Kayak Touring in Sweden: Planning, Packing and the Right of Public Access
A long coastline with unique archipelagos
Sweden is lucky. It has a very long coastline to the south, east and west: from Svinesund at the Norwegian border to Haparanda at the Finnish border it measures about 2,500 km – and many times more if you include every bay and headland. Along this coast lie some of the largest and most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Apart from parts of the Stockholm and Gothenburg archipelagos, large areas are undeveloped and open to visitors. If you avoid July, you can travel surprisingly undisturbed – and by kayak you can, in principle, reach every part of the coast and the archipelagos.
The kayak – an excellent way to travel
The kayak has its origins in Greenland, where it was used by hunters as early as the Viking Age in the 11th century and has been vital for survival right up to modern times. The first documented Swedish kayak was built in 1882 by Carl Smith, and canoeing has a long tradition in Sweden, not least thanks to many international racing successes. Over time, interest has broadened and touring has gained more and more followers. Touring means travelling by kayak – or canoe on calm water – for the nature experience, either on a short day trip or a multi-day trip with nights in a tent. Sweden's Right of Public Access (allemansrätten) gives you great freedom to travel along the coasts, but it also asks every visitor not to abuse that trust.
Plan your trip
Plan your trip in advance. Will you bring your own kayak? An inflatable kayak is easy to take by car, train or ferry, while a sea kayak with large hatches carries the most gear. If you will not return to your starting point, arrange transport back. And check the weather forecast for the whole period – the weather, and especially the wind, decides whether the trip will be a success, or even possible.
Good advice for a weekend tour
Know your kayak. You should feel safe and comfortable in the kayak you use. If you are inexperienced, choose a kayak designed for stability.
Get comfortable before you launch. It is hard to adjust the seat or backrest on the water, so set backrest and rudder on land. Numb feet can sometimes be helped with a seat pad; numb fingers by stretching them regularly as you paddle.
Bring a map and compass. Make sure you – or someone in the group – has a map of the area, and preferably a compass you know how to use. Keep track of where you are on the map. Read our guide to navigation for kayakers.
Bring the right clothing and water. The clothes you paddle in always get wet, so pack a dry change of clothes and change when you go ashore. A windproof jacket and a sun hat with a brim are important. Bring enough drinking water – it is often scarce in the archipelago – and drink regularly. See our kayak trip packing checklist.
Choose a dome tent. A freestanding dome tent does not need pegs, so it works on rock. Put heavy items inside or tie it down so it does not blow away when no one is in it.
Avoid shipping lanes. In the boating season, stay away from marked shipping lanes as far as possible – traffic can be heavy and kayaks are hard to spot. If you must follow a lane, keep just outside it.
Pack smart. Touring kayaks are made to be loaded: the load lowers the centre of gravity, making the kayak more stable and smoother through the water. Pack what you need last in the evening deepest in the kayak, and what you need during the day within easy reach. Keep water, rain gear, hat and snacks in the cockpit. On the rear deck you can carry an extra dry bag with spare clothes, a spare paddle and rescue gear such as a pump and a paddle float, all tied securely to the deck lines. But bulky items on deck make it harder to get back in after a capsize and catch wind and waves.
Use a paddle leash. With a paddle leash between paddle and kayak, you just pull the line if you drop the paddle. Without a paddle, you are in serious trouble.
Grab loop out. The grab loop on your spray skirt should face outwards so you can easily reach it if you capsize.
With a dome tent you can easily camp on a smooth rock right by the water.
The Right of Public Access and outdoor responsibility
Sweden's Right of Public Access gives you access to almost all Swedish waters. You can go ashore, rest, swim and camp for a night as long as you do not disturb or destroy. This freedom comes with responsibility, consideration and good judgement: do not disturb, do not destroy.
Respect the birds. Watch how birds behave and avoid resting or camping close to their nests. Bird sanctuaries are protected at certain times of year, when landing – and sometimes even approaching – is forbidden. The colour of the signs shows which rules apply, and the periods vary from place to place.
Check nature reserve rules. In some nature reserves the Right of Public Access is restricted; others are specifically set aside for outdoor recreation, with overnight stays allowed. The rules are shown on signs, and you can find more on the website of the relevant county administrative board (länsstyrelsen). In nature reserves you may usually camp for two nights unless otherwise stated.
Camp considerately. You may usually camp for one night as long as you do not disturb people living nearby or damage the ground. If there are houses close by, ask first – especially if you are a group.
Toilets and rubbish. Use campsite toilets where available; otherwise dig a hole and cover it well. Take all your rubbish with you – no one should be able to tell you were there. Never leave bags next to a full bin, as animals will spread the contents.
Fire. Fire bans are common in summer; otherwise fires are allowed with great care. Small camping stoves are always allowed. Put fires out completely and never light a fire directly on bare rock, which can crack.
On land. When carrying your kayak, do not cross private gardens or sensitive ground.
Fishing. Fishing with rod and hand tackle is generally free along the Swedish Baltic coast.
