Description »
One of Sweden's top canoeing areas
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.
An extensive lake system to explore with minimum portages required
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. Depending on the route taken, a minimum of two lifts of 150m and 400m are normally required (a canoe trolley is provided).
*If you wish to use the locks, tickets can be purchased locally. You can also do short land transports as an alternative to using the locks. The locks are open from around early June to late August.
The Dalsland lake network is large with many possible routes, offering the flexibility to make your tour as relaxing or challenging as you wish. Photo: Greg Haigh.
Bear in mind of course that windy conditions can increase the level of challenge on larger lakes, so you should always be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly.
Locks linking a number of the lakes (open during the main summer season) offer a convenient alternative to land transports. Photo: David Hills.
The distance covered and route taken for your canoe tour is very flexible and can be varied depending on time available and your own energy levels/experience. The Dalsland lake system covers a wide area and includes both rural landscapes and more remote areas that can be accessed on longer tours.
There is a flexible network of camping spots with wind shelters, fireplaces with wood and outdoor toilets throughout the lake system. Photo: Serena Woods.
Choice of start and end combinations for maximum flexibility
There are two options for start/end point combinations. The minimum distance that must be covered for the standard circular route in Option 1 is around 70km, while the recommended route for Option 2 is a 30km section of the circular route. Either of these can be very flexible - there is no requirement to follow the suggested route and you can explore as much or as little of the Dalsland lake system as you wish in the time available.
Canoe, camping equipment and canoe trolley for transports are all included. Photo: David Hills.
These distances can be extended as much as you wish by planning your own detours or you can plan to take a completely different route to explore other parts of the lake system.
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.
- Option 1 - Start/end Bengtsfors: Bengtsfors is conveniently reached by public transport from Gothenburg and you can choose to add additional night(s) before and/or after your tour at hostel or hotel accommodation there as optional extras. From here, if you have 6-8 days you can follow the recommended circular route. For shorter tours, or if you prefer to explore a different part of the lake system, you can create your own route.
- Option 2 - Start Bengtsfors end Kråkviken (15km north of Bengtsfors): Normally chosen for tours of 4-5 days, but possible for longer tours also. You will normally do a subsection of the recommended longer circular route, but can also plan your own route. At Bengtsfors you can overnight in hostel or hotel before and/or after your tour if you wish. Your tour ends at Kråkviken, 15km north of Bengtsfors. From here you return to Bengtsfors either by transfer or, for an adventurous end to your trip, by railway cycle trolley (see under "Prices > Optional extras" for details).
The flexibility of the tour means it is equally suitable for a challenging tour for adults or an easy-going family adventure. Photo: Nathan King.
Network of overnight camping locations with fireplaces
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 fireplaces, where wood is provided for your use, located throughout the region. These are the only locations at which camping is permitted. The "nature card" required for camping is included in your tour, proceeds from which are used for the 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 normally travel three persons in one canoe (at reduced price). As an alternative, the additional person can travel in single kayak (available as optional extra). See under "Prices" for details.
...
Itinerary »
Arrival
Detailed information you will need for your experience, including a description of the route, is sent out once full payment has been received.
Possible start times are 09.00-18.00. Please let us know your preferred start time in advance.
Your tour begins directly from the canoe centre in Bengtsfors. Here you can shop for food before beginning your tour. If you wish overnight before your tour, hostel or hotel accommodation in Bengtsfors is available as an optional extra.
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.
Following Days
NB: These are suggested route options only. The Dalsland lake system is large and you are free to explore as much or as little of the area as you wish in the time available depending on your energy levels/ability and wind and weather conditions.
6-day, 7-day or 8-day tour:
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.
4-day or 5-day tour:
From Bengtsfors, you head south to Billingfors then up the long narrow lake of Svärdlång ending at Kråkviken. If you prefer (or during the season when the locks are closed) you can also paddle up the other side, up through Lelång lake to Gustavsfors before ending at Kråkviken.
