, just in case.

Don’t forget to figure out where you’re going to be staying when you’re out on the waterways too. If you’re wild camping, you’re going to need to take your equipment with you into your canoe.

Enjoy kayaking in Sweden

For lovers of the great outdoors, kayaking in Sweden can be a wonderful way to explore everything the region has to offer. With endless tours to explore, and a wide selection of locations where you can rent the equipment you need, there’s no shortage of ways to get started.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other guides to the wonders of Sweden, so you can learn more about the sights and experiences on offer in this amazing country.

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Kayaking and Canoeing in Sweden

A canoe trip in Sweden is a dream for many paddling enthusiasts. The country offers endless possibilities, so that the choice is quite difficult. Many regions are so thinly populated that canoe trips are also possible, on which you can enjoy nature as good as all alone. Traffic noise is almost never present, because either often no roads pass nearby or only small roads that are not busy. So Sweden is a canoe destination that satisfies the longing for untouched nature and isolation.

In this article we would like to introduce you to the most exciting regions for canoeing and kayaking in Sweden. From lake landscapes with canals and countless islands, to natural rivers and urban paddling regions, there is something for everyone. It is also possible to discover the coastal regions in the west and east with its archipelago. We do not provide any routes here, but would like to inspire you for your next canoeing vacation and support you in your research.

Table of Contents

Sweden as a destination for canoe and kayak trips

Besides region for canoeing that promises absolute solitude and tranquility, it is also the nature that attracts us paddlers to Sweden. The country has almost 96000 lakes, breathtaking coasts with archipelagos, endless forests and white sandy beaches.

The south of Sweden is quite densely populated by Scandinavian standards. Accordingly, the accessibility by public transport is good here. The paddling areas have numerous canoe rentals and small villages and towns are never far away to fill up your own provisions. Due to the Everyman’s Right, wild camping is no problem and makes most paddling tours a lot less complicated, if you are equipped accordingly. Nevertheless, campsites can be found in many places.

The north with Lapland offers opportunities for canoe trips in extreme remoteness, which are also then more difficult to reach. Here are for the tours not only a particularly good preparation of need, but also plenty of paddling experience. In general, the further north you travel in Sweden, the more you will have to deal with mosquitoes. The main season for mosquitoes is from mid-July to mid-August. From then on, the first night frosts set in and the number and mobility of mosquitoes decreases significantly.

Swedes also love to explore the nature by kayak or canoe. Therefore, you will often have no problem to find a boat rental especially in the popular and well visited areas. But of course you can also come with your own boat. For tours on lakes lasting several days, inflatable canoes or folding canoes are very practical, as they not only offer a lot of space, but are also easy to transport. For adventurers, the use of packrafts is also a good idea, with which you can combine hiking and paddling.

Best time for a canoeing vacation in Sweden

Especially in southern Sweden you should try to avoid the vacation season in summer. Many Swedes like to travel in their country at this time and use the surrounding lakes and nature reserves for their summer vacations. You can check the exact dates of the school vacations in Sweden on the internet before. In Scandinavia, good weather is often a gamble. Lots of sun and warm temperatures are not guaranteed in any month. However, the best chances are in July and August. In these months you also benefit from the long days and the fact that it does not get really dark. In any case, you should be equipped for a canoe trip for changeable weather, because the weather can change incredibly quickly.

Packing list for several days paddling trip in Sweden

To make your canoeing vacation successful and fun, you should have the right equipment with you. If you want to make your tour independent of a canoe rental company, then an inflatable canoe or a folding canoe as a boat is recommended, especially for the long journey. For outdoor enthusiasts, packrafts are also suitable, which can be used to combine paddling with hiking and biking. We would recommend a canoe or a packraft.

Since the weather in Sweden can be quite changeable, you should definitely take rainproof and warm clothes. In addition, there is some camping equipment, such as tent and sleeping bag, which should also be designed for bad and cold weather. The further north you travel, the more mosquitoes accompany you during a canoe trip. We have come to appreciate anti-mosquito coils, as they are pretty good at keeping mosquitoes away. But and also a mosquito net for the head should not be missing especially in Lapland in the packing list. So that the things also remain dry if it rains times on the tour, you should not forget in no case a few good dry bags. In our opinion, water shoes are also indispensable for canoe tours lasting several days

• Sleeping bag
• Camping mat
• Camping chair
• Camping tableware
• Camping Stove
• Anti-mosquito coils
• Mosquito net for head
• Water shoes
• various dry bags

Dalsland – The perfect destination for paddling beginners

For canoe beginners, Dalsland is an ideal introduction to the Swedish wilderness. The region is characterized by its narrow and long lakes. Thus, there is hardly ever a swell worth mentioning and the way to the next shore is always nearby.

Dalsland is located about 200 km north of Gothenburg and stretches along the Norwegian border. The journey from Gothenburg or Oslo is therefore easy. Civilization with its asphalt roads, supermarkets and restaurants is never too far away and yet here you have the feeling of loneliness and vastness. The great danger that you are on your own here in secluded wilderness is therefore not given here.

With over 400 lakes and numerous rivers, canals and locks, surrounded by a slightly hilly landscape, the region is unique in Sweden. Thus, Dalsland gives paddlers in particular endless possibilities for a canoe trip. Numerous islands also invite you to take a break or spend the night. Between the lakes there are hills with beautiful forests. From time to time, small villages with the typical red wooden houses can be found near the shore. The region has adapted to canoeists, and campsites with fireplaces and wood as well as toilet and shelters await paddlers at many shore points and small islands. For the equivalent of three euros a day, there is a nature care card that allows the use of these designated places. It is also good to know that all lakes in Dalsland have drinking water quality.

However, due to the fact that the region is so easily accessible, offers a nature as you would expect from Sweden and offers paddling conditions even for beginners, you have to share the beautiful nature with numerous paddling friends, especially in the high season. This should not be a big problem, but it is said that canoe tourism in Dalsland has become mass tourism. There are for example German tour operators through which you can book your complete tour with travel and all equipment. By bus it goes then from Germany to Dalsland and also the food is transported directly from Germany, in order to reduce the costs. This also meets with displeasure in parts of the population, since the local tourism industry only gets a little of it. In the evenings, for example, one is often left out when the shelters are already occupied by other paddlers.

A good idea in the high season is not to choose the typical routes on the lakes Le Stora and Foxen to avoid all the groups of tour operators. Coupled with the Swedish vacation season, there can be up to 5000 canoes on the lakes every day. Also, be aware that some lakes are open to motor traffic. Therefore, you should put your route on less popular lakes and by the numerous watercourses that connect the lakes, especially also offers a round trip.

