Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands (Sweden)

Overnights during the tour itself are at local bed and breakfast standard accommodation along the way - each with its own charm and character, and accommodation upgrades are also available.

With luggage transfers as well as boat transfers included, this experience is ideal for those who like their holidays to be active but with comfortable accommodation and the convenience of travelling light during the day.

Detailed tour information gives you everything you need

The tours are 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 and coast offer a wealth of attractions, from the picturesque waterside towns of Trosa and Mariefred to the scenic beauty of Stendörren Nature Reserve, with its taste of some of the 30,000 islands that make up the larger Stockholm Archipelago.

Choice of 6-day and 7-day itineraries

There are two itinerary options to choose from, duration 6 or 7 days, differing in the relative proportion of hiking, biking and paddling and with the 7-day option including one night camping (where all equipment is provided and tent is erected for you).

The 6-day tour has a higher proportion of cycling compared to the 7-day tour, and cycling is on mixed terrain of tracks and surfaced lanes with some hills.

For your departure day in Stockholm, cycle hire is also included to allow you to explore this beautiful city on two wheels, including Stockholm's "Ekopark", the world's first National Park located in an urban area and ideal for discovering by bike.

The tours are moderately challenging and suitable for adults and families with older children (recommended min. age 11 for 6-day itinerary and min. age 10 for 7-day itinerary).

Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands is a wonderful way to explore the natural heritage of the area. Travelling by 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 perfect way to explore the delights of the region and spend a relaxed time in the company of friends or loved ones.

Day 2: Stendörren Nature Reserve and Trosa

Breakfast at your hotel, after which you will be met (normally 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 bed and breakfast in central Trosa, private rooms with wash basin room, shared WC/shower. 2 double rooms share one bathroom and 2 doubles + 1 single share another bathroom.; Meals: none; Cycling distance: 43km (approx. 3 hours)

Day 3: Tullgarn Palace and Gnesta

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 day's 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, where you will have dinner at your accommodation at Mälby.

Accommodation: Lakeside manor house bed and breakfast, sleeping accommodation in main or separate adjacent building, shared WC/shower; Meals: breakfast, dinner; Cycling distance: 46km (approx. 3.5-4 hours).

Day 4: Lake Klämmingen, Marviken and Mariefred

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: bed and breakfast accommodation in Mariefred (shared WC/shower); Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch; Cycling distance: 26.5km (approx. 3 hours); Canoeing distance: 9km (approx. 3.5 hours).

Day 5: Taxinge Manor and Stockholm

Today you are 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 in the evening (around 20.00), where you will be met for transfer to your accommodation.

*Boat timetables are not released until the spring. It is possible that the steamboat may not run in May and September. If this is the case for your tour dates, a vehicle transfer will replace the boat trip.

Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance/time: flexible, approx. 30km/2.5 hours; Steamboat trip: Mariefred-Stockholm 3.5 hours.

Accommodation: 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography.(note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour may be used as an alternative for this night).

Day 6: Cycling Tour of Stockholm and Departure

Breakfast at your hotel accommodation. If your onward travel arrangements allow (and we strongly recommend making sure they do!), there is time today for a self-guided cycling tour of Stockholm's Ekopark - a unique place, being the first National Park to be situated in a major city.

The Ekopark is a beautiful oasis in the city - 27 sq. km rich in both cultural and natural heritage. The route takes you through old-growth forest, past palaces and lovely bathing spots. Foxes, badgers, pine martens, mink and deer inhabit this unique area, and the Ekopark also contains the largest number of large oak trees to be found anywhere in northern Europe.

During your tour you'll visit the royal island of Djurgården, with its many museums, the royal residence of Rosendal and the Kaknäs Tower with a wonderful observation deck offering great views of the city. Continuing further north and you reach Ulriksdal's Palace with its beautiful gardens.

When it's finally time to leave Stockholm, you make own arrangements for onward travel to the airport, etc, for departure.

Cycling (optional): Distance and time flexible.

Day 2: Taxinge Manor and Mariefred

Your multi-activity adventure begins with a trip by steamboat from Stockholm across Lake Mälaren to Enhörna. After admiring the view, you set off to cycle to Taxinge Manor House, a beautiful location and also renowned for its cakes! From Taxinge, you continue along the shore of the lake to the beautiful and historic settlement of Mariefred, where Gripsholm Castle is a particular attraction. Optionally, you can choose to go from Taxinge to Mariefred by steam train to reduce the cycling distance.