Departure
Your tour ends either in Bengtsfors (Option 1) or at Kråkviken, 15km north of Bengtsfors (Option 2).
For Option 2 tours (end Kråkviken), you can travel back to Bengtsfors in one of two ways (see under "Prices > Optional extras" for details):
- Transfer (travel time approx. 15 mins).
- Railway cycle trolley (travel time approx. 2 hours): This is an unusual and fun activity to choose at the end of your trip. Personal luggage will be transported back to Bengtsfors while you take the cycle trolley.
At Bengtsfors, you return your canoe equipment and collect any left luggage before onward travel.
If you wish to overnight after your tour, hostel or hotel accommodation in Bengtsfors is available as an optional extra.
Dates & Prices»
Dates 2026
Season dates 1st May-30th September (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 from early-mid June to late August. For tours before or after these dates, the locks are closed and land transports need to be made (using the canoe trolley provided) at these points, which will add to the level of challenge for tours during this period.
Prices 2026
Prices are given for durations up to 10 days, but the Dalsland lake system is very large and is also suitable for longer tours. Please ask if you would like price information for tours longer than 10 days.
Prices include full camping and kitchen equipment.
- Start/end point: Please specify your chosen start/end points when booking (Option 1: Start/end Bengtsfors, or Option 2: Start Bengtsfors end Kråkviken - see under "Itinerary" for more information) and the duration of your tour.
- Option 2 tours (start Bengtsfors end Kråkviken): Either transfer or railway cycle trolley activity must be added to return from the end point to Bengtsfors. Time for transfer/trolley activity must be specified in advance.
- Single kayaks: Prices for single kayak apply for additional adult in odd-numbered group only. Subject to availability of kayaks, it is also possible for two or more persons to use single kayaks as alternative to 2-person canoes. Please contact us for details and prices.
| Standard Prices | |
|---|---|
| 4-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| 5-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| 6-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| 7-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| 8-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| 10-day tour | |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per adult | GBP |
| Even-numbered group (2 persons per canoe), per child under 13 | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional child under 13 in odd-numbered group as third person in canoe | GBP |
| Additional adult in odd-numbered group using single kayak | GBP |
| Optional Extras (see description below) | |
|---|---|
| Railway Cycle Trolley Kråkviken-Bengtsfors/person (Option 2 tours only) | GBP |
| Transfer Kråkviken-Bengtsfors/person (Option 2 tours only) | GBP |
| Extra tent (if required, any tour duration) | GBP |
| Hotel accommodation in Bengtsfors before/after tour | |
| Single room (per room/night) | GBP |
| 2-person room (per room/night) | GBP |
| Extra bed(s) in 2-person room (per person/night) | GBP |
| Supplement for en-suite WC/shower (per room/night) | GBP |
| Hostel accommodation in Bengtsfors before/after tour | |
| Single room (per room/night) | GBP |
| 2-person room (per room/night) | GBP |
| 3-person room (per room/night) | GBP |
| 4-person room (per room/night) | GBP |
| Bedding and towels (per person/stay) | GBP |
*NB: If staying both before and after your tour, please note that bedding and towels charge applies twice as fresh linen needs to be provided.
- Railway Cycle Trolley Kråkviken-Bengtsfors (Option 2 tours only): See image below. You will normally have one trolley per two adults, with one person cycling and the other as passenger. For Option 2 tours, you can choose to return to Bengtsfors by "railway cycle trolley". Price includes transfer of your luggage to Bengtsfors. Distance is around 15km. The trip takes approx. two hours and passes through an attractive landscape of forest and lakes.
Railway cycle trolley
- Transfer Kråkviken-Bengtsfors (Option 2 tours only): If you have chosen to end your tour at Kråviken and have not chosen the optional railway cycle trolley activity, transfer must be added to return to Bengtsfors. Transfer time must be arranged in advance (possible between 09.00 and 18.00 subject to availability).
