Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen

Photos: 1,2,4,5:NTR; 3,6,7:K.Johansson

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen

Wilderness canoeing and wild camping in the Rogen Nature Reserve

Canoeing holidays in Sweden: Rogen

Overview

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen is the ideal canoe tour for those who have suitable outdoor experience but have not done a canoe tour in such a remote region before.

This self-guided canoe adventure offers you a convenient and flexible way to discover the unique paddling opportunities of this stunning mountain area in north-west Sweden close to the Norwegian border.

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen has a choice of three main variations. You will be picked up from the end point 4-8 days or more later depending on the length of tour chosen.

There are two choices for tours with the same start/end point. You can choose either to start/end in Käringsjövallen or Käringsjön. As there are no requirements to cover a minimum distance, these canoe tours give you the greatest flexibility in terms of level of challenge and distance covered. Alternatively, you can choose a point-to-point route Käringsjön-Kåringsjövallen (or vice versa).

Whichever option you choose, you have a choice of route variations for your canoe tour. You may decide to explore the system of small tarns up towards Rödsjön and Skedbro, paddling further out towards Rödviken. If weather conditions permit, the northern end of lake Rogen offers wonderful paddling with sandy bays, clear water and glorious views. And for those with a love of fishing, the area is marvellous for grayling and trout! Alternatively, spend some time in the lovely Perch Bays area, where knarled pines dot the landscape. This area is also very good for grayling, and has a number of wind shelters where you can make a fire to cook your catch!

Rogen is an area of complete wilderness with virtually no infrastructure and very limited access. No previous canoeing experience is required, but you must be used to and proficient in travelling independently in remote areas and have a general good level of health and fitness for this experience. Accommodation is wild camping along the route. There are also a limited number of wind shelters at various points where, if vacant, you are welcome to spend a night. These are also the only places in the reserve at which it is permitted to make a fire.

In addition to a number of smaller transports, for tours starting or ending in Käringsjövallen there are portages of approx. 700m and 500m required. Depending on the route chosen, the tour will also involve additional portages of 100-500m.

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen is a challenging but accessible canoe tour suitable for couples, groups of friends and active families with suitable outdoor experience - a real canoeing adventure in the Swedish wilderness!

Itinerary

Detailed information you will need for your experience is sent out once full payment has been received.

Land Transports

Depending on terrain, strength, etc, you will normally need to walk carries twice - once with your rucksacks and packing and the second time carrying canoe, buoyancy aids and paddles. Do not risk injury by attempting to carry too much in one go. It is better to take your time and make additional trips.

Start Day

Meet at the canoe centre at 13.00 for information meeting. Transfer to the start point approx. 14.00.

OPTION 1: Start/End Käringsjövallen:

Your paddle adventure begins with a long carry of around 700m to a series of lakes known as the West Wings (you will do this carry in the other direction at the end of your tour). The path is well-marked and goes over stoney terrain with some boardwalks. There is a jetty ideal for launching your canoe.

To continue your tour deeper into the reserve requires a carry of around 500m to the lake at Tandsjön, followed by shorter stretches of paddling and carrying to reach the larger lake of Rogen. Alternatively, head east to explore the Perch Bays, a beautiful system of lakes offering marvellous paddling through small sections of rapids (normally max. grade 1) and flat water.

OPTION 2: Start/End Käringsjön:

You will launch directly from a small jetty. A series of shorter carries and a longer carry of 400m is required to reach Lake Rogen. Alternatively, take time to discover the many small tarns between Käringsjön and Rödviken to the south-east of Skedbro - a route involving a number of carries, one of which, around 500m over bog, is very challenging. This route is a fantastic experience offering many choices of overnight spot and beautiful paddling through a labyrinth of peninsulas and islands. This region also generally offers more sheltered weather than other areas.