Vänern – The Swedish Inland Sea

Lake Vänern is located in the southwest of Sweden and is the largest lake in the country and the European Union, and still the third largest in Europe. With a width of 75 km and a length of 140 km, it can rightly be called the Swedish inland sea. At first glance on the map, it is almost impossible to imagine, but Lake Vänern has about 22,000 large and small islands, as well as archipelagos (bare rock islands), which are located mainly near the shore.

However, some archipelagos are nature reserves under special protection, which has allowed to preserve a fascinating natural landscape. Here you should pay attention to where you can land with your kayak and where not.

Especially for sea kayak fans, Vänern is very suitable, but also generally for paddling beginners, because many small towns and other activities are waiting for you on the shores of the lake. However, for most of the paddling tours you need to have a good basic condition.

Numerous small towns and villages are located around the lake. Karlstad with over 60,000 inhabitants is the largest one and is located on the northern shore of the lake. Vänersborg is the largest town at the southern tip. The easiest way to get there is from Gothenburg or Oslo. From Oslo there are direct bus connections to Karlstad several times a day, e.g. with the provider nettbuss. From Gothenburg, you can reach the town of Vänersborg within 40 minutes with a direct train connection.

Glaskogen – A dream for canoeing

Glaskogen is also located in southwestern Sweden and is a nature reserve with winding rivers, small and large lakes, and vast forests, some of which are untouched. Unlike the other canoeing areas in southern Sweden, the Glaskogen Swedish Nature Reserve is well developed, but still allows for true solitude. In total, the area includes about 80 lakes. In addition to moose and badgers, there are also numerous animal species that are rare for Sweden, such as lynx and wolves. In forests there are numerous overnight accommodations for both hikers and paddlers in the form of wooden shelters, equipped with fireplaces and firewood, as well as outhouses. There are also many other bays that are perfect for camping.

Really wild and lonely is the larger lake Stora Gla, which can also quickly become uncomfortable when the weather changes.

The village of Lenungshammar with about 30 inhabitants, located in the heart of the reserve, has a campsite, a small grocery store, café and canoe rental. Canoe rentals are also available in Arvika or Glava Glasbruk. If you want to stay in Glaskogen, you have to buy a visitor’s card. The proceeds are used for the care and maintenance of the nature reserve.

The easiest way to get there is from Oslo. Trains run directly from Oslo to Arvika with a journey time of just under two hours. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Gothenburg, also by train, but with a change of trains and a travel time of about 3 hours.

Swedish Lapland – The rough and lonely wilderness

Lapland is a landscape in Northern Europe, but it can refer to a different size of the region depending on the context. There is no clear geographical definition of the region. Most often, it refers to the part of Scandinavia that lies north of the Arctic Circle. We consider only the Swedish part, which is Swedish Lapland.

In Swedish Lapland, there is an average of 2 inhabitants per square kilometer. In the USA, on the other hand, there are 37 per square kilometer. In addition, most people in Lapland tend to live in the larger towns. This means that we find large parts of the region that are completely unpopulated. Lapland in Sweden also has numerous lakes and rivers that can be explored by canoe. In addition, the landscape is very much characterized by mountain ranges. So it is the right destination for every experienced paddler who wants to have the great adventure as well as really enjoy the nature and solitude.

Kalixälven is with 461 km the longest natural river in Sweden and a popular destination for river paddlers. The river Torne älv is also a popular destination for paddling enthusiasts.

A very elongated and narrow lake in the south of Lapland is Storvindeln.

Bohuslän – The Wild West of Sweden

Bohuslän is located on the western Swedish coast north of Gothenburg. To the north, the Swedish province borders directly on Norway and to the east on the also popular paddling area of Dalsland. Bohuslän is mainly known for its rocky coastline with offshore islands and skerries. It is also home to Gullmaesfjorden, Sweden’s only fjord. What is a paradise for experienced sea kayakers can quickly become stressful or even dangerous for the beginner paddler. Paddling on the west Swedish coast is quite demanding and wind and wave conditions can change quickly.

In the north, by the way, is Kosterhavet, Sweden’s only marine national park. Since the archipelago is located a bit further from land, it is best to take the ferry from Strömstad. Especially paddling on the open sea should not be underestimated here and participation in one of the tours of the local kayak providers is recommended. Please always make sure that the island where you want to land is not under bird or seal protection. Especially in a national park there are quite a few of them.

The section between the coastal towns of Grebbestad and Fjällbacka is also very popular. The large islands of Pinnön and Otterön offer shelter for paddlers and also good camping opportunities. Fäjällbacka is also a well-known tourist destination on the Swedish west coast, with the steep walls of Vettenberg rising almost vertically behind the village. Numerous islands around Fjällbacka have beautiful sandy beaches and the water here is crystal clear.

About 13 km (8.1 miles) from Fjällbacka are the Väderröarna islands or weather islands. Most of the 365 islands are small and hilly. On one of the islands there is even a small hotel (Väderröarnas värdshus). The islands are also known for the large number of seals living there, and the lighthouses. Again, if you are not an experienced paddler, you should take a guided tour.

There are so many more beautiful spots on the West Swedish coast that make the paddler’s heart beat faster.

Stockholm and its archipelago – A sea of thousands of islands

Stockholm is also a really good spot for paddling. The Swedish capital is spread over 14 islands and just outside the city is the country’s largest archipelago and the second largest group of islands in the Baltic Sea after the Archipelago Sea, which belongs to Finland.

Djurgarden and Langholmen are particularly suitable for urban paddling. On both islands, which are part of downtown Stockholm, there are also rental stations where you can rent a kayak. On Djurgarden there is a huge park and it is very quiet to paddle. We have already paddled this tour and in our report on kayaking in Stockholm you can find the map for paddling and many photo impressions of the tour. But if you want to go around Djurgarden completely by kayak, you have to be prepared for a rougher and more busy south side. Because ferries and large ships also go along here and can cause quite a swell.

The smaller island of Langholmen is quieter. The island was once the site of a prison. Today Langholmen is a green oasis and on warm summer days city residents like to stay here for a picnic or swim. On the website of the rental station of Langholmen there is even an overview of some paddling tours in Stockholm describes and has also drawn them on the map.

The Stockholm Archipelago with its 24,000 islands offers so many paddling opportunities that you could spend several summer months here. From large islands with villages to small rocky islands for camping, you can find everything here. Important for a tour in the archipelago is above all good and stable weather. Especially a tour with an overnight stay on a small island is something very special. Many canoe stations also rent camping equipment. Most of them also offer guided tours and take care of the equipment and food. If you are not a big camping fan, you can also plan your tour in such a way that you stay in a cabin on one of the islands in the evening.

