Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands
"The tour was amazing! We loved every minute of it. Such amazing scenery and beautiful places visited along the way. From start to finish it was such an easy experience and we never had any concerns along the way. We particularly loved Trosa and Mariefred was beautiful. We were lucky enough to have great weather along the way too - an amazing cloudless day on Fjärdlå which was lovely. We would definitely recommend the tour to other travelers and we even had people questioning us along the way and thinking it was a brilliant idea. We would 100% come back to Sweden - I would love to see it in the winter for a different experience." Ceinwen
"Thanks so much, we had a wonderful time in Sweden. [The highlight was] all of it! However, the half afternoon canoe trip was fantastic, through a series of beautiful lakes with not another soul in sight." Sarah
Photo: Nature Travels
Photos: 1,3,7:Nature Travels; 2:P.Rosén; 4,6:A.Foley; 5:C.Hamdi
Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands gives you the chance to discover the beauty and tranquility of the forests and lakes of the mainland and the endless network of islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago at your own pace. Overnights are at a series of bed and breakfast and hostel standard accommodation along the way - each with its own charm and character. With luggage transfers as well as boat transfers included, this experience is ideal for those who like their holidays to be active but relaxing.
The tour is self-guided with detailed route description and maps provided, leaving you free to take things at your own speed, stopping when you wish to take a dip in the cool waters or explore some of the historical buildings, restaurants and areas of cultural interest along the way. The mainland offers a wealth of attractions, from the picturesque waterside towns of Trosa and Mariefred to the scenic beauty of Stendörren Nature Reserve. If time permits, take some extra days to venture out into the magical world of the Stockholm Archipelago.
The 24,000 islands, rocks and skerries (or 50,000 depending on how you count!) of the Stockholm Archipelago are one of the world's natural wonders - a stunning coastal landscape with shady forests, sandy beaches, and smooth rocks ideal for bathing. This tranquil and charming landscape is all the more impressive and precious for being within easy reach of Sweden's capital, Stockholm - yet the buzz of the city feels a world away.
There are three itinerary options to choose from, duration 4, 5 or 6 days. The 4-day and 6-day tours are suitable for adults and families with older children, while the 5-day itinerary has less challenging cycling, features one night camping, and is ideal both for adults and for families with younger children.
Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands is a wonderful way to explore the natural heritage of the area. Travelling across the mainland and between islands with a combination of foot, pedal, paddle and boat power, you will discover some of the very best of the region. This experience is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends - the ideal way to explore the delights of the mainland and archipelago and spend a relaxed time in the company of friends or loved ones.
See also: Stockholm Lakeland Canoe Explorer
NB: For this experience it is necessary to overnight in Stockholm before your tour begins. Suggestions for accommodation are available on request.
An information pack giving times for meeting and other practical information will be waiting for you at your accommodation in Stockholm the night before.
Suitable for adults and families with older children (recommended min. age 12)
On the morning of Day 1, you will be met from your accommodation in Stockholm at 08.30 for transfer to Stendörren Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful areas of the eastern archipelago known for its peace and tranquillity. You spend the morning hiking through the network of islands connected by small suspension bridges, perhaps taking a break occasionally for a dip in the refreshing Baltic waters. In the afternoon, you collect your bikes for a cycle tour on small country lanes through a landscape of forests, meadows and lakes. Along the way you can stop to explore a 17th Century Manor House or take a swim at Sandvik beach before reaching the picturesque coastal town of Trosa and your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: charming hostel in central Trosa, private rooms with separate beds (no bunk beds except in family room, which has 1 x bunk bed and 1 x normal bed) and private WC, shared shower; Meals: none; Cycling distance: 50km (approx. 3.5 hours)
Take some time to look around and take in the atmosphere of Trosa (known locally as "The World's End) before departure. When ready, you continue cycling towards the beautifully situated Tullgarn Palace. The days' cycling takes you through a lovely landscape of pine forest, lakes and open meadows. In the afternoon you reach your destination for the day, Gnesta.
Accommodation: bed and breakfast at lakeside manor house, sleeping accommodation in main or separate adjacent building, shared facilities; Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: 46km (approx. 3.5-4 hours).
From Gnesta you cycle along the shores of Lake Klämmingen to Laxne, with some ideal spots for bathing along the way. At Laxne you will collect your canoe equipment and picnic lunch and be given a short instruction in paddling technique. Your afternoon is a self-guided canoe tour towards Åkers Styckebruk, with plenty of chance to relax and enjoy the scenery - Lake Marviken is bordered by 50m cliffs, a legacy of a time when the mountain split in two. From the end point for your canoe tour, you cycle to the 17th Century town of Mariefred, known for its winding streets and colourful houses as well as the castle, Gripsholm.
Accommodation: small hostel or B&B accommodation centrally-located in Mariefred (depending on availability); Meals: breakfast and picnic lunch; Cycling distance: 26.5km (approx. 3 hours); Canoeing distance: 9km (approx. 3.5 hours).