OPTION 3: Käringsjön-Käringsjövallen (or vice versa):

NB: Depending on arrangements for local transfers for your start day, you may do this tour in the other direction, that is starting at Käringsjövallen and ending in Käringsjön. Information on the direction of your tour will be given on arrival.

As for Option 1/Option 2 above depending on direction of tour. We recommend minimum 5 days for this tour.

The Rest of the Tour

We recommend using the first days of your tour to explore the many bays of the lake system. There are one or two lean-to shelters in the area where you can spend the night and also make a fire. This is also an excellent area for pike and grayling fishing.

From here, your route will be dictated by the time available and weather conditions, perhaps taking you across Lake Rogen and through a series of islets to the very different landscape of the Bredå Lake area, or you may instead decide to leave your canoes and spend some days hiking in this beautiful region. There are number of options for peak hikes offering stunning views over the surrounding wilderness.

End Day

You will be met at the end point around 14.30-15.00 for transfer back to the canoe centre. You will be back in Funäsdalen in time for connections to night train departures.

Fishing in Rogen

The area in which this canoe tour takes place offers excellent fishing. Using fly-fishing or spin-fishing techniques, large trout, grayling and pike may be caught. Each year perch weighing more than 1.5 kg are caught. Fishing licences covering the areas in which you plan to paddle can be purchased from the canoe centre on arrival. Fishing equipment is available to hire as an optional extra.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Start/end days Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 15th June and 14th September* (latest start day 14th September). Recommended duration 4-8 days, but your tour can be of any duration provided your start and end days are a Monday, Wednesday or Friday. You can also choose to extend your tour to longer than 8 days for an additional charge.

*Note that if choosing a tour in the middle/latter part of September, you should be prepared for lower temperatures and the possibility of some early season snowfall.

You should choose your duration based on the length of time you wish to spend in the area rather than aiming to cover a particular distance or paddle a particular route. In general, it is not possible to judge the distance you will be able to cover and decide on the most appropriate route in advance. Some participants may take two days to reach Lake Rogen from Käringsjövallen, others may require just a few hours. During your canoe adventure you will need to take into account factors such as weather conditions, your level of fitness and experience, your varying energy levels and personal preferences, and must be prepared to be flexible and adapt your plans accordingly.

NB: Please note that, while there is a choice of possible durations for this experience, the number of days must be decided in advance at time of booking. If you change pick-up arrangements during your tour, you will incur additional charges for custom transfer. You must plan your tour to ensure that you are at the pick-up point at the agreed time.

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.

  • OPTION 1: Start/End Käringsjövallen:: Even-numbered groups (2, 4 persons, etc) £129/person for up to 8 days.
  • OPTION 2: Start/End Käringsjön: Even-numbered groups (2, 4 persons, etc) £165/person for up to 8 days.
  • OPTION 3: Käringsjön-Käringsjövallen (or vice versa): Even-numbered groups (2, 4 persons, etc) £155/person for up to 8 days.
  • Additional person for odd-numbered groups: £52 (regardless of tour duration)
  • Additional days (for tours longer than 8 days): £16/person/day.

For odd-numbered groups, the additional person will travel as part of a group of three in one canoe and receive an extra buoyancy aid and paddle. It is not possible for odd-numbered participants to paddle their own canoe due to the land transports involved in this tour.

Example total price for three persons choosing OPTION 1 (Start/End Käringsjövallen): 2 x £129 (up to 8 days) + extra person £52 = £310.

What The Price Includes

  • Accommodation: Accommodation is wild camping. There are also wind shelters at certain locations. If these are unoccupied, you are welcome to use these for overnight stays. Wind shelters are also the only locations at which you are permitted to light a fire. Wood is supplied.
  • Canoe equipment: Canadian canoe 2-3 persons, paddles, buoyancy aids.
  • Tour information: Information on route possibilities, local points of interest, facilities, security information, suggested day hikes, recommendations for overnight spots, etc, is provided.
  • Transfers: Return transfer from the canoe centre to the start/end point for the tour.