Mälaren – Sweden’s third largest lake

In addition to the archipelago to the east of Stockholm, there is Lake Malären (also called Lake Malär) to the west. It is the third largest lake in Sweden. Similar to the Stockholm archipelago, the lake is characterized by many bays, islands and peninsulas. The lake is also home to famous sights such as Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred, Drottningholm Castle and the most important trading center in Scandinavia called Birka, which dates back to the 10th century. It is possible to make day trips to the sights as well as multi-day trips to discover the lake and its beauty.

Dalarna is a popular travel region for Swedes. Because here in the middle of the country not too far from Stockholm and Gothenburg there is rough and lonely nature as we know it from the far north. The name Dalarna means “the valleys” and refers to the hilly and wooded landscape of the region. With its numerous large and small lakes and rivers, Dalarna is also the ideal place for kayakers who want to find secluded nature and natural islands on the lakes.

Dalarna – Lonely nature in the heart of Sweden

Lake Siljan as the seventh largest lake in Sweden the center of tourism for the region. The south is mainly characterized by its mining tradition and it is rather the north and center of Dalarna that attracts the real outdoor enthusiasts. It is almost impossible to list all the canoeing and kayaking possibilities. Also smaller and very unknown lakes like Rammasjön or Stor-uppdjusen with their small islands offer beautiful nature and full Sweden feeling.

Gothenburg – Cozy urban paddling

Urban paddling is also possible in the Swedish harbor city of Gothenburg. There are small lakes, such as Lilla Delsjön or Stora in the east of the city with surrounding forests, which invite you to quiet tours with picnic breaks. But you can also paddle through downtown Gothenburg.

Like Stockholm, Gothenburg also has an archipelago just outside the city that is ideal for sea kayaking. There are several canoe and kayak rental stations in Gothenburg and guided tours are also offered.

Have we forgotten a paddling region in Sweden that you think should be mentioned? Then write us in the comments and we will gladly include it!

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Hi, I'm Christian and love to discover the nature from the water at any time and in an easy way. For this there is nothing better than portable boats, which are now indispensable for me!

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4-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided

