When the lower Dalälven river begins to approach the sea, it spreads out on the shore and creates a unique river landscape. Here is the biological northern border, where northern and southern species meet, which means that there is a rich animal and plant life here. In the middle of this is Färnebofjärden National Park, which offers both pleasant hiking trails and nice canoe waters.
Watch the video for more info about kayaking in Färnebofjärden National Park.
This tour started in the northern part of the national park. Canoeing in Färnebofjärden has the character of lake canoeing, but it is a river that you paddle on. So even though it looks like a lake, there is a difference if you paddle downstream or upstream. There are also a lot of streaming parts where some are wild rapids. This means that you have to plan your paddling both from a time perspective, that it will go faster in one direction than the other and that you do not end up in a current that you can not handle.
Canoeing in Färnebofjärden
Färnebofjärden is notorious for its mosquito populations. During June and July in particular, the mosquitoes can occasionally reach almost unbearable levels, which can be good to know if you plan to visit the area at this time. This trip was made in mid-October and despite that, the forest was full of mosquitoes when we started the trip. Once you got out on the water, the mosquitoes disappeared quickly and there was no problem with mosquitoes out on the islands.
The initial plan was to spend the night on Sandön, a popular destination for canoeists in the area. However, the plans changed during the day and we shortened the trip a bit and decided to have a little easier paddling.
Camp at Färnebofjärden
There are plenty of rest areas in the national park and there is much more to explore than we had time for as this was only a short overnight trip. Visiting Färnebofjärden during the autumn felt like a smart idea when you get the autumn colors and is not as limited by bird sanctuaries. And of course to get rid of the mosquitoes.
Görälven is a nice canoeing water that mostly flows slowly with some elements of stronger rapids. The canoe route starts in Norway but most of the route towards Sälen goes through Sweden. The canoeing is well suited for a three-day trip with pleasant canoeing in a beautiful environment.
Watch the video for more info about kayaking along the Görälven river.
Canoeing Görälven
This tour started at Stötens camping because the border to Norway was closed during the pandemic. The stretch in Norway is supposed to be one of the finer parts of the tour, so it needs to be investigated and returned to on another trip. Due to this, the trip was shortened and the first day we only paddled for about 1 hour before we set up camp.
Finding good campsites was a little harder than we had first anticipated. One thing to take into account is the current. If you missed a good place, it was not obvious that you could turn around and paddle back as the current was often too strong. The first night was spent at a sandbank along the river and we tried our luck at fishing, which did not yield anything and unfortunately would be a consistent feature during the trip.
The next day we continued paddling down Görälven. The paddling floats easily with the help of the current. Even in the calmer parts of the river you notice the current and get help from the flow of the river. A section of about 2 km occurs where there are more rapids and you have to take the entire distance without any paus. It’s not extreme, but you have to sharpen up a little extra and keep an eye on the rocks for the risk of capsizing. When this stretch is over, Görälven flows together with Fulan and forms Västerdalälven.
The whole day offers nice and varied kayaking. Several small islands are passed where you can paddle into small tributaries and explore. The fishing continued to be disappointing as it was completely dead. We fished with spinners, maybe we would have had better luck with the fly. The search for a nice place to set up the tent continued towards the evening and even though there were many places that would work, it was difficult to find something that felt perfect. In the end, we found a place we liked on a small island.
The third and last day was mostly about packing up and getting back to Sälen. Now the river flows more calmly and when you approach Sälen buildings also start to appear. Canoeing in Görälven has a lot to offer with beautiful nature and varied canoeing.
Sankt Annas archipelago is by many to be considered the most beautiful archipelago on the east coast of Sweden. There is hundreds of small islands scattered around in the area. This makes it a bit harder for boats to navigate but instead ideal for kayaking.
Most of the islands are uninhabited which makes it easy to pick a suitable island to make camp. But large parts of the archipelago is under different restrictions and many islands are off limit for a large part of the kayaking season. Sankt Anna is under investigation to become a national park to preserve its unique landscape and wildlife.
This trip started in Tyrislöt where one can rent kayaks. There is no larger crossings one have to make and no major boat traffic that one have to take into consideration. So it is an easy place to be kayaking in. This trip was made the 15th of August which is a great time to be kayaking. All bird restrictions have been revoked so more or less all islands can be visited and the water is at its warmest. The days are still long but it still gets dark enough so you get nice starry skies. All in all, a perfect time for kayaking regardless of the area.
