SEE & DO
Paddling
Paddle in Roslagen, from outer archipelago to lake. Make your way along the shoreline, cruise between islets and skerries, glide through rivers and canals or enjoy a quiet trip on a lake. There are options for all levels - from beginners to experienced paddlers. You can hire a kayak, canoe, SUP board or rowing boat. Here you will find simple tips on tours and where to hire your equipment.
TIPS
Canoe guide in Roslagen
Here you will find tips on routes and places to start from, based on information from municipalities and local actors.
Paddling in southern Roslagen - from calm canals to open sea and outer archipelago
Österåker municipality offers paddling opportunities for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Here you can glide through calm waters in Åkersberga or head out into the archipelago among islands and bays.
Light and family-friendly: Paddle up or down the Åkers Canal - a quiet and sheltered trip suitable for the whole family.
Shorter tour with break at sea baths: Take the kayak or SUP out to Österåker Havsbad and enjoy an ice cream or lunch at Solbrännan restaurant. A nice trip close to land, about 2 hours round trip.
Day trip in untouched nature: Paddle up the canal all the way to Garnsviken, where you can stop for a packed lunch in a peaceful setting. Expect about 6 hours of paddling.
Full day adventure in the archipelago: For those who want a longer trip, it's easy to paddle out of the canal and on between the islands. Find your own rock for lunch or dinner over an open fire.
Whether you prefer a short and leisurely paddle or a full-day expedition, there's something for everyone in southern Roslagen. Pack a packed lunch, keep an eye on the weather and get out on the water!
Paddling in central Roslagen - varied waters for all levels
In Norrtälje municipality you can paddle through winding rivers and lakes - but also out into the vast archipelago and beautiful nature reserves. Local hire companies can give you tips on tours and landing sites. Many also offer guided paddling tours at sea. (Further down the page you will find a list of landlords in the area).
Kolarmoraån-Närdingen-Skeboån: The tour runs through winding rivers and narrow lakes from Vällen to Närdingen. The shores boast both large forests and farmland. In Närdingen you can enjoy light paddling among islands and islets between wooded shores. In spring you can also go to Lake Sottern.
If you want to continue past Skebo, you can lift the canoe past the rapids in Skebo and Skedeforsen and continue paddling straight north through the cultural landscape to Hallstavik and Edeboviken. The whole trip is about 30 km long, preferably in spring greenery. (There is a landing place in Måsviksbadet, Uppsala municipality).
Lommaren - Malstasjön: The canoe trail between Lommaren and Malstasjön offers a trip through beautiful Vigelsjö Nature Reserve. An exciting experience is to paddle down the Norrtälje river towards the power station. Here you see the city from a completely different perspective. Feel free to also make a small detour into Ludden and watch all the seabirds.
There are plenty of beavers in this area, and so there may be some felled trees across the track around Ludden.
Roslagsbro - Kvisthamraviken: The Roslagsbro and Kvisthamraviken canoe trail is a trip that is paddled from where Lake Brosjön transitions to the Broströmmen river, which is located by the church in Roslagsbro.
The tour goes via the beautiful Lake Nodsta, which is framed by steep mountains and old growth forest. A good resting place is at Gillfjärden.
(Drop-off points are at Brosjön and Roslagsbro church).
Paddling in Northern Roslagen - archipelago safari among islets and skerries
With Östhammar as your base, you can paddle south through Östhammarsfjärden and on through Sandikafjärden, round Fagerön and stop at one of the archipelago islands along the way.
Make your way through the narrow canal at Tuskötäppan, which connects Tvärnö and Söderön, and admire the authentic boathouses. If you paddle north instead, you'll end up in the sheltered Granfjärden.
From Öregrund and Gräsö you can embark on an archipelago safari through beautiful surroundings, both inshore and offshore. Paddle between islets and skerries, experience the open sea or enjoy quiet bays where you can take a break on one of the many islands. For those who prefer to paddle on lakes, the ponds in Gimo and Österbybruk offer great opportunities to explore the water in a quiet environment.
Whether you prefer a short and leisurely paddle or a full-day expedition, there is something for everyone in Roslagen. Pack a packed lunch, life jacket and keep an eye on the weather. Grab your paddle and hit the water - the adventure starts here!
Ready to get out on the water? Think about this!
Lifejacket - Make sure you always wear a life jacket. It's a requirement for anyone under 15, but just as important for all ages.
Weather Forecast - Check the weather before you go out. Don't paddle if the wind is strong or if there is a risk of thunder.
Clothing by weather - Dress for the weather conditions. Keep in mind that water-resistant clothes and shoes can be useful. Also pack extra clothes in a water-resistant bag in case you get wet.
Water and food - Pack enough water and snacks to keep your energy up during the trip.
Map and compass - Always have a map and compass or mobile phone with GPS to orientate yourself.
Company - If possible, paddle in company. It's always safer and more fun to be together.
Check the equipment - Check your paddle, canoe, SUP or kayak before the trip to ensure that everything is working properly.