- Extra tent: Tents included are suitable for 2-3 persons. As standard, person in odd-numbered group will share tent with other participants. Extra tent(s) are available to hire as optional extra if, for example, odd-numbered person in a group requires single occupancy.
- Fishing licence: If you wish to fish during your tour, fishing licence can be purchased locally on arrival at the canoe centre in Bengtsfors. Price 50 SEK (about £5)/day. Please bring own fishing equipment.
- Accommodation before/after tour: It is a convenient option to add an extra night in Bengtsfors before and/or after your tour for a more relaxing start/end to your trip:
- Hotel (in Bengtsfors): See image below. Includes breakfast and bed linen/towels. Standard rooms have shared WC/shower. Optional upgrade to en-suite WC/shower.
- Hostel (in Bengtsfors): See image below. Rooms for 1-4 persons. No bunk beds. Self-catering facilities available. Shared WC/shower. Bedding and towels are not included and should be added for each person. Breakfast available to purchase locally.
Hotel accommodation in Bengtsfors
Hostel accommodation in Bengtsfors
What's Included »
Included
NB: Persons choosing single kayak as additional person in odd-numbered group will share tent and kitchen equipment with other members of the group - extra tent/kitchen equipment is not included in the price of this option.
- Canoe equipment: 2 or 3-person Canadian canoe, paddles (wooden), buoyancy aids, 2 x pack barrels, canoe trolley. Canoes are normally aluminium Linder 525s (canoes used are the same whether paddling as two or three persons - as three persons, extra buoyancy aid and paddle is provided). For guests using single kayaks, kayaks are normally Hasle Explorer or Boreal Design.
- Kitchen equipment: Trangia-style hurricane stove* with one litre methylated spirit (additional fuel can be purchased along the route if required). NB: Please bring own camping plate/mug/cutlery.
- Camping equipment: Tent (suitable for up to 3 persons, normally dome tents), sleeping bag package (2-season sleeping bag, liner and foam mat), tarpaulin.
- Other: Set of two maps; "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.
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.
- Camping stove and fuel are included, but please bring own camping plate/mug/cutlery.
- Food: You should purchase supplies for your tour in Bengtsfors before departure. There are also opportunities to re-supply along the route.
- For persons choosing kayak (normally additional person in odd-numbered group), extra tent/kitchen equipment is not included in the standard price. If you require additional tent/cooking stove, please contact us for details.
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
Swimming ability required by all participants. 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 (during low season when the locks are closed, land transports will add to the level of challenge - a canoe trolley is provided to assist with these). 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.
What makes this "Medium"?
Distance covered and level of challenge is flexible. The route can be varied to take in more rural areas with access to shops, etc, or more remote parts of the lake system. There is a network of designated camping spots with firewood provided. However, as a lake tour, in windy conditions paddling can be demanding and the water choppy.
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.
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:
- Sea Kayaking Skills Camp in Bohuslän (4 or more days, 1.5 hours by bus)
- Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän (3-6 days, 1.5 hours by bus)
Groups
This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Eco Info
This provider has a written environmental policy.
Getting There »
Getting There
See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!
Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.
Travel Summary:
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).
Without Flying:
Ferry Dover-Dunkirk or Newcastle-Amsterdam for onward connections to Bengtsfors.
Where Is It...?
Reviews »
You can also see customer photos from this experience in the Nature Travels Facebook Gallery.
Media Coverage:
"Accommodation each night is under the stars with wild camping spots and fireplaces adding a touch of Bear Grylls to the proceedings." The Guardian recommends Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District as one of its "Top 10 Activity Holidays in Europe".
"An hour's drive north of Gothenburg, Dalsland is a region of deep forests and glittering lakes, perfect for a wilderness adventure." The Guardian recommends Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District as one of its top Diamond Jubilee Weekend escapes.
"North of Gothenburg, Dalsland is known as Sweden's Lake District." The Financial Times recommends Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District in its "Go With The Flow" feature on canoeing with families.
