The most beautiful of archipelagos, a freshly-caught perch for dinner and good sleep in a cosy island cottage far out to sea. This tour is pure pleasure! Follow our expert leader on a journey of discovery in a true paddler's paradise.

"The best thing I did the whole summer!"

Anders Falkirk, journalist

Where the water meets the sky

The Nämdö archipelago is proposed to become a National Park. As you explore the myriad of islands and narrow passages, where the heavens meet the sea, it is easy to understand why. With the kayaks we can access almost everywhere and we smoothly and silently glide over shallow water. Startled eider ducks take off close by and with a little luck we may perhaps spot sea eagles and grey seals in their home environment.

Anyone can do it!

Most participants on our trips have no previous experience and sea kayaking is easy to learn. The group is small, just 8-9 participants, in order that we can enjoy this remote region in the best possible way.  Our tour guides are experienced paddlers with excellent knowledge of the archipelago, its history, flora and fauna.  They know their way to the finest islands, skerries and inlets.  Surprisingly few visitors come here and therefore it is easy for us to find a deserted island to take a swim and stop for a rest and enjoy our delicious lunch hamper.

Sunshine and good food

As for the weather, it usually improves as we paddle further out towards the open sea. It is not unusual for it to be raining over Stockholm whilst we glide out towards brilliant sunshine.  Our host, Olle Fernlöf, lives on one of these small, outermost islands. It is here we arrive for the evening while he prepares local fare such as perch or venison from the neighbouring island. After a thrilling day paddling in this island world we sleep soundly in comfortable double rooms just by the water´s edge.

Join this Stockholm Adventures deluxe tour to the beautiful island world of the Stockholm archipelago!

The Scandinavian archipelago between Finland and Sweden is unique on earth! Most fascinating is the fact that the archipelago is only approximately one hour from the centre of Stockholm.

This island world consists of around 25.000 islands in every conceivable shape and size. They actually start right in the middle of the city, also sometimes named as “The Venice of the North”. The islands near Stockholm are virtually suburbs of the Swedish capital. Other parts are uninhabited and are still among the wildest areas in Europe. None of the islands are quite like the other: Some are forest-clad, some rise high above the sea - others are low, bare slabs of rock called “skerries”. On some of the islands it takes several hours to walk from one end to the other whereas it is possible to swim around others in a couple of minutes.

This fantastic seascape, situated just outside an historic capital, might seem like it is a paradise for tourists. There are, however, relatively few tourists to be seen in the archipelago even at the peak season in July. The Swedes are too protective of this island heritage to let it be spoiled by the presence of bars and souvenir stands and other evidence of mass tourism.

Itinerary

This tour is a two days and two nights archipelago kayak adventure, starting Friday evening and ending Sunday evening. Here is the approximate itinerary.

Friday

At about 17.00 (5 pm) with commuter train from metro station Slussen to seaside suburb of Saltsjöbaden. Continue with the Waxholm ferry through the beautiful Stockholm archipelago. We cruise to Mörtö island and on to Gillinge. Our host Olle and kayak leader will meet on the jetty. Get your room in the guest house and supper with a briefing on what is going to happen the next couple of days.

Saturday

Breakfast close to the shore of this small bay of the Baltic. We will continue with trying out the equipment and be introduced to the joy of paddling.

Our initial stretch of paddling is a short one and we are soon at our first destination. There is time for a swim before lunch after which we gently paddle back towards our home bay. Before settling down to Olle’s three courses of local specialities we can take a walk or have a sauna, alternatively relax on the rocks and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Sunday

For early risers there is the opportunity for a morning dip or a dawn paddle. After a hearty breakfast we explore new inlets, islets and skerries. Your guide can help point out some of the birdlife and explain for example why certain plants flourish on one island but not on another. Weather and wind decide our course. The day is planned for reasonable stretches of paddling and a stop for lunch, however the pace is always adapted to suit the group. Sooner or later it is time to turn our bows around and head back towards Gillinge.

The trip is rounded up with afternoon coffee and refreshments before a lovely evening cruise on the Waxholm ferry to Saltsjöbaden, where the connecting train to Slussen in central Stockholm is waiting. For those who wish there is plenty of time on the boat to conclude the weekend in style with a dinner on deck.

Dates 2010

On request, please contact us. Private groups are welcome from Easter and afterwards!

Price

SEK 4 300,
Supplement: Single room SEK 400

Included

• Sea kayak with all necessary equipment
• Safety equipment
• Full board with supper, dinner, breakfast, snacks and 2 lunches
• Experienced kayak guide
• Detailed pre-tour information

Not included in the price

Clothing, commuter train, cruise on ferry from/to Saltsjöbaden (approx. SEK 180) .

Accommodation

Comfortable double rooms with a separate toilet and shower.

Tour participants

Minimum 4 and maximum 9.

Kayaks

Very stable and easy-paddled one and two-man kayaks.

Connecting transport

Approximately two hours from metro station Slussen (in central Stockholm) by train and boat.