Today you have free to enjoy the attractions of Mariefred and its surrounding area in your own time. You may decide to cycle along the shores of Lake Mälaren to the remote manor house, Taxinge (famous for its cakes!) before boarding the steam train back to Mariefred. Alternatively, choose a day on two feet rather than two wheels and wander the streets of Mariefred and visit Gripsholm Castle. At the end of the day you will take the steamboat from Mariefred back to Stockholm. You will be back in Stockholm around 20.00
Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: flexible/approx. 30km; Steamboat trip: Mariefred-Stockholm 3.5 hours.
Morning as per 4-day tour above. In the afternoon, you leave Mariefred for transfer to Årsta Havsbad and boat to the southern area of the archipelago. Arriving on the island of Utö in the late afternoon, you have time to take a look around the village, go cycling, hiking, or evening take an evening kayak tour (optional activity available to book locally).
Accommodation: depending on availability, there are two options for accommodation this night: Option 1: hostel/conference facility with sea views and tranquil setting close to the jetty, approx. 2 km from main village, private rooms, shared facilities. Option 2: Hostel with genuine archipelago atmosphere, accommodation is of simpler standard but nicely located in the island's main village, fully-equipped kitchen, shared facilities. Meals: breakfast; Boat trip: Årsta Havsbad - Utö.
You spend the morning enjoying the beautiful scenery of Utö - cycle the length of the island, cross the bridge to the tiny island of Ålö with its lovely white sand beach and fish restaurant. Alternatively, go hiking along the forest trails or take a kayak tour in the surrounding waters (kayaking is available as optional activity to book locally). In the afternoon you take the boat to a new island, Fjärdlång, a nature reserve. Arriving in the late afternoon gives you plenty of time to take an evening swim from the smooth cliffs.
Accommodation: hostel in attractive setting close to the jetty and small shop, accommodation in rooms with shared facilities or cottages/cabins with kitchen for self-catering and facilities a short walk; Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: flexible/approx. 25km; Boat trip Utö - Fjärdlång approx. 20 mins.
Fjärdlång is ideal for exploring on foot, with marked trails making their way through the forests. The highest point on the island gives you a spectacular view of the surrounding archipelago. You can also choose to explore the waters by sea kayak (optional activity available to book locally). In the afternoon your return by boat to the buzz of Stockholm city. You will be back in Stockholm around 17.30-19.00 (depending on boat times for your travel dates).
Meals: breakfast; Boat trip: Fjärdlång - Stockholm approx. 3 hours.
You will be met at your accommodation in Stockholm in the evening before your experience begins, where you will receive information pack and briefing for your tour.
Suitable for adults and families with children aged 3+. "Pull-along" cycles are available for young children - please request in advance.
Your multi-activity adventure begins with a trip by steamboat from Stockholm across Lake Mälaren to the beautiful and historic lakeside village of Mariefred, where Gripsholm Castle is a particular attraction. In the afternoon, take a cycle ride along the lakeshore through fields and forests to Taxinge Manor House, renowned for its cakes, before cycling back to Mariefred to your overnight accommodation. Optionally, you can choose to return to Mariefred by steam train.
Accommodation: small hostel or B&B accommodation centrally-located in Mariefred (depending on availability); Meals: none; Cycling distance: approx. 29km (about 2.5 hours).
A short transfer brings you to the start point for your day's canoe tour, where you will be issued with your equipment and given a short introduction to paddling. You paddle through a lovely landscape of connecting Marviken lakes to Laxne, stopping for picnic lunch to enjoy the view. The Marviken lakes are bordered by 50m cliffs, formed when the mountain split into two. The lake widens into Lake Klämmingen, and this area provides wonderful opportunities for swim breaks at some of the small beaches along the shoreline. Accommodation for this night is camping - shortly after you come into Lake Klämmingen you will come to your camping spot for the night, where your tent will be set up for you ready and waiting!
Accommodation: camping (tent will be erected for you) at small campsite in attractive, quiet location, outside dry toilet available (no shower); Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner; Paddling distance: 13km (4 lifts required, 40m, 50m, 20m and 300m).
Today is for hiking. You begin directly from the campsite through a wild and beautiful landscape of lakes, forests and hills and plenty of opportunities to take a dip. You have a choice of pick-up points, where you will be met and taken to your accommodation for the night just outside Gnesta, at a farmhouse beautifully located with views across the lake.
Accommodation: B&B in farmhouse or adjacent building, shared facilities; Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner; Hiking distance: approx. 13.5km (about 5 hours).
Today you have two options for cycling, depending on the distance you wish to cover. Both routes bring you through beautiful and typically Swedish countryside to the picturesque 17th century coastal town of Trosa for overnight. The easier route takes you from Gnesta directly to Trosa, mostly along country lanes and cycle tracks. Recommended for families with younger children. Alternatively, for a longer tour, you can choose to cycle to Trosa via Tullgarn Palace, and 18th century palace on the shores of the lake and an ideal spot for lunch. This is a more challenging route mostly along rougher tracks.
Accommodation: charming hostel in central Trosa, private rooms with separate beds (no bunk beds except in family room, which has 1 x bunk bed and 1 x normal bed) and private WC, shared shower; Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: 25km or 46km (approx. 2-4 hours).