Customer Reviews:
"The whole experience was brilliant and I think we did it perfectly (for us) by splitting the trip between canoeing, the Log Cabin and the City break. Nature Travels' local knowledge about our intended trip was priceless and the response to questions we had were answered immediately. It really felt as though they cared about our experience." Graham, who combined his canoe tour with Lakeside Cabin Retreat in Värmland, August 2025
"This trip was great fun, offered a new challenge and was excellent value for money. We are hoping to do another next year! We really loved the wild camping opportunities and the level of peace and quiet we experienced." Andrea, August 2025
"Fantastic experience of 'being away from it all', wild camping in nature." Christiaan, August 2025
"What an amazing trip my father and I had this week. It was truly magical. The scenery, the lakes, the campsites, the weather...Thank you for arranging such a superlative heavy trip!! Dad and I had plenty of time to chat about where you'll take us next year!!" Dan
"Pre-departure service was excellent. The highlights were the scenery and the wildlife. We enjoyed hearing and watching all the bird life, including the haunting call of the black-throated diver." Susan
"Brilliant experience. Memories of a lifetime. The highlights were the scenery and friendliness of the people. Pre-departure communication was excellent." Andrew
"This is a great holiday to look back on. The team was incredibly responsive throughout the process, providing timely and helpful information that made a significant difference. Your assistance in sorting everything out was invaluable. Overall, our experience was seamless, and we truly appreciate all the effort your team put in to ensure we had a memorable trip. Thank you for your excellent service!" Clementine
"This was the most incredible holiday we have ever done. We felt it soothed our souls, recharged us and left us so so refreshed. The support we received from the local hosts out there was second to none, we are already looking at similar trips for next year! I have been singing your praises to anyone who will listen and sending the info around. Thank you so so much. We really needed this break into nature." Amy
"Thanks for another great trip out to Sweden. A magical place. Looking forward to the next time!" Mel
"Another epic Sweden canoe adventure. The last of three father and son trips with the boys. Amazing memories and experiences. Just wanted to say thanks for the assistance with these trips. The first was in 2017, then 2023 then this last one in 2024. Three sons - three trips planned with you guys. Thanks for the memories." Nathan
"You offered the right experience for the ages of our kids, and the perfect amount of time, too. We enjoyed switching off and just enjoying nature, the freedom to explore in our canoe, and not to be restricted where we wanted to camp." Rochelle
"The best part was the general feeling of remoteness, especially as May was a quiet time of year. Excellent bird life." Matt
"Thank you so much for everything you did in helping us plan our trip. I simply cannot fault anything throughout the process, from my initial enquiry to completing the trip...the whole process is seamless, it was easy to book, and your personal knowledge and advice was invaluable. We will 100% be using Nature Travels again in the future. Going in May meant that there were not many other activities going on, so we rarely saw another group during the whole period. The communication from the outset was excellent, and level of information I received was always timely and detailed." Dave
"We loved everything! We loved the peace. The wild camping. The vastness. But we also loved the little town of Bengstfors and the hotel. We had the best time. The whole trip went so smoothly so thank you very much. It was a wonderful experience to completely clear your head of anything but what was in front of you. I hope to do more trips with you in the future. Even your details of the public transport were so accurate and made everything simple. Can’t thank you enough for giving us the possibility to see Sweden like that." Mel
"Our trip in the Dalsland lakes was a great adventure, thanks for the assistance in organising. That's my second trip with my second son. I have one more to go so will be in touch again to organise." Nathan
"Lots of good information. Wild camping, gorgeous scenery, flexibility to go as far as we wanted." Jane
"Our 4th time with this brilliant company. Excellent information, personal and prompt service, really friendly, competitively priced. Just an overall seamless booking experience. Website is clear and informative, and all email correspondence with further information was prompt and helpful. Another great holiday (appreciated even more after the restrictions of the last few years). Keep doing what you do! [We really enjoyed] the freedom to make our own adventure. The peace, solitude and beautiful lakes and scenery. Paddling for hours in amazing sunshine and perfect canoeing conditions. Stopping to make camp each evening alone on little islands, beaches and headlands. Cooking over an open fire as the sun (never quite) set. Swimming in the lakes. Watching the wildlife." Serena
