The Best Kayak and Canoe Tours in Sweden

With thousands of lakes, a rugged coastline, winding rivers and one of Europe’s largest archipelagos, Sweden is a paddler’s paradise. Paddling about in a kayak or canoe is a great way experience the country’s landscapes, whether you want to glide through quiet forests, explore remote islands or spot wildlife far from the crowds.

Better still, you don’t need to be an expert paddler. Sweden offers everything from relaxed city kayaking trips in Stockholm to multi-day wilderness adventures in Lapland, with plenty of options for families, beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

So where are the best places to go kayaking in Sweden, and which tours are worth booking? Here’s our pick of some of the country’s best canoe and kayak experiences.

So where is best for kayaking in Sweden?

Sweden has loads of different options for kayaking from multi-day canoeing and camping trips 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 more than 8,000 islands, islets and skerries 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 forest.

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, islets and skerries 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 self-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

There’s no better way to experience the Stockholm Archipelago than from the water. With thousands of islands scattered across the Baltic Sea, you’ll discover hidden coves, rocky shorelines and peaceful stretches of coastline that most visitors never get to see.

If you’re short on time, this guided day trip offers a great introduction to the archipelago, combining paddling, wildlife spotting and a traditional Swedish fika. For a bigger adventure, opt for a self-guided island-hopping expedition and spend two to five days exploring remote islands and wild camping beneath the stars.

The best of Bohuslän by kayak

With more than 8,000 islands, islets and skerries scattered along Sweden’s west coast, Bohuslän is one of the country’s premier kayaking destinations. The coastline is a fascinating mix of smooth granite cliffs, sheltered bays, sandy beaches and traditional fishing villages, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

One of the most memorable experiences is paddling alongside the region’s resident seals. This guided kayaking trip takes you through the beautiful coastal waters of western Sweden in search of these curious animals, offering the chance to observe them in their natural habitat from the unique perspective of a kayak.

For a deeper exploration of the coast, this self-guided multi-day kayaking trip follows Bohuslän’s northern route through some of western Sweden’s most beautiful waters. You’ll paddle between islands, discover quiet harbours and spend your nights surrounded by nature, while the organisers provide the equipment, route planning and transport logistics. It’s an excellent way to experience the Bohuslän coast at a slower pace.

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.

Ready to go kayaking in Sweden?

From island-hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago to seal-spotting on the west coast and wilderness paddling in Lapland, Sweden offers some of Europe’s best kayaking adventures. Whether you’re looking for a few hours on the water or a multi-day expedition, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore.

Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the tours above and discover a side of Sweden that most visitors never get to see. Have a favourite paddling destination of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

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