NB: Families with younger children or other guests who wish to reduce the cycling requirement for this day can also opt to remain on the steamboat all the way to Mariefred rather than getting off at Enhörna. From Mariefred, you can then cycle (14.5km one way) to visit Taxinge Manor and either cycle back or take the steam train back, or optionally can do a shorter cycle from Mariefred. If you wish to choose the option to take the steamboat all the way to Mariefred, please advise at time of booking as the appropriate ticket must be arranged for you in advance. This does not affect the price.

Accommodation: bed and breakfast accommodation in Mariefred (shared WC/shower); Meals: none; Cycling distance: approx. 35km (about 2.5-3 hours).

Day 3: Åkers, Marviken and Lake Klämmingen

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!

NB: Please pack an overnight bag for this camping night before pick-up. This will be transferred to the camping spot for you. Arrangements for transferring the remainder of your luggage will be explained by your local host on arrival.

Accommodation: wild camping (tent will be erected and dismantled for you) at small camping spot in attractive, quiet location (no shower or toilet facilities - toilet spade/paper is provided); Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner (provisions are provided for you to easily cook dinner over open fire at the campsite - all cooking equipment is included - and breakfast and lunch for the next day will be left in your tent); Paddling distance: 13km (4 lifts required, 40m, 50m, 20m and 300m).

Day 4: Fräkensjöberget and Gnesta

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. Take time to climb the observation tower at Fräkensjöberget for fantastic views. 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: bed and breakfast in farmhouse or adjacent building, shared WC/shower; Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner; Hiking distance: approx. 16km (about 5 hours, can be shortened to around 10km on request using alternative pick-up point).

Day 5: Tullgarn Palace and Trosa

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 bed and breakfast in central Trosa, private rooms with wash basin in room, shared WC/shower. 2 double rooms share one bathroom and 2 doubles + 1 single share another bathroom.; Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: 25km or 46km (approx. 2-4 hours).

Day 6: Trosa and Stockholm

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.

NB: Bikes are available for use on this day until latest 12.00. Your bikes will be collected either at Trosa or Tullgarn Palace (the most convenient option will be discussed on arrival).

Meals: breakfast; Cycling distance: 25km (approx. 2 hours) to visit Tullgarn Palace, otherwise flexible.

Accommodation: A 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour may be used as an alternative for this night).

Day 7: Cycling Tour of Stockholm and Departure

Breakfast at your hotel accommodation. If your onward travel arrangements allow (and we strongly recommend making sure they do!), there is time today for a self-guided cycling tour of Stockholm's Ekopark - a unique place, being the first National Park to be situated in a major city.

The Ekopark is a beautiful oasis in the city - 27 sq. km rich in both cultural and natural heritage. The route takes you through old-growth forest, past palaces and lovely bathing spots. Foxes, badgers, pine martens, mink and deer inhabit this unique area, and the Ekopark also contains the largest number of large oak trees to be found anywhere in northern Europe.

During your tour you'll visit the royal island of Djurgården, with its many museums, the royal residence of Rosendal and the Kaknäs Tower with a wonderful observation deck offering great views of the city. Continuing further north and you reach Ulriksdal's Palace with its beautiful gardens.

When it's finally time to leave Stockholm, you make own arrangements for onward travel to the airport, etc, for departure.

Meals: breakfast; Cycling (optional): Distance and time flexible.

Standard Prices

Accommodation arrangements for families and odd-numbered adult/single supplement:

• With one child: Child will share room in overnight accommodation with parents and family will paddle three persons in one canoe during canoe activity.
• With two children: Family will have two rooms on all nights and will paddle two canoes during canoe activity.
• With three children: Family will have two rooms on all nights and will paddle two canoes with three persons in one canoe during canoe activity.
• Single supplement:
  • Single supplement price given is for adults in even-numbered group wishing to have single accommodation and includes single rooms and own tent for camping night. Will share canoe during canoe activity.
  • For adult in odd-numbered group (e.g. 3 adults), please contact us for price information. Will have single room and own tent when camping and will share canoe during canoe activity.

NB: Please note that accommodation upgrades must be decided at time of booking and cannot be subsequently amended.

