Sweden is known as a world class sea kayaking destination.
Read more below to find out why.
Sweden is known as one of the best places for kayaking in Europe, below we will explain WHY this is, WHERE the best places to kayak in Sweden are and HOW you can book a kayaking holiday in Sweden
Although some of the kayak hire and kayak rental operators listed in the guide are sponsored, we make sure we only list those which have been highly recommended by fellow adventure travellers for their excellence.
What makes Sweden such a fantastic place for kayaking?
Whether it is the lush green of southern Sweden or the stark beauty of the north, Sweden is a nature lover’s paradise. Sweden has over 100,000 lakes, a stunning coastline, endless forests, rolling fields and white sandy beaches.
Swedes are dedicated nature lovers themselves so you’ll be in great company.
Under the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), anyone is allowed to hike, kayak and go camping anywhere, without asking the landowner’s permission.
The whole of Sweden is yours to explore.
Being so high up North, the sun barely dips below the horizon during the summer months. You can paddle at a leisurely pace into the evening and still have time to setup camp before enjoying the spectacular Scandinavian sunset.
Most people think of winter when they hear of Sweden. But Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter each have their own unique personalities.
During summer in the South of Sweden, you can expect temperatures to regularly top 25°C and can even get as hot as 30°C, with sea temperatures reaching around 20°C.
There are many reasons why kayakers love paddling the Swedish archipelago but the top reason is the protection it gives you from the sea, with water so calm it is sometimes hard to believe you are really kayaking on the sea.
Sweden is most famous for the Stockholm archipelago but just north of Gothenburg is the little-known Bohuslän archipelago which is considered is a much better option for an adventure holiday.
Below are the top 3 best places for kayaking in Sweden.
Bohuslän stretches from Gothenburg, all the way to Norway, a total of around 280 kilometres of stunning coastline and is known as the best place for kayaking in Sweden.
The rocky coast with its remote outer archipelago and sheltered inner islands is the most beautiful area for sea kayaking in Sweden. You will find deserted islands with white sandy beaches, narrow sounds, rocks that have been worn smooth by wind and water, high cliffs, and hundreds of picturesque fishing villages such as Fjällbacka, Hälleviksstrand and Hovenäset.
CNN Travel recently named Bohuslän coast as a 'paradise for kayakers' and also named it as one of the top 10 last great coastal wilderness areas in the world.
Bohuslän offers a perfect mix of coastal wilderness and postcard perfect fishing villages.
Another of Sweden's archipelagos is St Anna and Gryt.
Boasting over 6,000 islands and islets, Saint Anna also has a large amount of reefs, making it difficult for boats to navigate. The good news is though, it makes it a fantastic place for kayakers who often have the area to themselves. St Anna is also known for the large amounts of sea eagles and ospreys. The downside is that there aren't any beaches here making it a bit more difficult to land your kayak.
Just moments out of Stockholm city, the archipelago begins, with almost 30,000 islands it’s one of the most unique areas in Europe for paddling. The Stockholm archipelago is a busy place, which offers a mix of deserted islets and 'party islands' which draw a large amount of tourists during the summer months. There are quiet sheltered coves and passages, but also the open sea where the waves can go high and the wind lashes against your face.
You are unlikely to get the Stockholm archipelago to yourself, but this is testiment to how beautiful of a place it is.
Sweden is a large country with a very different climate mostly depending on how far North you are.
We would always recommend between June until mid-September for any kayaking holiday. It is around then that you are most likely to get favourable weather.
July and August tend to be the best months for kayaking throughout Sweden. In the South, you can expect temperatures to regularly top 25°C and can even get as hot as 30°C, with sea temperatures reaching 20°C.
Although you can still kayak in the South in winter, it is not something which we would personally recommend if you are a kayaking novice. The sea can get very cold and can even freeze.
First you need to decide what kind of adventure you want? Do you want to paddle with a guide or have a self-guided trip? Do you want to kayak with a large group or as a couple? There are a few options to think about each with advantages and disadvantages.
This is where you get a company to handle all the ins and outs of your trip. Kind of an all-inclusive of kayaking holidays. Included are the kayaks, tents and cooking equipment. You usually get a guide book and a map showing the best routes to take. A few kayaking companies also offer local transport and pre-bought food service, which helps keep your kayaking trip stress free. The only thing you may need to organise are the flights to and from Sweden. The only disadvantage is that it is more expensive than organising everything yourself, however it is generally worth it so that you have a worry free trip.
This is where you have a guide with you at all times throughout your kayaking holiday. He or she will show you the best places and will often talk about interesting features along the way. Having a professional guide with you will make you feel more at ease when kayaking and is a safer option. Obviously, the disadvantage is that you will have to spend your holiday with someone else who you may or may not like. That being said there are some fantastic guides out there.
This is where you organise everything from local transport to hiring kayaks, tents and arranging food. There are plenty of kayaking centres out there which will hire kayaks and a few which can hire a tent, but it can be a little awkward to arrange some of the other aspects of a kayaking holiday, for example buying food, gas and local transport. Also the kayak centres will often ask that you end your trip back at the centre, meaning you have to come back on yourself. The advantage is that this is a cheaper option but weighing up everything, it is generally not a good way to do it.
Below are recommended operators and places which offer kayak hire in Sweden
Scandinavian Kayaking Adventures (Self-Guided)
Offers everything you need for kayaking and wild camping along the Bohuslän Coast, including transport from Gothenburg.
www.kayakingscandinavia.com
Skargardsidyllen (Guided, Kayak Hire)
Offers guided tours and kayak rental. Operating from Grebbestad.
www.skargardsidyllen.se
Sea Kayaking Sweden (Guided)
Based nearby Saint Anna, Sea Kayaking Sweden offer guided sea kayaking journeys in various locations around Sweden and the United Kingdom
www.seakayakingsweden.eu
Do the North (Self-Guided)
Offers everything you need for kayaking and wild camping at Saint Anna, including transport from Stockholm Skavsta Airport.
www.dothenorth.com
Kajakparadiset (Guided, Kayak Hire)
Offers guided tours and kayak rental. Operating from Saint Anna.
www.kajakparadiset.se
Dalaro Kajak (Guided, Kayak Rental)
Offers guided tours and kayak rental. Operating from Dalarö, Stockholm.
www.dalarokajak.se
Ralis Kajak (Day Rental Kayak Hire)
Offers day rental of Kayaks. Operating from Stockholm City Centre. A fantastic way to explore the Stockholm waterfront.
www.raliskajak.se