Renting a kayak in the Stockholm archipelago is one of the best ways to explore the beauty surrounding the city. With so many options when it comes to where to rent and tours to go on, knowing where to start can be tricky.
At My Outdoor Sweden, our writers have come together to fill you in on the details so that you’ll know where to rent a kayak in Stockholm. Plus, we’ve shared some incredible Stockholm kayaking tours that you can enjoy too!
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is spread out over 14 islands. And if you think that’s a lot of islands, then just wait.
The Stockholm archipelago is said to have over 30,000 Stockholm archipelago islands!
All that to say, kayaking the Stockholm archipelago is a great way to explore these islands. Some are large and home to year-round houses and businesses, and others are more like large rocks. However, they all come together and create some absolutely beautiful scenery.
It’s easy to rent a kayak in Stockholm as you’ll see with this guide to the kayak rental Stockholm archipelago has to offer. Where there’s water, there’s often a kayak rental nearby.
Our pick of the kayaking tours in Stockholm is:
Archipelago Kayaking and Fika Tour Around Vaxholm with the Sauna included
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My experience kayaking the Stockholm Archipelago
We love kayaking in Sweden. Having kayaked in the Gothenburg archipelago, we were keen to kayak in Stockhlom’s archipelago too.
As in Gothenburg, Stockholm too has a way to rent kayaks that are sort of like getting them from a vending machine. You simply order online, and then go to the kayak retail location in Stockholm, type in the code you received by email, and voila! You pull out your kayak. Returning is simple too.
For kayaking in the Stockholm archipelago, we rented through KAYAKOMAT and hit the water, taking a paddle wherever we felt like it. We went from Fågelöuddeand then headed back east towards the islands of Storholmen. Things like this are one of the reasons we think Stockholm is worth visiting.
However, we’ve definitely got our eyes on one of the Stockholm archipelago kayak tours below where you can combine fika and enjoy one of the saunas Stockholm archipelago has to offer alongside your kayaking trip!
KAYAKOMAT Stockholm – Best Kayak rental in Stockholm
If you’re looking to kayak around Stockholm’s Archipelago, KAYAKOMAT is a great option. It’s a self-service rental company that lets you book, pay, and unlock a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) online. This is super convenient and means you can rent and return the kayak outside of regular business hours.
You’ll find everything you need in the kayak’s cockpit, including a paddle, cockpit cover, and life jacket.
The company has kayak rental locations all over Stockholm, including in the city and at many spots in the archipelago such as the one we used.
Some places where you can find their kayaks are Hagaparken, Stora Essingen, Stocksund, Sköndal, Nacka, Bromma, Värmdö, Nynäshamn, Vaxholm, and Ornö.
Their kayak rentals use stable and easy to use kayaks, making them great for both beginners and those with more experience and they have both tandem (double) and single kayaks available.
You can see a price list on their website for their self-service kayak rentals. Prices vary a bit, but the kayak rental Stockholm archipelago cost you can expect to pay is around 300 SEK // US$29 for 2 hours in a single kayak, or 400 SEK // US$38 in a double.
Best Tours with Kayak Rental Stockholm Archipelago
Kayaking on the Rivers of Stockholm’s Wilderness
- Best for: Those looking for a full-day trip
- Duration: 1 day to 3 days
- Price: 1 490 SEK // US$142
- Where to book: Through Manawa online
This Stockholm Archipelago kayak tour is bound to be an unforgettable experience during your trip to Stockholm, or if you live and are looking for something new, it’s a great way to spend a day or two if you choose to do overnight tours!
This tour starts with transport to the starting point and put-in location 40 minutes north of central Stockholm and takes you out into some of Sweden’s beautiful outdoors.
During the tour, you’ll navigate through large lakes and meander down narrow, canyon-like rivers, all while being able to enjoy the stunning Taiga Forest. If you’re a history lover, you’ll be intrigued by the area’s Viking heritage, too.
As you paddle, be sure to keep an eye open for ospreys and black-throated divers. On the shores, you might be lucky enough to spot a moose or roe deer.