Do not disturb or destroy - Be considerate in nature
When you get out on the water, remember to paddle with care! Keep your distance from bird nests, especially during the nesting season, and give wildlife on land and in the water plenty of space. Respect other paddlers, bathers and all those enjoying nature. Follow local rules, and leave the environment untouched - take your rubbish home and leave the places you visit just as you found them: clean and undamaged!
TIPS
Hire a kayak, canoe or paddleboard!
Several hire companies offer equipment for both beginners and experienced paddlers. For those who want extra security or a more in-depth experience, it is also possible to book guided tours with knowledgeable instructors. Popular rental sites are located in northern, central and southern Roslagen. Contact the respective companies for prices and booking.
Gräsö Canoe Centre
Northern Roslagen
Located on the island of Rävsten, Gräsö Kanotcentral offers rental of sea kayaks, SUP boards, fishing kayaks and motorboats. Also beginner courses and guided paddling tours in Öregrund and the Gräsö archipelago.
Location: Rävsten, Gräsö
More information:
grasokanot.se
Bo & Kajak in Öregrund
Northern Roslagen
Offers kayak, canoe and fishing equipment hire.
Location: Öregrund
More information:
Bo & Kajak in Öregrund
Sunnanö Camping, Öregrund
Northern Roslagen
Kayak, rowing boat, fishing equipment and sauna hire.
Location: Öregrund
More information:
sunnanocamping.com
Bestbo Farm, Östhammar
Northern Roslagen
Sea kayak, canoe and life jackets.
Location: Norrskedika mines, Granfjärden
More information:
Bestbo.se/kajaker
Krutudden, Östhammar
Northern Roslagen
Single and double kayaks with rudders, as well as paddle boards (SUP) are available for hire. If you are a beginner, it is no problem, we instruct you to be able to offer a relaxed and fun paddling trip.
Location: Östhammar, Krutudden
More information:
krutudden.se
Upplands Ekeby Community Centre
Northern Roslagen
6 canoes, 2 rowing boats and life jackets are available for hire to explore the Vällen area.
Location: Alunda-Ekeby, Snarlund (Vällen)
More information:
Upplands-Ekeby canoe hire
Simbadets Camping, Österbybruk
Northern Roslagen
Kayaks and rowing boats for hire at Stordammen.
Location: Österbybruk (Stordammen)
More information:
Simbadetscamping.com
Kayaking & Outdoor Life Gräddö
Central Roslagen
Offers rentals, courses and guided tours in both kayaks, SUP and Canadians based on Gräddö but working throughout the Roslagen archipelago and lake system. Also sales of kayaks and accessories. Approved Canoe Centre by the Swedish Canoe Federation.
Location: Gräddö, Rådmansö
More information:
www.kajak-uteliv.com
Fejan Outdoor
Central Roslagen
Rental of stable and fast sea kayaks on Fejan Island.
Location: Fejan
More information:
fejanoutdoor.se
Lidö Inn
Central Roslagen
Rental of kayaks, SUPs and Canadians at the guest harbour on Lido Island.
Location: Lidö
More information:
lidovardshus.se
Arholma North
Central Roslagen
On the island of Arholma, Arholma Nord offers several activities and rentals, including stable sea kayaks and SUP paddle boards. Here you can also rent a sauna afterwards.
Location: Arholma
More information:
arholmanord.se
Guest house Kanalvillan
Central Roslagen
Canoes for paddling at Väddö Canal.
Location: Elmsta, Väddö
More information:
Pensionatkanalvillan.se
Roslagen Canoe Society
Central Roslagen
A non-profit organisation that offers members the opportunity to rent kayaks and participate in joint paddles in the Norrtälje area.
Location: Norrtälje
More information:
roslagenskanotsallskap.se
KAYAKOMAT Arcadia
Central Roslagen
Kayak and SUP hire via self-service.
Location: Rimbo
More information:
kayakomat.com
KAYAKOMAT Societesparken Norrtälje
Kayak and SUP hire via self-service.
Location: Norrtälje, Societesparken
More information:
kayakomat.com
Marholmen Rental
Central Roslagen
Boat, kayak and fishing equipment hire. Hotel guests have priority.
Location: Marholmen
More information:
marholmen.se
KAYAKOMAT Åkersberga
Southern Roslagen
Kayak and SUP hire via self-service.
Location: Åkersberga
More information:
kayakomat.com
Åkersbro
Southern Roslagen
Canoe rental and café at Åkers canal, Garnsviken in Åkersberga. In the canal, it is calm and safe to paddle, play and swim.
Location: Åkersberga
More information:
akersbro.se/activities
ArcAdventures Kayak hire Dyvik
Southern Roslagen
Rental of kayaks, canoes and SUP boards for paddling in a beautiful archipelago environment.
Location: Åkersberga, Dyvik
More information: arcadventure.se
Roslagen Marine Centre
Southern Roslagen
Rental of stable and seaworthy canoes for paddling in idyllic and lush surroundings in Åkers Kanal or Trälhavet's rocks and skerries
Location: Åkersberga
More information:
roslagens-marincenter.se
Klintsundets Marina
Southern Roslagen
Rental of various types of kayaks and equipment.
Location: Ljusterö
More information:
klintsundetmarina.se