Included

6-day tour:

• Accommodation (standard without optional upgrades):
  • 2 nights in hotel accommodation in Stockholm (nights of Day 1 and Day 5). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 3 nights in bed and breakfast standard as per itinerary.
• Meals: 5 x breakfast, 1 x picnic lunch, 1 x dinner
• Activities & Equipment: 1/4 day hiking, 1 day canoeing including equipment hire, 4 days' cycling including mountain bike hire (bikes provided are 21-speed mountain bikes, normally Scott, Trek, Giant or similar) and cycle hire for Stockholm city tour. Pannier, pump, toolkit, extra tube, puncture repair kit, first aid kit, bike lock. Cycle helmets are not provided as standard, as many guests prefer to bring their own. If you would like a helmet, please advise in advance and one will be provided at no extra charge.
• Transfers & Transports: Stockholm - Stendörren Nature Reserve (Day 2), Steamboat Mariefred - Stockholm (Day 5)*, Stockholm harbour - accommodation in Stockholm (Day 5), transfer of bikes and canoes (Day 4).
• Luggage Transfers: Stockholm - Trosa (Day 2), Trosa - Gnesta (Day 3), Gnesta - Mariefred (Day 4).
• Other: Trail and route descriptions with maps, trip briefing on arrival, local contact number for emergencies.

*The steamboat does not operate in May and September. For tours at this time, transfer will be arranged as alternative to boat trip.

7-day tour:

• Accommodation (standard without optional upgrades):
  • 2 nights in hotel accommodation in Stockholm (nights of Day 1 and Day 5). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 3 nights in bed and breakfast standard as per itinerary.
  • 1 night wild camping (all camping equipment is provided).
• Meals: 6 x breakfast, 2 x picnic lunch, 2 x dinner.
• Activities & Equipment: 1 day hiking, 3.5 days' cycling including mountain bike and cycle hire for Stockholm city tour, 1 day canoeing including equipment hire (canoe trolley is included to assist with the longer land transports). Cycle helmets are not provided as standard, as many guests prefer to bring their own. If you would like a helmet, please advise in advance and one will be provided at no extra charge.
• Transfers & Transports: Stockholm - Stockholm Harbour (Day 2), Steamboat Stockholm - Enhörna (Day 2)*, Mariefred - Åkers Styckebruk (Day 3), Gnesta - Mälby (Day 4), bus tickets for Trosa - Liljeholmen (Stockholm) and underground ticket for Liljeholmen - accommodation in Stockholm (Day 6).
• Luggage Transfers: Stockholm - Mariefred (Day 2), Mariefred - Klämmingen (Day 3), Klämmingen - Mälby (Day 4), Mälby - Trosa (Day 5).
• Other: Trail and route descriptions with maps, trip briefing on arrival, local contact number for emergencies.

*The steamboat does not operate in May and September. For tours at this time, transfer will be arranged as alternative to boat trip.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Meals not specified above.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Travel to/from accommodation in Stockholm on arrival/departure days.
• Cycle helmets are not provided as standard, as many guests prefer to bring their own. If you would like a helmet, please advise in advance and one will be provided at no extra charge.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

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 (mainly on the 6-day tour). Cycling level in general is moderate, with some hills and a mix of surfaced roads and dirt tracks.

Recommended min. age 11 for 6-day tour due to the cycling distances required over consecutive days. 7-day tour is suitable for children min. 10 years. For both tours, younger children may be possible on request.

Minimum 2 adults normally required. Solo adult travelling with child(ren) may also be possible depending on age and options chosen. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

What makes this "Medium"?

The tour is self-guided but supported with luggage transfers and comfortable accommodation each night. Depending on how used participants are to cycling, the cycling component may be experienced as moderately challenging, particularly for the 6-day tour.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Ticks and TBE:

Note: Ticks occur mostly in grassy areas.

As in the UK and other areas, there are ticks in the Nordic forests 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, consult your doctor.

As in large areas of mainland Europe, in some localised areas of the Nordic countries, the ticks are known to carry TBE, or Tick-borne encephalitis, and locals spending extended periods in affected areas often choose to vaccinate themselves. For current advice on TBE and inoculations for the area you are visiting, please consult your doctor or see Travel Health Pro.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

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. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Combine This With

This experience makes a good combination with the following:

• Sailing in the Stockholm Archipelago (3 or more days, one hour from Stockholm)

Groups

This experience is also suitable for groups - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.

"We have returned from a fabulous holiday in Sweden. The organisation and guidance was brilliant. And we had a such a great time meeting people and seeing places we would never have discovered if left to our own devices." John

"Information was given very quickly! I had the feeling I could ask anytime, anything necessary. Great! The trip was in itself great. The variety of activities, the friendliness of people. Thank you and your team and most of all our host in Sweden for her friendliness." Tanja and family