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See also: When to go kayaking | Kayaking FAQs
Sea Kayaking in Sweden, Finland & Norway - beautiful archipelago and fjord landscapes waiting to be explored
Where are they?...
- 1. Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän
- 2. Sea Kayaking Camp in Bohuslän
- 3. West Coast Kayaking Adventures
- 4. Discover Sea Kayaking in St. Anna and Gryt
- 5. Stockholm Archipelago Self-guided Kayak Explorer
- 6. Canoe or Kayak in Linnansaari National Park
- 7. Self-guided Sea Kayaking in the Helsinki Archipelago
- 8. Weekend Sea Kayaking in the Helsinki Archipelago
- 9. Self-guided Kayaking in Lysefjord
Why are Sweden, Finland and Norway good destinations for sea kayaking?
Sweden is perhaps not the first country that springs to most people's minds when considering a sea kayaking holiday, but with 2000 miles of coastline
and with archipelagos along both the western and eastern coastlines, including 24,000 islands (or 50,000 depending on how you count) easily reachable
from the capital Stockholm, plus the wonderful freedoms for wild camping afforded by the Right of Pubic Access, Sweden makes a fantastic destination for kayak tours.
Finland offers similiar possibilities, with the country's archipelagos containing around 40,000 islands in total!
Norway's dramatic fjord landscapes offer a very different setting for a kayak adventure as well as the option to easily include some dramatic hikes as part of your tour.
Discover Sea Kayaking in St. Anna and Gryt. Photo: C Swanson.
How are the east and west coast archipelagos in Sweden different?
The east and west coast archipelago areas in which our kayak tours in Sweden take place have their own special attraction. Sweden's west coast archipelago is typically more rocky
and less forested, with lovely rock colours and formations.
The Stockholm Archipelago has heavily forested islands in the inner archipelago becoming
more open and rocky as you move outwards, while the St. Anna region to the south of Stockholm is renowned for its picturesque islands and is
one of Sweden's premier sea kayaking regions.
Stockholm Archipelago Self-guided Kayak Explorer. Photo: HK.
In all cases you are travelling in a coastal landscape, so will pass coastal villages, some summer houses, etc. The nature of the areas and of sea
kayaking means that you have a fair amount of flexibility in terms of the route taken and distance covered. For tours featuring wild camping,
you will choose your own camping spots each night, very possibly on your own private island!
Do you also offer kayak tours in inland landscapes?
Finland also offers endless possibilities for both coastal and inland paddle tours through its extensive archipelago and lake network. We currently offer sea kayaking in the Sipoo archipelago area to the of Helsinki, and for our tours in the Linnansaari National Park it is possible to choose kayaks as an alternative to canoes to explore the lovely Saimaa lake region.
What experience do I need for a sea kayaking holiday?
Nature Travels offers a range of both guided and self-guided sea kayaking holidays. A guided tour is ideal for solo travellers, couples or small
groups of friends, for those with limited experience or for more competent paddlers who appreciate the extra dimension an experienced and knowledgeable
local guide can bring to the trip. Novices will find that, as a well as offering a more secure environment for your paddle adventure, a guided
tour is also a wonderful introduction to sea kayaking in itself.
Sea Kayaking Camp in Bohuslän. Photo: UB.
While self-guided tours are not intended as training courses, you will be given instruction
in paddle technique and safety before setting off and have the chance to pick up plenty of tips and guidance along the way. You should find that
both your technique and confidence quickly improves.
A number of our tours also feature optional instruction before the tour begins, which is an excellent way to refresh or learn new skills before setting off.
Both single and double kayaks are available on most tours - please specify in advance which you would prefer. Double kayaks (K2s) are the most stable
option and are ideal for beginners or those with less confidence, or for those who would like a partner to share the paddling with!
Compare All Self-guided Kayak Tours
Self-guided sea kayaking is suitable for those with greater confidence on the water or who enjoy the flexibility to explore at their own pace and
create their own adventure each day. For some tours, introductory courses can be added to develop your skills before you begin.
