5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided

Sweden , Sweden

5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided

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About this experience

The remote Saint Anna Archipelago on the East Coast of Sweden is heaven for kayakers. Nowhere in Europe can you find 6000 islands so closely clustered together - a maze from the forested sheltered islands close to the mainland out to the barren islets bordering the open sea. You are free to paddle and wild camp wherever you like!

This is a self-guided expedition and you decide your own route. All top-notch equipment is provided along with a detailed guide book, and 24/7 support while kayaking. Your pre-ordered groceries are packed when you arrive, and after a briefing on safety, navigation and the area, you're ready to hit the water! A perfect tour for beginners or experienced sea kayakers alike!

Almost all the islands are uninhabited, but the area also has a rich history of people living their whole lives out here. It’s completely your choice what to explore – visit cultural points of interest, do all wilderness, or more likely, a blend of both!

Available options

5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided

Pickup included

What's included

24/7 Do the North service while kayaking

Cell phone for weather reports & communication

Top quality kayaking, camping & cooking gear

Briefing on the area, navigation and safety

Return transport Norrköping-Saint Anna

Detailed guide book

Food order - we shop and pack for you at cost price

What you'll see

Your expert local host will take care of all the logistics and equipment needed for

kayaking,

cooking,

sleeping and

exploring in this magical place. After a briefing on safety and navigation, you’re off on your own for a

true wilderness experience!

Wake up to an incredible view, eat some yummie breakfast, then pack up and explore the day away. The path you choose will be one never travelled before! Stop at your leisure to swim in pristine coves, enjoy a beer and soak up the sun. In the evening, pick a deserted island to watch the sunset, and enjoy each others company around the campfire.

You'll feel free....it's as simple as that!

Day 1 – Into the maze

Our launch site is located in a sheltered bay - soon you see a maze of islands spreading out in all directions. You pass bird sanctuaries teeming with birdlife on your way northeast to the pretty islands around Aspöja. Sea Eagles are a common sight around here.

Day 2 – A band of islands against the horizon

Your next day is a beautiful paddle southeast through the barren, wind-pined islands of the outer archipelago. After a hard day you reach the old navigation mark Kupa Klint. It's a great lookout with stunning views of the hundreds of islands below. Inside the outer band of skerries is the sheltered large island Missjö, ideal for camping. Local boat taxi man Mats runs a small pub on Missjö.

Day 3 – The village that time forgot

Continue your exploration south towards Harstena Village. You are greeted by a picturesque view of the village as you paddle the small inlet to the waterside restaurant. Harstena is famous for its idyllic and historic beauty. Visit the old school and seal processing factory, munch on delicious cinnamon swirls from the bakery or try hot-smoked fish from the local fisherman.

Day 4 – A wood-fired sauna on the sea

Head west through the narrow straight by Vaggön with its dramatic steep walls crashing into the water, and circle back up to Håskö. It's one of the area's last untouched homesteads. They are well-known for their fresh deboned perch and smoked salmon.

For a very small fee you can use the wood-fired sauna located right on the sea.

Day 5 – The abandoned copper mine

Paddle through the tiny straight by Kråkmarö - a secluded area with many traditional summer houses, aiming for Fångö. During the 19th century, Fångö was an important site for mining copper and there are many remains from the era.

Climb to the top of Gubbön navigation mark, opposite Fångö, to get a spectacular view of the Gryt Archipelago before heading west towards the mainland to the end point of your trip.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Flights

Airport transfer to Norrköping

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

52 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age 12, any young adults must be accompanied by an adult

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

A maximum of 12 people per booking

Meeting point

Drive road 210 from Soderkoping towards S:t Anna. Take a left at the sign for "Mons Skärgårdsby" and then a right by the next sign. Drive through the camp site down towards the water. Parking on the left. We offer safe parking at no cost while kayaking.

About Sweden

Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the Northern Lights in the north to the picturesque archipelagos in the south, Sweden offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, is the historic heart of Stockholm. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture, it's a must-visit for history lovers.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions may have entry fees

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum houses the well-preserved 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It's one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (around 150 SEK)

Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago is a stunning collection of over 30,000 islands and islets. It's perfect for boating, swimming, and exploring nature.

Nature Full day Moderate (ferry tickets around 200-400 SEK)

Gothenburg Botanical Garden

One of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden features over 16,000 plant species and beautiful landscapes.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Abisko National Park

Located in northern Sweden, Abisko National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and the famous Northern Lights.

Nature Multi-day trip Moderate to expensive (accommodation and activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Swedish Meatballs

Ground meat (usually beef and pork) mixed with breadcrumbs, milk, and spices, served with gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes.

Main Course Contains meat and dairy

Surströmming

Fermented Baltic herring, known for its strong smell. Often eaten with flatbread, sour cream, and onions.

Snack Contains fish, very pungent smell

Kanelbullar

Cinnamon buns, a popular Swedish pastry often enjoyed with coffee.

Dessert Contains dairy and wheat

Gravlax

Cured salmon marinated with dill, sugar, and salt, typically served with mustard sauce and bread.

Appetizer Contains fish

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Skiing and snowboarding Kayaking and canoeing Mountain biking Fika (coffee break) Spa and wellness Beach trips Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Sweden for warm weather, long daylight hours, and outdoor activities. The countryside is lush and green, and the archipelagos are perfect for boating and swimming.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swedish
Widely spoken: English, Finnish, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Swedish Krona (SEK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Sweden is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas and on public transport.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and always use metered taxis or app-based services

Getting there

By air

Arlanda Airport • 42 km from Stockholm
Landvetter Airport • 25 km from Gothenburg

By train

Stockholm Central Station, Gothenburg Central Station

By bus

Stockholm City Terminal, Gothenburg Nils Ericson Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Swedish trains are comfortable, punctual, and cover most of the country. High-speed trains connect major cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Cabonline

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Södermalm Östermalm Haga Långholmen

Day trips

Uppsala

70 km from Stockholm • Half day to full day

Uppsala is a historic city known for its medieval cathedral, the oldest university in Sweden, and the Gustavianum Museum.

Mariefred

60 km from Stockholm • Full day

Mariefred is a charming town known for its well-preserved 17th-century castle, Gripsholm Castle, and its picturesque surroundings.

Trollhättan

150 km from Gothenburg • Full day

Trollhättan is known for its stunning waterfalls, the Göta Canal, and the Trollhättan Canal. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and nature lovers.

Festivals

Midsummer • Late June Stockholm Pride • Late July to early August Gothenburg Film Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swedish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Pack layers, as Sweden's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring and autumn
Take advantage of Sweden's extensive public transport system, including trains, buses, and trams
Visit during the shoulder seasons (May and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Try local specialties like Swedish meatballs, gravlax, and kanelbullar (cinnamon buns)