• Top quality kayaking, camping & cooking gear
• Return transport Norrköping - Saint Anna
• Food order - we shop and pack for you at cost price
• Briefing on the area, navigation and safety
• Detailed guide book
• Cell phone for weather reports & communication
• 24/7 Do the North service while kayaking
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks
• We pick you up in Norrköping at 10:00. It's a beautiful city with many restaurants and an interesting water-scape. Stockholm Arlanda Airport Stockholms main airport is further away. Take a direct train from the airport to Norrköping (2 hours). KLM, Amsterdam to Linköping City Airport Linköping is just a 25 minute train ride from Norrköping. A very quick cab ride takes you from the airport to the train. Dropoff in Norrköping at 17:00 on your last day.
• Resecentrum Norrköping, Norra Promenaden 90, 602 22 Norrköping, Sweden
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• A maximum of 12 people per booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum 12 years)
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Jackie I 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Winter adventures in Sweden. What an amazing trip! From the magical candlelit arrival at the cabin, which was our base. to the beautiful experience on the plateau, such brilliant experiences. We worked as a team to prepare for our expedition, all the equipment and the clothing, which we rented was top quality. We set off, for three nights camping, as the weather forcast was so good. Thomas and Katha were excellent guides. Northern lights and such impressive starlit skies, a once in a life time experience! Read more Written March 14, 2024
• 71955 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A real adventure Exciting, on the edge trip. Unforgettable and great value for money. The weather was filthy (last week of the season) but the equipment coped with rain, thunder and lightning, metre high waves and we survived! Memorable. Actually we went in Sept 2022 but I forgot to post a review Read more Written December 19, 2023
• MarkAF1956 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Paddling Sweden The trip was led by Phil. His leadership, skills and knowledge were exceptional. I always felt safe. Linda was the second guide. She converted eight independent participants into a close knit group and tough heaps of skills to those who were novice paddlers. I am also a kayak guide so I expect professionalism. Phil & Linda exceeded. They were awesome. Read more Written September 14, 2023
• Anita P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous guided group kayaking & camping tour, with great guides & top quality equpiment. Fabulous 5-day women’s kayaking guided tour with amazing guides, Katha & Linda. It was so beautiful, peaceful & fun as we kayaked through the Santa Anna archipelago. Our boats & camping equipment were top notch quality, and meals were delicious, hearty, & creative - we ate well and often! (yay, fika!). My tour mates were fabulous, we laughed & enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend Do the North as tour outfitter Read more Written August 28, 2023
• elenadallatoscana 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing holiday, exceeds any expectations I approached DoTheNorth following recommendation by a friend and I was glad I had a last-minute opportunity for a brief holiday this summer. I was interested in meeting new people and trying something new but I didn't really have time to plan anything myself. The Solo Traveller Kayaking trip was exactly what I had been looking for, without knowing :) From the beginning everything was smooth, easy and friendly, starting from the easy-to-use website with clear instructions, through communicating with Helena about the trip, and finally... meeting our AMAZING guides LINDA and PHILL. I had never come close to a kayak before; my experience with wild camping was extremely limited at best, but from the get-go Linda and Phill made each one of us comfortable and confident, treating us to delicious meals, unforgettable sunsets, and heart-warming experiences. As a side perk, following all of the useful pieces of advice and feedback received during this trip, I am now comfortable with the idea of kayaking on my own. In just 5 days, our diverse group of solo travellers formed a strong connection and we were all sad on the last day, but will happily keep in touch with each other as well as with Linda and Phill in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend these two guides, as well as this company, whatever your idea of a vacation is. You can't be disappointed. Read more Written August 24, 2023
• E290PKrobt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Simply perfect Just back home from an amazing adventure! I took the "Solo Traveler" guided tour, and can not remember ever having such a fun week. Our two guides (Phill and Linda) were just phenomenal in every way, the food was absolutely delicious and I came back a much better at kayaking than I left. Fantastic value for money and highly recommended 😁 Read more Written August 22, 2023
• SvIDish 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Swedish summerdreams came true ♡ Recipe for a perfect travel experience: ♡ the archipelago in Sweden ♡ kayaks and tents ♡ good food ♡ exciting people ♡ selected music ♡ guide team Linda and Phill Traveling with Do the North was absolutely great! Well organised from the first step of information about the trip, booking and the trip itself. The equipment was in very high quality and the food, prepared and cooked in the wilderness, was more delicious than my food at home with all kitchen stuff ;D In addition to the perfection of all preparation and organisation, there was an incredible guide-couple: Linda and Phill. Different characters and so similar at the same time. Open hearted, interested in people and their stories, cheerfull, excited to make new experiences, responsible, competent, relaxed, spontaneousband very sensitive for guiding different people growing into a familiar group. Lindas passion for cosy arrangements and photography guarantees great pictures of the trip. Of course, the nature and all the surroundings were great by themselves! But it was Linda and Phill which made all this to such a PERFECT und UNFORGETTABLE experience! Read more Written August 21, 2023
• Axelkrueger2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour Swedish skerries It was a great and fantastic tour👍 We had a lot of fun together. Phill and Diego where perfect guides - very nice and kind and also cooked extremely yummy! Also they had an „open eye“ to the needs of the people! E.g. I am a bit handicapped on my right leg and there was always one of them to help me getting in and out of the Kajak - without even asking! I have never been at the swedish skerries bevor - it was awesome - although it started with cold and rainy weather - but even under these conditions the view of the nature was incredible! This was definitely not my last kajaking tour through the skerries! Read more Written August 17, 2023
• 736pierm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Phill and Diego best guides ever! Had the best time with Phill and Diego as our guides and a great crew of paddle warriors. Diego and Phill worked great as a team to get us all into some good vibes and enjoy the time spent in the archipelago. They immediately made us feel like this was going to be amazing and it was. Both are real outdoorsman and have a lot to teach about kayaking and camping in the wild. The five days spent out there in the wild were some of the best days I had in a long time. Read more Written August 14, 2023
• P996OTchrisl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing wilderness adventure! We were repeat customers, who were a little anxious that our second trip would not live up to the expectations set from the first. We should not have worried, this trip was just as amazing as the first. Maybe more amazing as we had a little familiarity with how things worked and what we could achieve in 5 days. We visited the places we missed out on from the first trip and revisitied our favourities which were still as beautiful and untouched as we had hoped. Sea eagles a plenty, some more owls at night giving us a show. Although still the seals keep hidden away from us - will put more effort to find them next time!! Helena and Tom have the perfect set up, noone else comes close or offers this level of service. For a wild camping adventure in the wilderness they make it all amazingly easy and safe. The added printed guide book and tying up the points of interest with marks on the map was a great touch. Kit is all still top notch and excellently maintained. The staff are all excellent, very freindly and knowledgeable about the area and set up! We will be back a third time and may even try out the winter retreat! Thanks to the 'do the north' team for another amazing set of memories! Read more Written July 28, 2023
• 394stephenp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome adventure and experience Just had the pleasure of completing the 5 day guided adventure with Phil and Linda. I would not hesitate in recommending this company their services and their guides. What an awesome trip it was from start to finish. The guides were absolutely excellent having great people skills who are experienced, knowledgeable and interactive ensuring every aspect of this adventure trip for all participants was made enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. I'm now more informed and wiser having done this trip with guides. The trip certainly gets you close to the wilderness, the environment and all its benefits they offer. The guides went over and above with their sunset and sunrise swims with guests. Thanks to "Do the North" and all staff for making this experience and adventure possible, safe and so enjoyable. Read more Written July 27, 2023
• Torz86 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible trip Such a a beautiful area and a fantastic company to deal with. Everything was taken care of and really well thought out from the moment of booking. All of the kit provided was fantastic quality which really helped the adventure go as smoothly and comfortably as possible, we booked the comfort upgrade with hammocks and chairs, I highlyrecommendyou do the same. Anyone can take this trip, regardless of your previous experience with sea kayaking or camping. We were given all the information we could possibly need and with such good support and kit and surroundings it's impossible to have a bad time! We set up camp on some beautiful islands as the only human inhabitants most nights and spent the evenings watching endless sunsets. Carrying everything in the Kayaks means being able to take along a load of groceries with us to be able to get really creative cooking on the trangia which is so great I've been converted to get my own! Being able to book the groceries and have them ready to pack in the kayak was super handy. For our trip we were collected from and dropped back to our hotel by the world's friendliest guides, we honestly did have the most fantastic time. Read more Written July 24, 2023
• nancytZ2557NG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing trip, we loved every minute! We had a five day, guided kayaking holiday with Do the North and took our sons aged 14, 16 and 20 with us. I can honestly say this was the best and most enjoyable family holiday we have ever had! We had not done much kayaking before, but quickly learnt with the encouragement and expertise of our guide Phil. The trip was meticulously well planned and we were amazed that everything we needed for a five day kayaking and wild camping trip fit into the kayaks we took! All of the meals were delicious. The kit provided was second to none and the tents were completely waterproof. Our guide was fantastic: kind, practical, capable and knowledgeable. We saw some spectacular wildlife, including a white tipped eagle. Our sons loved exploring the islands, learning how to navigate and we all enjoyed swimming in the surprisingly warm summer Baltic Sea. We are so very grateful for all the wonderful memories. The freedom and the natural beauty of this place is unique. Thank you! Read more Written July 16, 2023
• Rob M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles GoPro take photo! What an amazing experience! Rob and Diego were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Kudos to Rob’s amazing cooking too. The clients were all solo travelers from various countries which made the trip very enjoyable. The bonus was it happened to be Midsommar and we experienced the celebration! The kayaking through the archipelago was so beautiful and each campsite was unique. Highly recommend! Read more Written June 29, 2023
• nicolehR3027RT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Couldn’t have been better! Amazing staff, beautiful location, absolute serenity and freedom. Would definitely do this again and indeed other tours by do the north - it was truly epic. Great balance of independence and knowing the team were there if you needed anything at all, and they are all super friendly and clearly love the place and what they do. Read more Written December 28, 2022

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4-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided provided by Do the North

• Self-guided kayak & wildcamping expedition
• Guided kayak & wildcamping tours
• Guided 3-day premium kayak, hotel & culinary experience
• 3-day guided Grinda tour
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Stockholm Kayak Trail

We are the exclusively authorized kayak tour operator for stockholm kayak trail™.

Stockholm Kayak Trail™ is a network of suggested routes for sea kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago. The initiative is created to encourage and empower individuals to go out and explore the thousands of islands located outside of Stockholm using kayak as their vessel. The initiative also strives to increase the consciousness among kayakers in areas such as sustainability, traceless travel, Scandinavian outdoor philosophy, and kayak safety.