"It was magical. The camping, the silence, the freedom, the beauty of the country." Rianne
"Well...we had an AMAZING time!!! Sweden was phenomenal!!! Thanks so much for your help in sorting us out for our holiday." Andy
"Simple, well laid-out website with clear trip info. [The best part was] being out in the wilderness alone." Thomas
"We had an amazing time on the water in Dalsland, a stunning place with astounding islands, we found our own "smultronställe" [special places] several times on our journey. We wanted to sincerely thank you and the team for helping to make this happen for us, especially as you kept our holiday alive during the dark days of the pandemic. Excellent work and well done!" Adam
"The best part was camping on beautiful places with no-one else around." Uli
"Thank you for your help and support of our Gold DofE group. All worked well. Questions were answered promptly by email or phone. [The best parts were] the feeling of remoteness and the quietness of the area, also how clean the area was." Kevin
"The information given beforehand was very helpful, as well as the service provided with all the questions we had. We loved being outdoor and seeing different parts of the Dalsland Lakes. All of our equipment was good enough to keep us going for the week. The sight were incredible and the weather could not have been more perfect. We had a lovely holiday and enjoyed being outdoors. Thank you so much for the experience and useful help provided to us before the trip! [I chose Nature Travels because] great quality for the price, and seemed trustworthy/knowledgeable for outdoor travel in the Nordic countries." Xander
"[I chose Nature Travels] because of the good pricing, and all of the information I got." Jorden
"Great information, and all my questions were answered. [The best part was] being in nature without a lot of people. But meeting some people to talk to and share a fire. Just life without the pressure of time, the bustle of the city and looking out for people who want bad things, the fear of not seeing everything and missing out. Taking a step back and enjoying clean air, nice people and a good workout. Back to nature, back to basics." Kim
"Good, precious experience. Freedom of lots of campsites to choose from." Caitlin
"Matt and I loved our trip. I wanted to say thank you for the organisation - we will definitely be looking to do something similar in the near future!" Will
"Everything was very well-documented and we were therefore very well-prepared. The website is great, the images speak for themselves and the reviews of previous travelers really help to get well-informed. Even though it was very chilly during the first days of the season (early May), we had the lakes for ourselves and had a great time. Due to some wind and waves, we encountered a small challenge with our canoe being fully filled with water. However, the resulting unplanned spot where we camped overnight gave us the best view on stars across the sky. Overall a great experience." Robert
"Location lovely, we saw beavers! And heard a moose! Lots of well-maintained campsites. Beautiful scenery." Jenny
"The trip was really good and the guys at the canoe centre could not have been better - they were very accommodating with all our requests. Very impressed." James, school group
"[The best part was] being outdoors in beautiful nature with friends." Lucy
"The whole area was very quiet and not too many people. The weather was perfect too! It was fantastic." Rachel
"The scale of the location in which our group paddled was amazing, wild campsites were excellent, transport in Sweden outstanding and the assistance available from local people a real pleasure to experience." John
"[The highlight was] the nature, it seemed like we were alone in the world." Haike
"We loved every part of our trip. The service and into was quick and useful. We'd love to book with you again in the future." Beatriz
"The information was really useful and reassuring that everything was taken care of. The services provided where really good. The information was really useful. The experience level was rightly chosen. We were able to adjust our plans during the trip if we wanted to because we were well-informed beforehand. Good informative website and good service before the booking process." Anouk