Dusk in Sankt Anna ArchipelagoAugust night in Sankt Anna archipelago
This trip was more about relaxation than exploration. So after a few hours we made camp at an island we found suitable. Spent the rest of the evening just enjoying being out in such beautiful nature. The next morning we woke up to perfect conditions. The sea was calm and flat and the sun was shining. It would have been great to ad at least one extra days but this was just a one nighter so we had to paddle back towards Tyrislöt. The wind was picking up a bit and coming against us but still without being any hassle. Sankt Anna is a great kayaking destination regardless if you are a beginner or experienced kayaker.
Malingsbo Kloten is a nature reserve just two hours from Stockholm. It is being called Swedens southernmost wilderness and it doesn’t take long until you get that wild feeling when entering the area. Join on a two day canoeing adventure.
To much text? Just watch the video.
This trip started in Kloten which just consist more or less of a canoe rental. It doesn’t take long until you have paddled past the last house and signs of civilization is no longer present. There are plenty of islands and spots were one can stop for a break and make a coffee. The wildlife is plenty here and many birds dwell in the area. One of the more iconic is the great loon which echoes its call in the dusk. A perfect sound to get that wilderness feeling.
First coffee break on Malingsbo Kloten canoe trip.
There are different routes one can take in the lake system but the area is not huge so navigation is easy. This trip included one lift with the canoe which was really simple when equipped with a canoe wagon. Even without one it wouldn’t be to hard. At the end of the page a map is provided over the route.
Canoeing towards the first lift for the trip.
Even though the area is popular amongst both hikers and for canoeing there isn’t a crowd. Finding a neat camping spot is easy and there are spots with shelters provided. We found a perfect spot on a small island. With a 360 view of the water we were more than happy. Quickly got the camp up and get some snacks before we went fishing.
Relaxing in the sunset on the island where we made camp
Even though we already tried our luck every now and then with the rod we wanted to give it a more designated chance to get some fish. But as it often turns out we ended up without any catch this time. Nevertheless it was a nice evening canoe time.
On the fishing trip we stopped and gathered some firewood. The rest of the evening was spent at the camp fire, watching the sunset and just enjoying to be out in the nature and feel the calm.
Sunset from our campSome last minute fishing
Next morning after a good night sleep we got the camp down and started to paddle back the same way we came from. If we would have one more day we could have done a more cirqular route but with just one overnight it made most sense to go back and forth.
Heading back towards Kloten
Malingsbo Kloten is a great wilderness and canoeing destination. Since it is only about 2 hours away from Stockholm it is also quite accessible. For a shorter wilderness get-away the area is great.
Some adventures are planned for a long time while others happens just because an opportunity arise. This is one of those unplanned trips that happen just because you got some unexpected time over and access to a canoe in Rimforsa.
So we knew that we would start in Rimforsa but wasn’t sure where we would end. We found info that there is a canoe trail that passes Rimforsa but in the opposite direction that we were planing. Couldn’t find any good info about how strong the current is in the parts that consist of rivers but from the look of it from google map it looked like it should be ok. If not then we just had to change the plan., no problems.
We got a late start the first day and just paddled on to cover as much distance as possible the first day. In late September the sun sets around 19.00 and it is dark around 30 minutes later so you really notice the shorter days now compared to the summer. Got ourself a nice camp on a small island in the rather big lake of Åsunden where we spent most of this trip on.
When we woke up the next morning we woke up to more or less summer weather. The sun was warming and, at the beginning, almost no wind. Conditions couldn’t become much better especially at this time of year when the autumn really starts to take its grip over Scandinavia. When we started paddling the wind started to pick up but we had the wind in our back so it just made our day even easier. We realized that the lake Åsunden was larger than we had anticipated and it took us quite some time before reaching the small city of Horn were we had to do our first lift. On the other hand we didn’t stress and had some nice breaks and even a swim.
At Horn there was a local store so one could fill up supplies and water here if needed. With a canoe wagon the lift would be extremely easy since it was a gravel road but we had to carry the canoe. From here the paddling is mainly on the river of Stångån and a few connecting lakes. I feel that paddling on rivers have a tendency to be more rewarding than the big lakes since there is more to rest your eyes on and you get the feeling that you are moving forward faster. And it is more exiting since you don’t know what is going to be around the next corner.
It was harder to find a campsite than expected and suddenly we found our self still in the canoe after sunset and nowhere to camp. We picked up the pace and just when we needed it at most we wound an island that worked. When the tent was up it was almost pitch black so it was really in the last minute.
In the morning we woke up to another beautiful day with some light fog over the water. This was our last day and we needed to get an early pick up since normal life was calling so we got ourself an early start and started paddling. The weather shifted to the worse just to shift back again to become really nice.
We didn’t made it all the way to Vimmerby which was sort of the plan but it wouldn’t been any problem if we have had the full day paddling. We ere very happy with this trip were everything had worked in our favor. It shows that having a piece of the Scandinavian wilderness doesn’t need to be hard or well planned. Sometimes all you need is some time over and a canoe.