The Kayak Trail™ is the exclusive authorized kayak tour operator for Stockholm Kayak Trail and we offer guided and self-guided tours along the route network. Although to be fair, we do divert from the trail rather often (especially on the guided tours) to visit some hidden gem that we wish to show you. Being the exclusive operator, we have pledged to support Stockholm Kayak Trail in their work to keep Stockholm Archipelago a sustainable and safe kayak destination going forward.

If you book a guided or self-guided tour with us, we will tell you more about the Stockholm Kayak Trail and you will likely experience the most beautiful parts of their trails during your experience with us. If you are curious about knowing more about the Stockholm Kayak Trail you are welcome to contact us, or check out their web page.

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Paddlers Paradise

Kayak weekend in West Sweden

Kayak in one of the last wilderness and the paddlers paradise. Enjoy local food and live with the locals in your own cabin in the middle of nature.

Photo: Ingela Holgersson & Kola Productions

Kayak in West Sweden – all year around!

We offer guided kayak tours from our main kayak center in Grebbestad all year round. During the summer we also have kayak centers in the middle of Kosterhavet marine national park . West Sweden is a  kayak paradise . You can rent a kayak and camping equipment for a self guided tour , borrow a tent , book a kayak weekend or join a guided kayak tour , kayak course and enjoy wild camping  in the last great wilderness thanks to the public right of access . We also have gift vouchers if you would like to share the experience with someone you care for.

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Marcus is a spectacular guide and the area is truly beautiful! We had an excellent day kayaking and exploring the many islands with our family, including two kids. I would highly recommend spending an afternoon (or longer) here.

We kayak all year round in Grebbestad, Fjällbacka and Koster

The best way to explore and experience the Swedish archipelago is on the ocean. We offer guided archipelago tours with kayak or paddelboard in what is considered to be one of the last great wilderness and a paddling paradise.

We also offer guided national park paddling tours with kayak in the Swedish marine national park Kosterhavet . This area is full of life above and underneath the surface with over 6000 different marine seaweeds and animals.

If you have previous kayak experience we recommend that you do a self guided camping tour during the summer when the water is warm. We offer kayaks, tent, camping equipment and suggestions of tours according to your level of experience and the weather forecast.

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Beach cleanups

Our cleanup work started 2014 and year 2016 was the year when we started to measure and count how much garbage we collected. As we can tell by our own statistics it is less and less garbage to collect every year on the places we return to. We believe the reason to be that we have cleaned a old garbage that has been here for a long time and once it is gone it is only the new garbage we need to collect. Old plastic is very fragile and you can tell it has been there for a long time.

2016 – 1018 kg garbage = 48 garbage bags 2017 – 3618 kg garbage = 202 garbage bags 2018 –  8532 kg garbage = 702 garbage bags 2019 – 6062 kg garbage = 433 garbage bags 2020 –  3780 kg garbage = 270 garbage bags 2021 – 3146 kg garbage = 226 garbage bags 2023  – 3660 kg garbage = 305 garbage bags 2024 – …

Up until year 2024 we have collected about 33 356 kg waste i.e. more than 33 tons of garbage, 2 780 bags to be precise. This is equivalent to at least 278 000 litre of waste- a bathtub contains 150 litre. This means that we have collected more than 1 853 bathtubs with ocean debris.

We also arrange public beach cleanups   that you can join or if you would like to arrange a cleanup with your friends or organization you can use the online map www.strandstädarkartan.se to register what and where you have been and get help to collect your bags if you wish to. You can also contact us if you have any questions or read more about our sustainability work here.

Find us in Grebbestad

Find us at Koster

Our goal is to contribute to that more get a chance to explore our magnificent archipelago. Marcus Holgersson Skärgårdsidyllen

We offer sustainable and genuine experiences. Ingela Holgersson Skärgårdsidyllen

We want the experiences to extend past the beach and out among the skerries and islands. Marcus Holgersson Skärgårdsidyllen

Our guests get to know our history, culture and local specialties. Ingela Holgersson Skärgårdsidyllen

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Sweden The Paddler ' s

Welcome to canoe experience sweden.

At Canoe Experience Sweden, our aim is to provide our guests with the opportunity to enjoy travelling by canoe through Värmland, Sweden.

Sometimes called “Sweden in miniature”, Värmland offers visitors endless possibilities to enjoy a great experience in Sweden.

Based at our own campsite, Byns Camping, on the shore of Klarälven, in Ekshärad, we are very proud of the high level of personal service we offer to our guests with our rental company, Klarälvdalen Kanot.

If you are interrested in self guided canoe tours check out our canoe tours on byns camping .

We provide the option of self-guided tours or for those wishing that little extra, a week’s tour with a highly qualified and experienced guide. We are delighted to help small to medium sized groups plan and organise tours with us.Our self-guided tours use Klarälven, Sweden’s classic river, Svartälven and Rottnan. All 3 rivers have their own special character.

We have canoes suitable for a solo paddler right though to our Big Canadian, a great family canoe with up to 5 seats. Guests have the choice to hire canoe equipment or can opt to take our Premier package, which includes quality camping equipment.

We look forward to welcoming guests, old and new, in 2017.

Byns Camping

Värmland is the Swedish land of rivers, lakes and forest. It is a wilderness playground of endless possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast.

For the paddler it can be a paradise with fantastic routes to explore by canoe and it’s our job to support you with everything you need to go out and enjoy this paddlers paradise.

We specialize in self guided canoe tours in the Northern Region of Värmland, particularly the Klaralvdalen area and the rivers Klarälven, Svartälven and the Rottan.

At Canoe Experience Sweden we are proud to offer a high level of service and equipment and we strive to exceed your expectations and make your canoe tour a wonderful experience.

Are you are an expeditionary leader?

Using the correct outfitter and expedition support provider is essential to make sure that your group have a great experience and are safe.

We offer a bespoke and personal service to expeditionary group leaders. We want to make your expedition a complete success.

We can provide:

• Basecamp – full facility, riverside.
• Top equipment – gatz, hel sport etc.
• Group scout vehicle – can be provided.
• Group leader back up phone – never be out there out of touch.
• Dedicated expedition line to our expedition co ordinator.
• Food drop offs can be co-ordinated.
• Airport pick up and drop off arranged.
• Full canoe, equipment and personal transport capability in comfort.

Your groups deposits are safe with us, we fully comply with all travel guarantee law in Sweden and are verified and registered with Kammarkkollegiet under the resegaranti scheme*.

*We have a travel guarantee:

Our company is a member of Resegaranti. All companies offering a similar service to our selves should be members of this scheme.

You can check this directly with Resegaranti.

We have been Quality Tour approved since 2009 and are an official canoe rental operation approved by the Swedish Canoe Federation (Svenska Kanot Förbundet). In 2010, we became the first Swedish Partners in Leave No Trace.