"We had an amazing time on our recent trip to Dalsland. We'd not done much canoeing before (read that as single digit hours), certainly not mixed canoeing and camping like we have done for the past week. We were fairly blessed with the weather and not a single mosquito bite! We'd like to thank you for all your help and support before the trip, your advice was invaluabl and if you could pass on our thanks to our local host for us, as absolutely nothing was too much trouble for him and his upbeat, jovial personality certainly added to our experience. We are sure we'll be back booking with you in the near future and a sea kayak trip now looks like it's on the cards! We will certainly recommend Nature Travels to all our friends and colleagues who have followed our adventure on Facebook." Greg
"An excellent trip. Service provided when choosing which trip to take was very good. We had an excellent time. Thanks to you and your colleagues for your advice prior to departure. I'm sure we will be returning." Andy
"Excellent service and very helpful team on site at Sweden best part of the trip was first day heading out into the unknown. From my first enquiry experience it was easy to do business with Nature Travels makes planning easy they handle all the organisation. Overall your service was excellent and I will be using you guys again to book more adventures next year. Thanks for everything!!" Rob
"Chris and I had a great trip in Sweden’s Dalsland. Our paddle was on Lelång, Foxen and Stora Le, with an extra bit into Store Le, Norway. Our mileage was close to 200km but we were not racing. On our way we saw beavers, lots of their lodges and plenty of their felled trees. Ospreys in courtship mode. A great many Black Throated Divers (Loons). A Golden Plover on the shore of Lelang. Goosanders some with chicks. A female Goldeneye Duck with a duckling. Great Spotted Woodpecker. Several Common Cranes feeding in a field between Ed and Bengtsfors. Other findings included flowers some of which I had not seen before, Sticky Flycatcher (Silene viscaria) and few others yet to be identified. Thank you for a great opportunity." Doug
"Nothing to improve, communication was very detailed and lots of information provided. When the weather was right some parts of the trip were really beautiful, scenic and atmospheric. Camping on our own island in the middle of the lake was an amazing experience, and it felt like a real achievement when we arrived at the end! Thanks so much, we all had an experience that we'll never forget! Value for money, experience offered was very unique, very useful website." Sam
"When you arrive at the place your canoe is all ready. There is a really nice chap there and he says "that way is north and that way is south" - it's quite exciting. Just really helpful and kind. Generally the whole experience was magical. Once or twice we were a bit pushed when the water was rough." Andrew
"We had a great time, traveled three lakes. We particularly liked Östra Silen and the island hopping we did there. Had great weather with only a few days where it rained and hardly saw another soul for the entire week." Nathan
"In short it was fantastic!" Johnathan
"Sandy and I had an amazing time canoeing in Dalsland in September. We know that we were extremely fortunate to have such great weather, as we had one windy day, no rain at all after that first day, and we enjoyed near-constant sunshine. The lakes were warm for swimming and the fishing was better than expected too. Christer set us up without fuss at Bengtsfors, and we set off paddling from just outside the hotel. Our only plan was to meet him a week later at an agreed place. So we had total freedom to enjoy the lake system. Using the wind breaks for sleeping we put up the tent only once. Our journey took us across four major lakes. For my son and I this was an unforgettable experience. The only downsides are two-fold: firstly that I must now buy a canoe for use back home in Scotland and, secondly, deciding which trip to do next year with my other son as a special time together to mark his tenth birthday. As you may remember, we had a hiccup with our initial plans, but I am so glad that we persevered and did this. I was unsure what to expect in Dalsland. It was far wilder than I had imagined, and being out of season we had a lot of pleasant solitude. We saw capercaillie, red squirrels, ospreys, loons and had a long view of a pine marten. I could happily have spent a whole month exploring the wider regions possibly reaching into Norway one day I hope. Many thanks to you all for the arrangements. Hope to be in touch soon about a booking for next year." Magnus
"All in all a fantastic trip, a beautiful country and a brilliant experience! Yours was the clearest website and explained everything very clearly!" Paul
"You were all really helpful! Getting so close to nature and being far away from towns and people was lovely. It was great having the freedom to do our own thing, but also some advice about how to plan our route so we got the most out of it. The package had everything we needed and was more affordable than the other options I looked at." Lelia
