Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands
"Carmen was an excellent local guide and she gave us very precise instructions. The accommodation in Malby was great." Louise
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.
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 spend 4 or 6 days discovering some of the very best of the region. This experience is ideal for couples, families with older children or groups of friends - the ideal way to discover the delights of the mainland and archipelago and spend a relaxed time in the company of friends or loved ones.
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.
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: hostel centrally-located in Mariefred overlooking apple orchard and castle, private rooms with separate beds (no bunk beds) and wash basin, shared facilities; 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 board 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 (arranged as optional extra).
Accommodation: hostel/conference facility with sea views and tranquil setting close to the jetty, approx. 2 km from main village, private rooms, 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 or horse riding along the forest trails or take a kayak tour in the surrounding waters (kayaking and horse riding available as optional extra). 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. As an optional extra, you can explore the waters by sea kayak. 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.
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.
| 4-day tour | 6-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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
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 this experience for children aged 12 and over, but active families with children aged 8-11 who enjoy the outdoors also welcome.
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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Nature Travels Ltd, 2 Leanne Business Centre, Sandford Lane, Wareham, Dorset BH20 4DY, United Kingdom
Registered Office: 26 Andover Green, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6LN | Company No: 5636754 | Tel: 01929 503080 | Email: admin@naturetravels.co.uk
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