To Get In Contact With Us

Contact us now at [email protected] and we’ll arrange the total package for you – hassle free, no obligation to book.

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Byns Camping, Klarälvdalen Kanot and Canoe Experience Sweden are owned and operated by Värmlands Älgpark AB.

Sea kayaking and outdoor living among thousand of islands in a world unique coastal landscape await you!

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due to change of web hosting, e-mail [email protected] is unfortunately removed. Use the e-mail address [email protected] instead

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An expert's guide to the best kayaking around Stockholm

Spilling out east from the Swedish capital into the Baltic Sea is a smorgasbord of wild islands, ideally situated for easy paddling adventures that range from wildlife-spotting to off-grid stays.

Think of Stockholm and it's often the city's cutting-edge modernity, classical architecture and eclectic neighbourhoods that first spring to mind. But if you cast your eye to the east — just over 20 miles from Stockholm's centre — you'll find a little-known, natural nirvana of 30,000-odd islands spilling from the mainland and extending 40 miles into the Baltic Sea.  

While island-hopping by ferry is a popular option for exploring, forging your own route by kayak is the best way to truly taste the archipelago’s boundless wilderness. Tranquil sea conditions allow you to easily wind your way between thousands of islands, islets and skerries, with just seabirds for company. Here, three of the area’s expert kayak guides discuss what makes the area so special and reveal their own favourite spots.

Jakob Rudberg

Co-founder and CEO,   The Kayak Trail

What makes the Stockholm archipelago so special? There’s no other place where you have so many islands so densely packed, and where you also have the right to wild camp anywhere you like. We have no underwater currents and no big swell or tidal waters, so kayaking here is very safe. Anyone can do it.  

Is wild camping legal? Yes, so long as you respect people and nature. Sustainability is an integrated part of outdoor culture in Sweden. If you’re respectful, you're allowed to have immense freedom.

Tell us about your favourite kayaking spots. I love the Bullerö Nature Reserve , just east of Nämdö. There are three cottages there that visitors can rent, all heritage buildings that have been kept in traditional style. There's no electricity so it's a real off-grid experience.  

When’s the best time to visit? We call it the magic season — the time from the end of August and beginning of September. You’ll get solitude as well as water that’s still warm. It’s a totally underrated time to visit the archipelago, and Stockholm too, as most visitors arrive in July and leave mid-August.

What kind of wildlife can you expect to see? As well as roe deer and moose, which are often spotted swimming between islands, you can expect plenty of sea birds. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of a sea eagle — the largest bird in Scandinavia.

Aside from kayaking, what are your favourite ways to explore the area? Hiking on the larger islands is a great way to experience the way of the Swedes. One of my favourite islands is Möja, where there’s everything from Viking-era history to cosy cafe culture.  

Astrid Landgren Patterson

Sea kayak instructor,   Kayak & Uteliv

What do you love most about kayaking here ? On my daily paddle, I’ll pass 20 different islands. That’s so unique. There’s journey diversity too — you can visit the lush, green inner isles, or head to the outer archipelago for total wilderness. It's easy to plan a roundtrip without visiting the same place more than once.

Best time of year to visit? I love June, when it’s light almost 24/7. You can have beautiful evening paddles at midnight without even needing a head torch. I'd say late summer into early autumn has a really special charm too though.  

What are your favourite spots? In the northern archipelago there are fewer boats, fewer people and less infrastructure, so there’s more nature. I love the journey from our base in Gräddö to the islands Vattungarna and Håkansskär in the outer archipelago. If I can, I'll add an overnight stay — the flat rocks there make camping easy.

Aside from kayaking, what's your favourite way to explore your area?   I'm really into swim-running [swimming to islands and running over them before swimming to the next]. It’s a really interesting and challenging way to discover new parts of the archipelago. I’m currently training my six-year-old daughter so we can do it together.

Joakim Malm

Founder,   Stockholm Adventures

What drew you to the Stockholm archipelago? It’s a landscape like no other. In the summer you’re out kayaking across 30,000 islands and in the winter you’re doing ice-skating tours on the frozen water. There's so much contrast here — one moment you're wild camping deep in nature, the next you're having dinner in a high-end restaurant. There's something for all types of person.

Where are your favourite kayaking spots? South or east of Dalarö is a personal highlight — the pristine wilderness out there is unforgettable.

Best time of year to visit? I’d say late August and September. There are fewer people on the archipelago and the water stays warm — until October even. Being centrally located in Stockholm though, we’re able to run tours easily out of season, even if we have only one solo traveller.

Any close encounters with wildlife lately?   While teaching a kayaking course last week, a beaver came to watch, just a couple of metres from our kayaks. That was pretty cool.

Aside from kayaking, what's your favourite way to explore the archipelago? I'm an avid cyclist and though you might not think it, there’s excellent mountain biking here. I’m really living my dream.

Related Topics

• SEA KAYAKING
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE

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Enjoy Sweden!

Sweden is a wonderful country where you can enjoy the vast forests, the numerous lakes and rivers and the nice climate. The ideal holiday destination to be active in nature with the chance of meeting a moose, deer, beaver or other wild animals. The adventurous Sweden is very suitable for family holidays. A multi-day canoe trip or a family canoe trip with a guide is a great way to discover Sweden. But also take a look at our bushcraft courses. Learn to survive with what nature has to offer you. Making a fire without matches or lighters. Cooking on a wood fire. Making tools with materials that you can easily find in nature. Discover the natural tranquility of Sweden and make unforgettable memories!Discover the natural tranquility of Sweden!

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17 Things To Know About A Self Guided Canoe Trip In Sweden

A survival trip in Sweden, one week on a self guided canoe expedition! Peddling from island to island in the Swedish wilderness. That sounds like the ultimate travel adventure, right? Something I had definitely never done before, so when I got the chance to join The Canoe Trip to Sweden I didn’t hesitate and signed up for this adventure travel trip.

As always I started reading about this canoe camping trip just a week before although the briefing came in a month earlier already. I found out that this was not your standard holiday in Sweden. Regardless the country this was an adventure into wilderness with a canoe. It could have been in Norway or Finland as well but The Canoe Trip is in Värmland, Sweden. In the briefing I found out that this was one of those canoe tours in Sweden on the lakes of Varmland close to the border of Norway.

Be prepared this is a self guided canoe trip on the lakes just by yourself. Camp overnight in the wild, cook your own food on a little stove and most of all enjoy the peaceful environment and the natural beauty here.