"I found it the best value for money and it was one of the first options that I found. The wild camping was a real draw, it just ticked a lot of the boxes. Our first night's stop we found the nicest a hut to stay in, the weather was perfect and we had a good fire going to just take the edge off the eve. The paddling was great until the wind got fierce." Abigail
"Dalsland and is a really pretty location with many remote campsites and islands." Philip
"Bufjorden Lake was really beautiful and tranquil. Camping near that lake was the best." Bram
"[The canoe tour had] beautiful scenery and helpful/friendly staff." Katherine
"Hard to pick out just one aspect! From a comprehensive website and booking process, to easy and relaxing travelling in Sweden, to the warmth of the people we met, the fabulous canoeing with outstanding scenery, peace, quiet, sunshine, lake swimming, wildlife, campfires, sunsets and a sensation of having the whole area just to ourselves. It was a fantastic trip and one we wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking some adventure and fun. We had a brilliant trip and will recommend your company to others." Serena
"I felt very reassured and kept informed. Hopefully next year we will book another experience in Finland. Was happy with all the booking process. [The best part was] the beautiful landscape and freedom. It was a great challenge also as our goal was to travel 5-7 hours a day." Nick6
"It was a great canoe trip, that met all our expectations and we had an overall really great time." Ken
"Love the lakes and the vast amount of trees, beautiful scenery. The lakes (when not windy) were beautifully calm." Nigel
"The beauty of the countryside as well as how empty it was. We thought it was a real bonus going just off-season because we had whole islands and campsites to ourselves which added to the feeling of escape." Helen
"Weather was fantastic. Very relaxing. Excellent family time with teenagers." Jackie
"Great communication and answered all my questions quickly. I felt it easy to deal with Nature Travels and they were very informative of the local area. The guys seemed knowledgeable and everything was as described. Thank you for a great trip, making amendments to the group and generally being a nice company to deal with. And very good employees." Daryll
"Absolutely fantastic - demanding, challenging and rewarding." Name not supplied
"Second time with you guys and it was as easy as the first. Local info about Midsummer was very useful, thanks." Nick
"We had a really great time with the canoeing in Dalsland and everyone was helpful." Katherine
"Overall, the experience has been great.I enjoyed the freedom and flexibility to choose a route. I would like to thank you on behalf of the students and staff for all the hard work that you put in to making our expedition a success. I will certainly be looking to use Nature Travels for our overseas expeditions in the future." James, school group
"[Booking process] was excellent. I booked at the last minute and Linda went above and beyond to make sure I had the paperwork needed for my trip! It was an amazing experience. The landscape was amazing and the sunsets were beautiful. It definitely exceeded both our expectations." Sam
"Perfect weather, good company, great region for canoeing with lots of interesting things along the way. Thanks for the good communication leading up to the trip. Nothing was too much trouble for you to help with." David
"The location - it was a lovely friendly wilderness, didn't see people some days, always had a camp location to ourselves. Thanks for a great trip." Fay
"The whole experience really - the paddling trip was superb: wonderful paddling, cracking camps, the beautiful scenery/environment/trees, sunsets, the beavers (2 evenings of close-up beaver-watching)/the divers, the fantastic lake swimming, the exercise, the lack of insect life (mozzies/ midges)and the weather was good after an initial wet couple of days. Also liked the flexibility/freedom the holiday offered - we went around the route the other way than suggested, had 2 nights at the one camp, and took an extra day/night through a lock to another lake system. All 4 of us (incl. two teenage daughters) would very happily go for a similar holiday again - something for everyone. Overall a great family holiday, helped by pretty good weather and (very surprisingly) few mozzies. Have recommended to many folk already!" Rory
"[We really enjoyed] the unspoilt beauty of the area and working and playing together as a family. The girls loved making camp fires in the evening." Sara
"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
...
"This trip was great fun, offered a new challenge and was excellent value for money. We are hoping to do another next year! We really loved the wild camping opportunities and the level of peace and quiet we experienced." Andrea, August 2025
Recommended by The Guardian as one of its "Top 10 Activity Holidays in Europe".
Videos »
