Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District

Overview

Duration: 7 days/6 nights.

Accommodation: Wild camping at designated camping locations.

Required: Swimming ability for adults, good health, reasonable fitness/strength. Suitable for active families.

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Dalsland, known as Sweden's Lake District, with its interconnected system of lakes and well-maintained network of overnight shelters, is justly famous for its wonderful paddling opportunities. The area provides the perfect environment for a canoeing holiday which combines flexibility and accessibility with scenic beauty, with a stunning landscape of lakes and thick forest with pretty villages providing an opportunity to re-supply along the way.

With many of the lakes connected by locks and small canals, reducing the need for extensive land transports, Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District is suitable for both adult participants and active families who enjoy the outdoors. A minimum of two lifts of 150m and 400m are also required (a canoe trolley is provided). Bear in mind of course that windy connections can increase the level of challenge on larger lakes, so you should always be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly.

The minimum distance that must be covered for the standard route is around 70km. However, the area offers almost endless possibilities to vary and extend your route depending on weather and wind conditions and to adapt the level of challenge, the distance you wish to paddle and the particular areas you would like to explore.

As for all our canoe tours, Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District features wild camping. In Dalsland, to preserve the local environment there is a comprehensive network of wind shelters and fire places, where wood is provided for your use, located throughout the region. These are the only locations at which camping is permitted. Participants purchase a "nature card" for camping, proceeds from which are used for management and conservation of the area.

West Sweden is real "canoe country", and Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District is ideal for those seeking a moderate level of challenge and the flexibility to create their own canoe adventure.

Canoeing for odd-numbered groups

Canoes used are 2-person Canadian canoes but can also accommodate three persons. Odd numbers will travel three persons in one canoe at reduced price.

Itinerary

Detailed information you will need for your experience, including a description of the route, is sent out once full payment has been received.

Start Day

No transfers are required at the beginning and end of this tour - you will take a circular route through a network of lakes to finish your tour back at the canoe centre.

You launch from the canoe camp to the north of Bengtsfors. The Dalsland lakes offer almost endless possibilities to vary and extend your route, depending on your energy levels/experience, how quickly you cover the distance and on wind and weather conditions.

The Rest of the Tour

You will normally begin your canoe tour by making your way up the lake of Västra Silen towards Gustavsfors, where a 3km canal takes you to the village. Gustavsfors has restaurants and stores to re-supply provisions if required.

Once through the locks and the scenic paddle out from Gustavfors, you enter the lake of Lelåg. turning south to paddle around 20km down the lake to the small country town of Bengtsfors, which also has facilities for re-supply. From here, a series of locks takes you to the lake of Laxsjön ("Salmon Lake").

Paddling north turns you towards home, where after 400m lift takes you enter the long narrow lake of Svärdlång, which offers marvellous paddling.

After approx. 15km, a 150m takes you into Västra Silen igen for the stretch home.

End Day

Your tour ends back at the canoe camp where you began, where you will return your equipment and collect any left baggage. We recommend you stay an extra night at the campsite before departure (please see "Optional Extras").

Dates & Prices

Dates

Tours are possible between 1st May and 30th September. Start any day/time by arrangement between 09.00 and 18.00.

NB: Outside high season, opening hours for locks along the route may be limited. Information on times will be provided locally when you collect your equipment. In the event that locks are not open, the land transports can also be made using the canoe trolley provided.

The Price

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.

Basic package includes full canoe, camping and kitchen equipment.

• Even-numbered groups (2, 4 persons, etc): £167/person
• Additional person for odd-numbered groups: £79

What The Price Includes

• Canoe equipment: 2 or 3-person Canadian canoe, paddles, buoyancy aids, 2 x pack barrels, canoe trolley.
• Kitchen equipment: Trangia-style hurricane stove* with one litre methylated spirit (additional fuel can be purchased along the route if required).
• Camping equipment: Tent (suitable for up to 3 persons), sleeping bag package (sleeping bag, liner and foam mat).
• Other: Set of two maps; book of 10 lock tickets for lock transports (additional tickets can be purchased at individual locks if required, cost 30 SEK/canoe, approx. £3); "Nature Card", required for overnight camping at the designated camping spots (firewood is provided at these locations).

*Exact contents may differ from example shown

Please be careful with the canoe and the rest of your equipment! If some part of the equipment should break as a result of misuse or carelessness, you may be charged for the damage caused.

What The Price Does Not Include

Please see "Optional Extras" below.

• Food: You should purchase supplies for your tour in Bengtsfors before departure. There are also opportunities to re-supply along the route.

Optional Extras

• Extra nights: Depending on travel arrangements, we recommend that you camp at the canoe centre campsite before and/or after your tour. You are welcome to keep your kitchen and camping equipment for the additional night(s) at no extra charge. Price £6/person/night.
• Fishing licence: If you wish to fish during your tour, fishing licence can be purchased locally on arrival at the canoe centre. Price 50 SEK (about £5)/day. Please bring own fishing equipment.

Fishing licences can be purchased at the canoe centre on arrival.

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

Swimming ability required by adults. Minimum 2 adults. You should be in good health with a good general level of fitness and strength and enjoy the outdoors.

The canoe tour runs through a series of lakes. Transports between lakes is by locks and/or lifts. Note that paddling on lakes can be challenging in windy conditions and you should consider carefully the best side of a lake to paddle on and be prepared to adjust your itinerary depending on weather conditions.

Equipment/clothes needed

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.

Groups

This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Location

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.

By Air

Gothenburg airports are most convenient. From Gothenburg, you travel by public transport to Bengtsfors by train and bus (2-3 hours depending on connections). From Bengtsfors, it is around 15 mins by local bus to the canoe camp.

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward connections to Bengtsfors.

Map of Sweden