The largest city in Scandinavia may not be associated with wilderness experience but Stockholm does have a lot to offer when it comes to nature experience. As an example, the Stockholm archipelago consists of around 24000 islands. This makes the Stockholm archipelago a paradise for kayaking.
Too much to read? Watch the video instead.
I have spent a lot of time in the archipelago. We have a summer house there so more or less every summer for 35 years. But i have never tried a kayak before and have explored just a fraction of the archipelago. Finally i took the time to go on a 4 day kayaking tour and see what more the archipelago has to offer. With me on the trip is my friend Elias. He is the type who typically avoid sleeping in tent but he has former kayaking experience. So on the trip there is two beginners. One beginner on the kayak and one beginner camper.
We started this trip on Dalarö were we hired our kayaks. Dalarö is a good starting point since it is easy to access by car but still gets you out in the outer archipelago fast. After a quick demonstration how things work its just to hop in and start the trip. As a beginner i was surprised how quickly i felt comfortable in the kayak. It felt stable and very comfortable.
Our plan was to get as far out in the archipelago as we could the first day. During the whole trip we were lucky with the weather and especially the wind. We were doing some larger crossings or at least larger in the context that it was my first day in a kayak. If it would have been windy some of this crossings could have given us problems.
This trip was made in late July and this means that most swedes are on holiday and the archipelago is a popular holiday destination. Even though there are lots of boats out there it’s no problems finding your own little island to set up camp on. This is extra easy when using the kayak since there is so many small coves and likes that normal boats can’t go in while the kayak just gently passes through.
Sunset at camp 1
First night we ended up at an island called Finnskär, or perhaps Byttan, depending which map one uses. We were quite tired and didn’t stay up all to late. If one would head straight east, towards the open sea, you would reach one of Stockholm archipelagos largest seal colony. At this time of year it is forbidden to approach this colony but after 15th of August one can paddle out and greet the seals. They are quite curious and come up next to the canoes.
The morning after we woke up to a new day with perfect weather condition. Sunny and almost no wind at all, but this would become even better. We aimed towards Bullerö which became our final destination this day. This also meant we had the wind in our back the entire day which made the paddling very easy. We didn’t find any good information were we could fill up our water but aimed for Långvikskär which would be a good candidate. We did find a well we could use but later realized that we could have waited until we reached Bullerö.
Bullerö is part of a nature reserve, which a large part of the archipelago is. There is some facilities like a cabin, water and outhouses. And there was a sauna which is open for everyone to use. This made us set up camp here, even if it violated the original plan to avoid other people. There is a designated area for setting up tents and you are encourage to stay there. Didn’t quite understand the rules but think you still were allowed to put up the tent anywhere you want on the island under the freedom to roam. The evening was spent in the sauna and swimming in the ocean and later around the campfire with some of the other campers that we met.
The free to use sauna at Bullerö
The next day we once again woke up to perfect weather. This was our last whole day and it was time to start heading back towards mainland. This became one of the nicest paddling days where we had both large crossings in perfect conditions and parts with lots of small islands. We ended up on a small island just next to Mörtö Bunsö. We put camp up a bit in the woods but spent the night out on the rocks watching the sunset.
Next day started as previous days. Nice weather, breakfast, coffe and a swim. Only 10 km between the end of our kayak adventure and normal life back on mainland. I was surprised how much i have enjoyed kayaking. I thought that it might be a bit boring at times but i enjoyed every second of it.
Some lessons learned until next kayak adventure. First is the timing. Even though July is our warmest month i think that this trip may be best suited for late August. At least if you want to be on your own. There are many boats out in the archipelago but as soon as school and work start, the archipelago drains from people. Also, the nights are once again dark which can offer some amazing night skies.
Be aware of the sun and wear sunscreen otherwise it can be a painful trip. Try to organize your gear in small water tight and transparent bags which makes packing the kayak much easier. Last, you are best out with a self supporting tent since there is a big chance you will camp straight in the rocks. And because of that, a comfortable sleeping mattress is also recommended.
Svartälven, which translates to black river, is a river that runs through parts of Dalarna and Värmland in Sweden. The river is around 125 km long but is part of a larger water system so the total waterway is much longer. The surrounding area is rich with iron which makes the water get a blackish colour and hence its name.
There are multiple routes you can paddle in Svartälven but the most common choice is to take the 4 day tour between Tyfors and Hällefors which is 51 km long. On this route you paddle on lakes as well as small meandering water surrounded by forrest. Even though it is a river there is no current what so ever. The most natural way to paddle is in the direction of the flow but it could be done just as easy the opposite way.
