Distance: approx. 22 km, 4–6 hours (plan for a full day)
Difficulty: 5/5 – for experienced paddlers who can do an assisted rescue
Start and finish: our jetty on Långholmen, central Stockholm

Paddling around Djurgården is a stunning tour with a bit of everything. It is a day trip, so allow at least 5–6 hours. You should have paddled quite a lot before, know how to do an assisted rescue and paddle with someone who is also experienced – there are long stretches without natural places to land and empty the kayak if you capsize.

Highlights: the adrenaline of crossing the shipping lane at Stadsgårdskajen, the calm of the Djurgårdsbrunn Canal, the view of Strandvägen and Skeppsholmen – and the screams from the roller coaster as you pass the Gröna Lund amusement park.

The route step by step

To the Hammarby lock

Start from our jetty, paddle under Långholmsbron and turn left past Hornstull Strand and Liljeholmsbron. Continue past Tantolunden park, past boat clubs, bridges and the leafy Årsta islets (the same way as around Årstaviken).

Through the lock

At Skanstullsbron and the Hammarby lock (Hammarbyslussen), wait for your turn. When the gates open, paddle in, keep to one side and hold one of the ropes hanging along the walls. Wait until the lock is done, then paddle out through the Hammarby Canal.

Across the shipping lane at Stadsgården

At Stadsgårdskajen, pick the right moment to cross the shipping lane. Make sure no Baltic ferries or other large ships are coming, then cross briskly where the lane is narrowest.

Along Djurgården and through the canal

On the Djurgården side, follow the shore on your left. There are a few jetties where you can stretch your legs – they are over 60 cm high and a bit tricky to climb onto. After rounding the eastern tip of Djurgården, enjoy a calmer stretch through the Djurgårdsbrunn Canal.

Strandvägen, Gröna Lund and home

After a couple of kilometres you reach Djurgårdsbron, Strandvägen and the view towards Skeppsholmen – have your camera ready. Continue past Gröna Lund (watch out for the Djurgården ferries!), towards the Hammarby Canal, back through the lock and home to Långholmen.

Safety on this route

• Never paddle this route alone, and practise rescue techniques beforehand.
• Cross shipping lanes together, straight and fast – large ships and ferries can hardly see or avoid kayaks.
• Check wind and weather before you leave. Our rental staff are happy to advise on the day’s conditions.
• Not experienced enough? Start with Årstaviken or Kungsholmen – or see the city with a guide on a guided kayak tour in English.

Rent a kayak on Långholmen

Rent a kayak for a full day and see our rental prices. Kayak, life jacket, paddle, spray deck and map are always included. We are on Långholmen by the Pålsund Canal – nearest address Alstaviksvägen 3, nearest metro Hornstull.