A long coastline with unique archipelagos

Sweden is lucky. Its coastline runs along the south, east and west – about 2,500 km from Svinesund on the Norwegian border to Haparanda on the Finnish border, and many times longer if you count every bay and headland. Along the coast are some of the world’s largest and most beautiful archipelagos. Apart from parts of the Stockholm and Gothenburg archipelagos, large areas are undeveloped and open to visitors. Avoid July and you can travel surprisingly undisturbed – and by kayak you can reach practically every part of the coast.

The kayak – a superb way to travel

The kayak comes from Greenland, where hunters used it as early as the Viking Age, and it remained vital for survival well into modern times. The first documented Swedish kayak was built in 1882 by Carl Smith, and canoeing has a long tradition in Sweden. Today more and more people take up kayak touring: travelling by kayak – or by canoe on calm water – for the nature experience, on a day trip or a multi-day trip camping in the wild. The Swedish right of public access (allemansrätten) gives you great freedom along the coast, but everyone has to respect it.

Plan your trip

Plan ahead. Will you bring your own kayak or rent one? If you are in Stockholm, rent a kayak from us on Långholmen for a day on the city’s waters, or join a guided kayak tour in English. Along the coast and on the large lakes there are many local rental companies that can advise on routes, rest stops and campsites. If you have your own kayak, an inflatable kayak is easy to take by car, train or ferry, while a sea kayak with large hatches holds the most gear. If you don’t finish where you started, arrange transport back. And check the forecast for the whole trip – the weather, and especially the wind, decides whether the trip succeeds or is even possible.

Tips for a weekend trip

• Feel safe in your kayak. Choose a kayak you are comfortable in. If you are inexperienced, pick one built for stability.
• Get comfortable before you start. Seat and backrest are hard to adjust on the water, so set the backrest and rudder on land. A seat pad can help with numb feet, and stretching your fingers regularly prevents numb hands.
• Bring a map and compass. Make sure you, or someone in the group, has a map of the area and a compass you know how to use, and keep track of where you are. Read our guide to kayak navigation.
• Right clothes and enough water. What you paddle in will get wet, so pack dry clothes and change when you go ashore. A windproof jacket and a sun hat are important. Bring enough drinking water – it is often scarce in the archipelago – and drink regularly. See our checklist before your kayak trip.
• Choose a dome tent. A free-standing dome tent needs no pegs and works on bare rock. Weigh it down or guy it out so it doesn’t blow away when empty.
• Avoid shipping lanes. In the boating season, avoid marked channels as far as possible – traffic can be heavy and kayaks are hard to see. If you must follow a channel, stay just outside it.
• Pack smart. Touring kayaks are designed to be loaded: the weight lowers the centre of gravity, making the kayak more stable. Pack what you need last in the evening deepest inside, and what you need during the day within reach. Water, rain gear, a hat and snacks belong in the cockpit. On the rear deck you can carry an extra dry bag, a spare paddle and rescue gear such as a pump and paddle float, all secured under the deck lines. But bulky items on the rear deck make it harder to get back in after a capsize and catch wind and waves.
• Use a paddle leash. With a paddle leash you just pull the line if you drop your paddle. Without a paddle you are in serious trouble.
• Grab loop out. The grab loop on your spray deck must face outwards so you can release it if you capsize.

With a dome tent you can easily camp on smooth rock right by the water.

The right of public access

The Swedish right of public access lets you use almost all Swedish waters. You may go ashore, rest, swim and camp for a night, as long as you don’t disturb or destroy. The freedom requires responsibility, consideration and common sense: don’t disturb – don’t destroy.

• Respect the birds. Watch the birds and avoid resting or camping close to nests. Bird sanctuaries are protected at certain times of the year, when landing – and sometimes even getting close – is forbidden. Signs show the rules, and the periods vary from place to place.
• Check nature reserve rules. In some reserves access is restricted, while others are set aside for outdoor recreation and allow camping. The rules are on signs and on the website of the relevant county administrative board (länsstyrelsen). In nature reserves you can usually camp for two nights unless stated otherwise.
• Camp considerately. You may usually camp for a night as long as you don’t disturb residents or damage the ground. If there are houses nearby, ask first – especially in a group.
• Toilets and litter. Use toilets where available; otherwise dig a hole and cover it well. Take all your litter with you. Never leave bags next to a full bin – animals will spread the contents.
• Fires. Fire bans are common in summer; otherwise fires are allowed with great care. Small camping stoves are usually allowed. Put fires out completely and never light one directly on bare rock, which can crack.
• On land. When carrying your kayak, don’t cross private gardens or fragile ground.
• Fishing. Fishing with rod and hand tackle is generally free along the Swedish Baltic coast.

Find inspiration in our favourite kayaking spots in Sweden and our packing list for kayak touring.