Choose to spend the day wandering the streets of Trosa and exploring its many shops and cafes, or take your bikes to one of the nearby beaches for a swim. If you chose the shorter cycling tour for Day 4, you can choose to visit Tullgarn Palace by bike today. Alternatively, hire a kayak in Trosa and take to the water once more or take a boat tour into the archipelago. Bus tickets for local bus travel are provided for when you are ready to return to the buzz of Stockholm city and the end of your tour.
Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: 25km (approx. 2 hours) to visit Tullgarn Palace, otherwise flexible.
Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.
Single supplement: There is no single supplement for odd-numbered participant in adult group. This person will have single accommodation but share canoe during canoe activity.
| 4-day tour | 6-day tour | 5-day tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (in 2-person rooms) | 2 nights in hostel standard, 1 night in bed and breakfast | 4 nights in hostel standard, 1 night in bed and breakfast | 2 nights in hostel standard, 1 night in bed and breakfast, 1 night camping (all camping equipment is provided) |
| Meals | 3 x breakfast (Days 2-4), 1 x picnic lunch (Day 3) | 5 x breakfast (Days 2-6), 1 x picnic lunch (Day 3) | 4 x breakfast (Days 2-5), 2 x picnic lunch (Days 2-3), 2 x dinner (Days 2-3) |
| Activities & Equipment | 1/4 day hiking, 1/2 day canoeing including equipment hire, 3.5 days' cycling including mountain bike hire | 1 day hiking, 4 days' cycling including mountain bike hire (cycle helmets are provided), 1/2 day canoeing including equipment hire | 1 day hiking, 2.5 days' cycling including mountain bike hire (cycle helmets are provided), 1 day canoeing including equipment hire |
| Transfers & Transports | Stockholm - Stendörren Nature Reserve (Day 1), Steamboat Mariefred - Stockholm (Day 4), Stockholm harbour - your chosen accommodation in Stockholm (Day 4) | Stockholm - Stendörren Nature Reserve (Day 1), Boat Årsta Havsbad - Utö (Day 4), Boat Utö - Fjärdlång (Day 5), Boat Fjärdlång - Stockholm (Day 6), Stockholm harbour - your chosen accommodation in Stockholm (Day 6) | Stockholm - Stockholm Harbour (Day 1), Steamboat Stockholm - Mariefred (Day 1), Mariefred Harbour - Accommodation (Day 1), Mariefred - Åkers Styckebruk (Day 2), Gnesta - Mälby (Day 3), bus tickets provided for Trosa - Liljeholmen (Stockholm) and underground ticket for Liljeholmen - your chosen accommodation in Stockholm (Day 5) |
| Luggage Transfers | Stockholm - Trosa (Day 1), Trosa - Gnesta (Day 2), Gnesta - Mariefred (Day 3) | Stockholm - Trosa (Day 1), Trosa - Gnesta (Day 2), Gnesta - Mariefred (Day 3), Mariefred - Årsta Havsbad (Day 4), Assistance on Utö (Day 4 & 5), Assistance on Fjärdlång (Day 5 & 6) | Stockholm - Mariefred (Day 1), Mariefred - Klämmingen (Day 2), Klämmingen - Mälby (Day 3), Mälby - Trosa (Day 4) |
| Other | Trail and route descriptions with maps, Trip briefing on arrival, Local contact number for emergencies | Trail and route descriptions with maps, Trip briefing on arrival, Local contact number for emergencies | Trail and route descriptions with maps, Trip briefing on arrival, Local contact number for emergencies |
You should be in good health with a normal level of fitness. You should be able to cycle and hike for around 3-4 hours over the course of a day. No previous canoeing experience is required but participants must be able to swim 200m. Cycling can be challenging in places.
Minimum 2 adults. We recommend the 4-day and 6-day tour for children aged 12 and over. The 5-day tour is suitable for younger children.
Note: Ticks occur mostly in grassy areas.
As in the UK, there are ticks in the forests in Sweden which can carry diseases such as Borrelia. You should check for ticks at the end of a day in the outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible by pulling the tick out straight, carefully and slowly, with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Ensure that you do not leave any of the insect's mouth parts attached to your skin. Wash the bite area with soap and water. In the unlikely event that you feel unwell or notice anything unusual around the area of the bite in the coming days/couple of weeks, consult your doctor.
In some small localised areas of Sweden (mostly in the Stockholm archipelago), the ticks are known to carry a disease called TBE, or Tick-borne encephalitis, and locals spending extended periods in affected areas do vaccinate themselves. For a map of TBE distribution in Europe and latest updates, please see Tick Alert.
For current advice on TBE and inoculations, please consult your doctor or see NaTHNaC.
A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.
Minimum 2 adults. This experience is also suitable for groups - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.
Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
Fly to Stockholm Arlanda, Stockholm Skavsta or Stockholm Västerås airports. Travel time into Stockholm 20-90 minutes depending on options chosen. You will be met in Stockholm for the start of your tour.
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Stockholm.
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