NB: 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

Map is essential for this tour - please see below.

  • Map/route description: The tour is self-guided and you will plan your own route based on available time, level of experience and fitness, and local weather conditions. The tour cannot be done without map, which should be purchased independently. The map required is Swedish Mountain Map Series Z59 Rogen 1:50,000. Maps can be purchased from www.themapshop.co.uk.
  • Food: There is no food included. You must bring all food needed during the tour with you from the beginning. There is a food store in Funäsdalen. There is one cabin within the reserve with a small provisions store. However, you should not rely on this for essential provisions as the cabin may not be open during your tour or stocks may be limited.

Optional Extras

Tent (standard quality)

Bergans of Norway tents are available to hire, in 2-person, 3-person or 4-person sizes. Please note that, like all tents rated for example 4 persons, the tents are most comfortable for 3 adults. However, you should bear in mind that a number of challenging land transports are required for this tour and weight carried should be kept to a minimum.

The tents have inner tent and mosquito netting. The majority of tents used are Bergans Compact and Compact Lite (image below shows Bergans Compact 3-person tent). Specific models cannot be reserved in advance - the model supplied will be the most suitable for your needs subject to availability.

  • 4 days: £49/tent
  • 5 days: £56/tent
  • Additional days: £7/tent/day
Bergans Compact tent

Tent (premium quality)

New for the 2012 season, Bergans Wiglo T4 4-person tents are also available.

  • 4 days: £89/tent
  • 5 days: £110/tent
  • Additional days: £11/tent/day
Bergans Wiglo T4 tent

Cooking Equipment

Trangia camping stove is available to hire (stove and utensils supplied may differ from those pictured below). Please note that fuel is not included. Fuel can be purchased from the canoe centre on arrival.

  • 4 days: £21/stove
  • Addtional days: £5/stove/day
Trangia

Fishing Equipment

Flies/lures are included.

  • 4 days: £21/rod
  • Additional days: £5/rod/day

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

Swimming ability required for all participants. All participation at own risk.

Minimum 2 adults required. The tour is suitable for active families with children aged 10 and over, provided your family has appropriate outdoor experience for a self-guided tour in a remote wilderness region. Families should bear in mind that long lifts and carries of equipment are required when canoeing in this area.

You should be in general good health and have a good level of fitness and strength.

Depending on the route chosen, this tour may involve stretches of whitewater, normally max. grade 1.

Safety

Rogen is an area of wilderness. There are no roads, no shops and no medical facilities. Contact details for local emergency services will be provided with your booking confirmation documentation.

While mobile reception may be possible at certain locations, you may not have reception for large parts of your tour. Emergency communications equipment is available at one cabin within the reserve.

To participate in this tour, it is therefore essential that you have experience of and are comfortable with travelling independently in a remote wilderness environment. This includes, but is not limited to, a practical working knowledge of:

  • Map-reading and navigation
  • First-aid and outdoor safety
  • Wild camping and hillcraft

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

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen is ideal for groups - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Rogen

The Rogen Nature Reserve is a wonderful area for wilderness canoeing - a very special moraine landscape of low mountains, ancient lichen-covered pines and a labyrinth of lakes, peninsulars, bays and islands.

The reserve was created in 1976 to preserve the unique natural heritage of this region. The highest point is Brattriet, at 1276m, with a number of other peaks between 1000m and 1200m.

Rogen is an important area for wildlife, including three of Sweden's largest and most fascinating predators - the brown bear, wolverine and lynx. Otters also inhabit the area and with luck you may see the majestic Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Buzzard circling over the landscape. In wintertime, Rogen is visited by Sweden's only population of musk ox.

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

You can choose to fly to Stockholm or Gothenburg airports. From here, you travel by night train + onward bus connection to Funäsdalen. You can also choose to fly to Oslo airports and travel by hire car (driving time 6-7 hours).

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train + bus connections to Funäsdalen or by car (driving time around 15 hours).

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