1. How to get to The Canoe Trip in Varmland Sweden?

There are several options to choose from: self drive, fly to Oslo and get a pick up or take the bus from either Lille (France), Brussel (Belgium) or Utrecht (Netherlands). 

Bus to Sweden

I chose to take the bus from Utrecht. It was pretty comfy as the double decker bus was not completely full, but damn it the last time I sat in a bus for more than 18 hours was a long time ago! Not complaining here as when I was traveling in South America , India , Namibia , Argentina , etc. long bus journeys were a daily routine. Actually some of the best places in the world to backpack will involve long bus rides. So if adventure travel is your thing, be prepared to suffer a little! :)

But honestly I would not recommend you to take the bus from either Holland or Belgium. The trip is long, but the wait is even longer. On the way back I needed to wait 30 hours for a bus that would take almost 20 hours to bring me back to Holland. Felt like a waste of time…

The group just arrived at Basecamp North and set up their tents after the long bus ride.

The Canoe Trip was great fun, but when I arrived back at base camp North on Friday afternoon the adventure was over and I was ready to leave. Unfortunately the bus only left on Saturday 22.00 to drop me in Utrecht 19 hours later.

The bus journey has a weird itinerary through Friesland and does not take the shortest route from Utrecht to Varmland. Unfortunately the only boarding points in Belgium and Netherlands are Brussels and Utrecht.

Going to the canoe trip by your own is totally worth spending some extra euros on plus you can combine it with a city trip to Stockholm or Oslo.

2. Travel partner

You are stuck in a canoe for a week and sharing a tent with your travel partner so choose wisely. This canoe camping trip is surely about teamwork.

Traveling with my dad

It was the first time I actually took my dad on one of my adventure travel trips. Not sure how he felt about 20 hours in a bus, but that aside. The canoe trip in Sweden was a great way to spend some quality time with him. By far he was the oldest one and I guess I was the second oldest. The average age on The Canoe Trip is probably around 25, at least in my group.

It was a cool way for him to get a little insight in what Im doing as a full time travel blogger , although I have to mention that this trip was a little different than a trip to Maldives for example.

3. Self guided tour on the Swedish lakes

Upon check in you will be handed an info book, including tips, routes, suggestions and a detailed map of the area. However you are completely free to peddle wherever you want and camp anywhere you feel like!

The canoe trip in Sweden is all about freedom! But you have to understand that this is a journey into the wilderness. Leaving all your daily routines behind.

You basically wake up in the morning, pack up your stuff, get into the canoe and self guide the lakes of Varmland finding your next camp destination for the night. Whatever you do in and between is totally up to you. You can go cliff jumping, relax on a deserted beach, find yourself a private island or chill in your canoe while floating on the lake.

A suggested itinerary is provided by the Canoe Trip organization in the info book. There are a couple routes: easy, medium, hard. This has nothing to do with the difficulty, it is all about the distance. With the provided detailed map it is pretty easy to self guide your canoe through the deserted lakes and the wilderness. Even though it is a self guided canoe trip getting lost is fairly impossible.

Not mentioned as a tip by The Canoe Trip but bring powerbanks (a few) so you can charge your phone. Even a Sweden canoe expedition is made easier with the navigation skills of Google Maps!

4. Phone reception on the lakes

Although the Lakes of Varmlands is a pretty remote area there is often a phone signal available, sometimes even 4G! Completely being disconnected on The Canoe Trip only happens when you switch off your phone on totally give over to your canoe in the Swedish wilderness.

5. Group trip or solo travel

The Canoe Trip is a solo travel adventure in to the wild. You will mostly just be by yourself on the lake unless you choose to peddle together with others. Many of the people joining the Canoe trip are travel buddies, best friends, brothers or couples. In my group there was also a group of 10 people, they all peddled together so you can also sign up as a group.

When your goal is to be alone in the wlderness it is fairly easy to realize. There is no need to follow the suggested itinerary and as you can camp basically anywhere it is really easy to find an isolated spot on the side of the lakes or on one of the many islands.

6. Safety issues

I think there is no need to discuss if traveling to Sweden is safe, especially not here on the lakes. But what you probably want to know is how the canoeing was and how safe that is. 

First of all don't be afraid your canoe will flip over. After a week in a packed canoe I learned that it is pretty impossible to tip over your canoe. You may make some water when you enter the canoe with water shoes but that is about it.

Briefing upon arrival

I stayed at Base Camp North and here we got a proper briefing from a 86 year old man who knows the Varmlands like the back of his hands. This old commando is still running the show here and is much resected in the region. His professional briefing is worth a lot and his handy tips for this canoe trip in Sweden were very welcome.

Peddling around Varmlands is fairly easy, just don’t put yourself in danger and use common sense! When there is too much wind, don’t go out on the water. When there are waves, stay on shore. Simple things like that can make this adventure travel trip a lot more fun!

When checking in you will be handed a GPS tracker with a SOS button in case of an emergency, but don’t worry no ever needed to use this so far.

Peddling out for some midnight fun on the lake! It never really got dark in Varmland, Sweden.

7. Difficulty The Canoe Trip

So how is it to peddle all day on the lake? You can make the Canoe Trip as hard as you want to. If you don’t feel like peddling there is no one who pushes you. May be your travel buddy will, but that is it. Every morning and every evening during my trip the water was like a mirror so quiet. During the days there was some wind so now and then which made it sometimes really difficult to peddle. The bigger waves made it physically hard, but it was mostly mentally hard. Peddling with strong winds can go as fast as 2 km/h, without wind I guess you can reach up to 10km/h.

For example the last day we peddled against the wind and it was no fun. We should have stopped and chilled on the side for the wind to lay low, but we were stubborn. In the end we made it, but it took some effort. Still this should one of those lovely Sweden canoe holidays were enjoying has more priority than working out, right?

The Canoe Trip is a leisure trip, but be prepared to push some boundaries so now and then.

8. Where to sleep

I already said it a couple times, but you decide yourself where to sleep. Basically everywhere where you can put up your tent you are good to go. This canoe camping trip is tailored to those seeking adventure. There is some private land around the lake, but then mostly there is a sign saying no camping. The area is huge, so if you want to find your private spot you just need to find a place to board your canoe on the lake side.

There are many designated shelters. These places have a little shelter and a toilet and are suggested places to camp overnight. They are basically campgrounds. Shelters are of course a little busier as some people prefer to camp at a shelter every night. This because of the toilet or simply want to meet other travelers on self guided canoe trips. In case you don't sleep in a shelter and need to take shit you are provided a spade so you can dig a little hole. Adventure travel to the max, right? :)

in the forest you can see a little hut, those things are shelters.