On Sweden's west coast, this is a flexible tour with start days by arrangement between May and September. You can choose durations of 3-7 days, with a choice of two main areas for your tour depending on your level of experience and the coastal region you wish to explore. Whichever option you choose, there is plenty of opportunity to extend the distance and vary your route depending on wind and weather conditions and your own experience/energy levels.
Camping and kitchen equipment is available to hire as
an optional extra and the experience can be conveniently combined with a day or two in Gothenburg. Previous
kayaking experience is not essential (except for Option 2 tours), but we recommend choosing the optional 1-day introductory course if you have not paddled before or with
to improve your skills and confidence before beginning your trip.
Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän. Photo: Nature Travels.
Sweden's east coast archipelago also offers world-class paddling. Closest to Stockholm, this is a very flexible option easily accessible from the city, exploring a Middle Archipelago with flexible durations of 3 or more days.
As with all self-guided kayak tours, there is the option to make the tour as challenging or accessible as you wish, from an easy-going and relaxing few days to a more challenging adventure!
A little to the south of Stockholm, is a 3-day tour based on cabin, guest house, tree tent or standard tent accommodation, which can be easily extended with additional nights in
the same accommodation and/or, for the cabin and guest house options, extra nights wild camping.
As some options feature day kayak
tours from a fixed base, this tour offers a great deal of flexibility to vary the distance covered and level of challenge and can therefore suitable
for novices and families (min. age 7) as well as for more experienced kayakers seeking a higher level of challenge.
Starting just 30 minutes from Helsinki, this tour is a very flexible option to explore hundreds of islands for any duration 2 or more days. The optional day instruction course is recommended for novices and gives you the skills and confidence to make the most of your paddle adventure among the sheltered islands. More experienced paddlers can choose longer durations and explore further afield.
Self-guided Sea Kayaking in the Helsinki Archipelago. Photo: NV.
For an option for kayaking in Finland in an inland setting, located in the east in part of the vast Saimaa lake system, offers wonderful possibilities. Beginning with accommodation in eco-studio, the tour has flexible duration with 4 or more days' paddling exploring the beautiful Linnansaari National Park with an option to also include Kolovesi National Park. Both double and single kayaks are available as an alternative option to using 2-person Canadian canoes.
Norway's stunning mountains and dramatic fjords are an enduring attraction for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. For kayaking, Lysefjord is an excellent option for paddlers with experience and also offers the possibility to do some classic hikes during your trip, including ascents of Pulpit Rock and Kjerag.
Compared to archipelago tours in Sweden and Finland, conditions when paddling in a fjord landscape can be much more challenging, with the potential for strong winds and waves and more limited options to land ashore. These tours are therefore suitable only for experienced kayakers confident in a range of conditions and proficient in rescue techniques - but if this you, then an unforgettable adventure awaits!
Compare All Guided Kayak Tours
We offer options for guided sea kayaking in the beautiful archipelagos of Sweden's west coast and just outside Helsinki in Finland.
On Sweden's west coast, this tour begins with a core itinerary with accommodation in hostel or hotel and featuring instruction day plus two guided day tours. There are then a number of extensions possible, including additional instruction, a guided multi-day tour with wild camping and a multi-activity option including mountain biking and climbing.
For a stand-alone option for guided kayaking in the Bohsulän area, this tour features a choice of four 3-day/2-night itineraries exploring the Koster National Park, Fjällbacka, Orust or Havstenssund archipelago areas. These tours also offer a great opportunity to develop your paddling skills with information instruction and guidance along the way.
West Coast Kayaking Adventures. Photo: UB.
Taking place just outside Helsinki in Finland, this tour offers a guided and very accessible alternative to the self-guided tour in that area. Scheduled dates are 2 days/1 night offered Saturday-Sunday, making it ideal for a weekend break in combination with some time in beautiful Helsinki, or for groups of min. 4 persons, private guided tours of longer durations are also possible on request.