Svartälven
Preferences could of course differ but most would agree that the best parts of the paddle are when the river narrows and starts serpentine. Here you get closer to the forrest and the wilderness feeling increases. Since you are surrounded by forrest there is little wind in these passage so the river is most of the time flat as a mirror. There is chance to take a detour into an even smaller river, Tvärälven. If you choose to explore Tvärälven then it is best to extend the trip a day.
Campsite
There is big chance to see beaver at svartälven. On dusk or dawn you will most likely see one and you will see traces along the river. The area has a big population of moose so there is always a good chance to spot one as well. You can fish if you buy a permit for a few SEK. Expect to get some pike or perch.
Passing through a smal community.
There is a road that more or less follows the river. Even though it very little traffic on the road you still get reminded of civilisation from time to time. There are some houses on the trail, especially at the lakes, and you will pass one smal community (Älvsjöhyttan). Here you can fill up your water reserve and visit the privy.
Short compilation from a 4 day tour on Svartälven.
The upside of this canoe trail is that it is close to Stockholm and in many ways easy accessible. There are some camping grounds on the trail and shelters to sleep in. There are a few lifts on the way but they are quite easy and if you have a canoe wagon then there is no problem at all since the lifting ports goes on gravel roads. All in all canoeing on Svartälven is a a fun end easy adventure that even beginners can enjoy. If you are a more experienced paddler or looking for a wilder experience then there might be better options.
About 7 hours car ride from Stockholm is Rogen nature reserve with the lake Rogen at its center. There is plenty of opportunities to hike here but this is also a great place to explore by canoe. The trip described below became a 4 day tour, exploring Rogen and some of Femundsmarka on the Norwegian side.
The trip started at Käringsjön which you find at the end of a very bad road. This is the place where we hired our canoe. For more information look at Käringsjöns Facebook page.
Canoeing in Rogen Nature Reserve
Before you reach Rogen you have to navigate through all the little lakes. Around 7 places you have to lift your canoe from one lake to another to reach Rogen. These lifts can be quite hard and breathtaking so remember to not overpack your gear. The distance between the lakes are usually short but at some places the terrain is very hard to walk with a canoe on the top of your head. Worth mention is that it is not necessary to go all the way to the lake Rogen. We found that the best places where to stay in the small lakes.
mirror like lake
Our first day we got used to the canoe and to the lifting between lakes. The weather shifts very fast here and we were happy that we got some sun. The water is very clear and drinkable so water shortage is never a problem. We were surprised that it was so quiet here. The nature around here inhabits almost all of Sweden’s animals. The chance that you will encounter bear , wolverine or some other of Sweden’s big 5 is small though. Most of the time we didn’t hear any birds singing either which made the surroundings absolutely quiet at most times.
After 6 lifts with the canoe we made camp. The lakes was most of the time completely blank and mirrored the sky. After some food and evening fishing we went to bed and made ready for the next day when we where to reach Rogen.
Fresh Trout
The second day started with a short paddle to the last lifting point to reach Rogen. This lift was also the hardest. It is quite long and the terrain is made out of big rocks. Rogen can be a quite treacherous lake and the conditions can change very fast. It is very wind sensitive and it can easily form waves which makes it impossible to paddle an open canoe. We were lucky on our way towards Norway with the weather, even though it quickly went from blue sky to heavy rain. We made one coffestop on the way and reached the Norwegian border around 3 hours later.
We were quite happy to leave the rather big lake Rogen and enter the smaller lake systems again that is more suitable for open canoes. There is no problem finding a good campsite here. More or less any spot is a good spot.
Campsite
Third day started by heading back towards Sweden and crossing Rogen again. This time we had hard wind against us the entire time and at one point we thought we had to break since the waves started to become too big. We kept going and were very happy when we reached the end point for Rogen. Even though we took the same way going back it didn’t feel too much like we repeated ourself. The lake system is windy and there is so many coves and islands to explore. We found a nice campsite in a small lake and made a fire and swam in the clear, but cold water.
Campsite
Our last day was more or less just a travel day to get back to Kärringsjön. This time it was lots of wind even on the smal lakes so we were happy we had left Rogen behind us.
Rogen Map
The picture above shows the most common route, including the 7 lifts, to reach Rogen from Kärringsjön There is possible to reach Rogen i 2 lifts but the second becomes quite long.
Rogen and its surrounding lakes is really a great place for canoeing. The lifting between the lakes can be a bit hard at times but it is definitely not a showstopper. The wilderness feeling here is absolute. In the high season you will probably encounter other people but most of the time you have the feeling of being all alone. The surrounding is also suitable for hiking and there is trails here leading to Grövelsjön with cabins on the trails if you want to leave the tent at home.
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