I only slept at a shelter once, all the other nights I found my own spot on the lake sides of the Varmland.

9. Land transport canoe

The Canoe trip also involves some land transport, which seems a little difficult and yes it sometimes can be. You will be provided a set of wheels which you can strap under your canoe. When the roads are flat then the land transport is like walking with your dog. But there are also some steep sections that are a bit heavier. For a fit person it is all relatively easy to handle.

The signposting could definitely be better as at some land transport sections there were no signs at all. But I heard they are renewing them soon for an even smoother canoe trip in Sweden.

10. What to eat in the Swedish wilderness

You can opt for the Canoe Trip food package or bring everything yourself, which costs €80 for the trip. Easy choice people, let the professionals do this for you, saves you a lot of hassle.

Bringing your own food for a week taking into account that there is no place to keep things cool will already be a challenge I guess. I would for example have no clue what to bring. And on top of that you have to carry it all the way to the Canoe Trip base camp in Sweden yourself.

When you calculate it is just another €10 extra per day and all the food is included. Plus no hassle to buy everything yourself. 

Upon arrival I got a box with a dozen things in it.

All this food was for two people for 7 days. Included were things like:

• 2 pots of hazelnutspread
• Adventure food packages
• Energy bars
• Noodle boxes
• Ravioli and other noodles

Check if the food package contains everything before you start peddling, because after you left it is too late.

Now of course you are curious how these adventure food packages taste, right? You are probably asking the wrong person, because I like everything. But in all honesty I mostly heard positive words about the food packages.

The green Adventure Food bags come in many different flavors:

• Chili con carne
• Pasta Bolognese
• Vegetable hotpot
• Chicken curry
• Veggie couscous
• Veggie fruit rice

There are even packed some deserts for you:

• Chocolate mousse
• Vanilla mousse

11. What to pack for The Canoe Trip

Apart from the standard stuff recommended by The Canoe Trip organization I totally recommend you to bring the following.

Definitely bering one of these super easy to pack hammocks which you can strap between to trees. Basically anywhere they come in handy. Check out these hammocks on Amazon .

Find yourself a good book before your trip. There is enough chill time to go through a good book. These are the recent bestsellers .

Small camping chair

When bringing a hammock is not your thing a little camping chair is easy to carry as well and very comfy at the end of the day. The canoe seats have no backrest, so get yourself one with a backrest. Trust me it is totally worth it, check them here .

There is some cool wildlife to spot in Varmlands. I was lucky to see beavers, a snake and a fox. If you peddle out during the long evenings, just before sunset it is possible to spot bears, elands and more wildlife. Bring some binoculars on your canoe trip, its good fun, small and cheap.

The flashlight of your phone is easy to use as well, but it drains your battery and it occupies one hand. Get yourself a head torch and you can use both hands at the same time.

Pop up tent

Not encouraged to bring by the Canoe Trip, but I did it anyway and it was the best decision. My pop up tent has a radius of just 80cm and the canoe is more than 1m wide, so it fit in easily. Definitely bring a pop up tent on this canoe camping trip.

Don’t just bring one powerbank, bring many to charge your phone. Check out all the powerbanks on Amazon .

Fishing rod

I am not a big fisher myself, but on the Canoe Trip it was cool to have one. I made mine on the spot with a stick and the equipment of friends. A simple fishing rod is surprisingly cheap and totally worth the money. Fishing in the evening is good fun!

Water shoes

As I said before your canoe will most probably never really make water, but to keep your valuables dry get yourself a dry bag to make sure.

Don’t just bring standard sunscreen, also bring sunblock for your lips . My lip burst!

Just don’t bring too many clothes. I literally only wore one swim short, some t-shirts and that is about it. For the evenings bring some long sleeves.

12. Best shelter

That one night that I did stay in a shelter it was probably the best place I stayed overnight on the whole canoe trip. This was not because of the shelter it was because of the location and I am happy to share it with you.

At the red circle you will find my favorite shelter in Varmlands.

Peddling off the beaten track and find a little peninsula away from the standard routes. Up here in this deserted shelter we saw beavers and loved the remoteness.

For the best Canoe Trip travel tips you are best off asking the people from the week before. You will meet them on your first day. They probably all look pretty tired but are happy to share their adventures with you and give you tips about this self guided canoe trip.

They were trying to keep their beers cold! Did not work with a water temperature of 26 degrees! LOL

13. Insects

Yes there are insects in Sweden, you are in to the wild. But in all honesty it was not that bad at all. There were only a few mosquitos and sometimes those annoying flies that sting. Some people found ticks so be aware of them.

Long time ago when doing volunteering work in the jungle in Costa Rica I learned how to deal with them. Everyone will advice you to bring mosquito repellent, but there literally is only one solution: wear long sleeves and long pants. I always wear my comfy Qatar Airways pyjama pants from that day I got to fly Qatar Airways First Class: Qsuite . Check out the video here.

14. Difference Camp South/North

There are 2 different base camps: North and South. It does not matter which camp you choose or get dropped both groups follow the same route just with a 1 day delay. So initially you never cross each others paths and shelters don’t get too crowded.

Campground at basecamp south.

Camp South does not have the old Swedish commando running the show so I heard their briefing was not as good as ours. Camp South though is a proper camping on a lawn, where at camp North you need to find a place to put up your tent in the forest.

15. Clockwise or counter clockwise route

Same here, there is hardly any difference. As the suggested routes are exactly the same only different shelters are highlighted. Regarding the land transport the same as you both have to cover the same altitude meters. Though I have to say the clockwise route has less steeper sections to deal with for sure. Also the wind direction can play a role.

You are assigned a route when checking in but you are still free to choose which way you go.

16. Weather

The Canoe Trip is very depending on the weather. I was extremely lucky and did not see a cloud for 6 days, but I don't know what I would have done when it would be pouring raining. A Canoe Trip in Sweden in the rain is definitely less fun and when there are strong winds peddling on the lakes can be extremely exhausting too. But like with everything, we can’t do anything about the weather!

17. Leave no trace

Last but not least, leave no trace! Always clean after you, bring your own garbage with you and respect this serene and beautiful nature up here in the Varmlands.

The Canoe Trip Review

I hope with these tips you will make the most of your Canoe tour in Sweden. Get out of that chair and do something active on your holiday. Sure it will be worth it! For more info about The Canoe Trip , check their website in the link.

Thanks for reading my adventure travel blog and for keeping up with the adventures of Traveltomtom. If you have any specific questions about the Canoe Trip Im happy to answer them, simply leave me a comment below.

Enjoy your tripp to the Swedish Lakes of Varmland!

• adventure travel