Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District
Want canoe or kayak day tours from cabin base? Try Forest Cabin in Southern Sweden or Discover Sea Kayaking in St Anna and Gryt.
"It is a great place and we both enjoyed the whole experience. I have been recommending Sweden ever since! Excellent response to any and all enquiries. You made the process very easy. A grand service - Cheers." Nick
"Interconnected lakes and vast expanses of forest offer up the perfect combination of wild adventure and moderate activity. Nature Travels' self-guided canoeing trip leaves you free to adapt your route depending on your enthusiasm and fitness." The Guardian
Tipi Adventure in Dalsland (15 mins by bus)
Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän (1.5 hours by bus)
Walking the Path of the Pilgrims (1 hour by bus)
Not sure which of our canoe tours is best for you? Compare our range of canoe holidays in Sweden here.
Photo: Göran Assner
Photos: 1:Göran Assner; 2,3,6,7:Nature Travels; 4:C.Emanuelsson
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.
Canoes used are 2-person Canadian canoes but can also accommodate three persons. Odd numbers will normally travel three persons in one canoe (at reduced price). As an alternative, additional persons can travel in single kayak (available as optional extra).
Detailed information you will need for your experience, including a description of the route, is sent out once full payment has been received.
No transfers are required at the beginning and end of this tour - the recommended option is to take a circular route through a network of lakes (though the area offers considerable scope to plan your own variations) to finish your tour back at the canoe centre.
The standard start/end point for the tour is in Bengtsfors. If you wish to stay in Bengtsfors before or after your tour, hotel and hostel accommodation is available (see under "Optional Extras").
As an alternative, it is also possible to start/end your tour at the canoe camp approx. 15km north of Bengtsfors. You should choose this option if you wish to camp for one or more nights before or after your tour (see under "Optional Extras"). Please mention when booking if you wish to choose this option.
The recommended route taken will be the same for either option - you simply start/end at a different point on the circuit.
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 recommended tour route takes you through a series of locks to Laxsjön ("Salmon Lake"), with a land transport of approx. 400m followed by marvellous paddling up the long narrow lake of Svärdlång. After approx. 15km, a 150m land transport takes you into Västra Silen.
From here a 3km canal takes you to the village of Gustavsfors, which 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 Lelång, turning south to paddle around 20km down the lake to end your tour back in the small country town of Bengtsfors.
Your tour ends where you began (either in Bengtsfors or at the canoe camp), where you will return your equipment and collect any left baggage. We recommend you stay an extra night (either in Bengtsfors or at the canoe camp) before departure (please see "Optional Extras").
Season dates 1st May-30th September 2013 (later tours also possible until 15th October by request). Start any day/time by arrangement between 09.00 and 18.00.
NB: The locks in the area are open 10.06-31.08.13. For tours before or after these dates, the locks are closed and canoes need to be carried (using the canoe trolley provided) at these points.
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.
Prices include full camping and kitchen equipment.
*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.
Please see "Optional Extras" below.
Depending on travel arrangements and where you have chosen to begin your tour (at the canoe camp or in Bengtsfors), we recommend that you camp at the canoe centre campsite or stay in Bengtsfors before and/or after your tour.
In Bengtsfors (hotel): Rooms for 1-4 persons including breakfast. Shared shower and toilet facilities. Single room £53/room/night, 2-person room £67/room/night, extra bed(s) in room £21/person/night. Upgrade to room with en-suite shower and WC £9/room/night. Bedding and towels are included.
In Bengtsfors (hostel): Rooms for 1-4 persons (no bunk beds). Self-catering facilties available. Shared shower and toilet facilities. Single room £31/room/night, 2-person room £46/room/night, 3-person room £55/room/night, 4-person room £64/room/night. Bedding and towels £6/person/stay.
At Canoe Camp: The Canoe Camp is located approx. 15km north of Bengtsfors, accessible by public bus or transfer from Bengtsfors - if you wish to camp here before and/or after your stay, alternative arrangements can be made to start and end your canoe tour here rather than in Bengtsfors. You are welcome to keep your kitchen and camping equipment for the additional night(s) at no extra charge. Price £6/person/night.
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.
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.
This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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.
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 or transfer to the canoe camp.
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