Outdoors
Stockholm Archipelago Paddle
You paddle a loop through the sheltered inner archipelago around the islands of Hjälmö and Lådna, with three open crossings of no more than 567 m, camping on rocky islets or staying in hostels. It is the trail's most sheltered stage and is easy to shorten.
- Where
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Distance
- 41.6 km loop
- Time
- 3 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
The route
Sollenkroka loop (stage 1 of the Stockholm Kayak Trail).
Start at Sollenkroka, where Get Out Kayak hires kayaks and camping gear. You can reach it on SL buses from Stockholm with changes.
When to go
Most people paddle from late spring to early autumn, with high season in summer; the water stays cold all year.
Permits and fees
No permit is needed. The right of public access lets you camp for one or two nights on land that is not private, using designated camping spots where possible. Bird protection areas have access restrictions, usually from early February to mid-August.
Before you go
- Beginners should take an introductory course or a guided tour first, as the trail organisers advise.
- Carry 2-3 litres of drinking water per person per day; the sea is brackish and island services are limited.
- Plan crossings for the morning, as the wind often picks up in the afternoon.
- Download the free 1:50,000 map sheet for Sollenkroka from the trail website.
What to bring
- A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
- A dry bag for your phone and keys
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A warm layer, even on a hot day
- Camping, cooking and navigation kit for every night, or check exactly what your operator provides
Getting ready for it
Several days in a row with a loaded pack or boat is a different kind of tired from one long day.
Do at least one full day out with all your kit a few weeks before, and fix anything that rubs, leaks or slows you down.
Staying safe
- Dress for the water, not the air: wear a wetsuit or drysuit in spring and autumn, and keep your life jacket on at all times.
- Cross quickly and keep your group together, watching for ferries and larger boats.
- Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against stockholmkayaktrail.se, stockholmkayaktrail.se, stockholmkayaktrail.se, stockholmkayaktrail.se, visitstockholm.com and visitstockholm.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