If you book the multi-day kayaking tour then you’ll get to go camping on one of the islands and cook your dinner out in the open while staying warm and telling stories by the campfire.
The only downside for this tour is that disconnecting from everyday life, also means a break from modern comforts and conveniences. You’ll be camping in the wilderness, which might be a challenge if you prefer more luxurious accommodations.
Winter Kayaking Tour with Swedish Fika, and Hot Sauna
- Best for: Year round paddling
- Duration: 3 – 4.5 hours
- Price: 1 186 SEK // $US113
- Where to book: GetYourGuide
If you’re visiting Stockholm during the winter months but still want to enjoy some outdoor adventure, then be sure to explore this tour where you’ll kayak Stockholm’s archipelago and also enjoy Fika and a sauna.
This 3 to 4.5-hour tour offers beautiful views of Stockholm’s islands, Swedish cottages, and historical sites like the Vaxholm fortress on this Stockholm archipelago winter kayak tour.
You’ll be guided by experienced professionals during this Stockholm kayaking tour and be given a dry suit to wear that will keep you warm and dry.
What makes this tour stand out from other kayak tours in Stockholm’s archipelago is that you get to enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika outdoors. You also have the option to add a sauna session.
I highly recommend the sauna session as you’ll get to enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning sauna and then plunge into the cold waters before repeating the hot-cold session. It’s so much fun!
For this tour, it’s important to consider how you do in cold weather since it’s winter. It also can be quite a physically demanding tour but those with a good level of everyday fitness should be fine.
Archipelago Kayaking and Fika Tour Around Vaxholm
- Best for: Half-day adventure
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: 1 186 SEK // US$113
- Where to book: Online through GetYourGuide
This Stockholm Archipelago Kayaking and Fika Tour around Vaxholm offers you a new perspective on some of Stockholm’s top sights.
You’ll go around the pretty Vaxholm and see the Vaxholm Fortress, as well as paddle past the Bogesund Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes open to catch sightings of coastal birds and beavers!
Around halfway through this 4-hour kayak rental in Stockholm, you’ll get to enjoy a Swedish fika on a remote island in the archipelago too! If you’re looking to add some more luxury to your kayak trip, book the optional 1.5-hour sauna session afterward.
Stockholm Archipelago Sunset Kayaking Tour and Fika
- Best for: Romantic or slower-paced paddling
- Duration: 3- 4.5 hours
- Price: 986 SEK // $US94
- Where to book: Online through GetYourGuide
In our opinion, there’s no better time to hit the water and kayak in Stockholm than at sunset.
On this sunset kayaking tour in Stockholm you’ll get to enjoy a kayaking tour as well as a fika (and optional sauna). This tour by kayak is an ideal way to end your day, offering a tranquil journey through the breathtaking archipelago, just 30 minutes from Stockholm.
The tour is deliberately slower-paced than daytime tours, allowing you to fully relax and soak in the surroundings. You’ll paddle through calm waters and get to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, where the Vikings roamed about 1,000 years ago.
One of the biggest perks of this tour is the peacefulness of the waters at sunset, with fewer boats around.
Full-Day Archipelago Kayaking Adventure
- Best for: Full day adventure with cliff jumping options
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price: 1 847 SEK // US$176
- Where to book: GetYourGuide
If you have a full day free during your time in Stockholm, it doesn’t get much better than this kayaking tour of Stockholm’s archipelago.
This full-day tour includes everything you need for the tour and you’ll also get to enjoy lunch on a private island in Stockholm’s archipelago. You’ll have the chance to explore the islands on foot too and perhaps jump fro some of the cliffs into the sea if you dare!
As the tour covers a full day, it can be quite exhausting, especially for those new to kayaking. This might be a consideration if you prefer shorter, less intensive activities, in which case the sunset tour (above) or renting a kayak just for a few hours might be better suited for you.
Archipelago Family Tour – Friendly Private Kayaking Tour
- Best for: Private tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: 3 599 SEK // US$343
- Where to book: GetYourGuide
This Archipelago Family-Friendly Private Kayaking Tour is the perfect ay to get out on kayaks with your family in Stockholm.
With this kayak rental, you’ll paddle through Bogesund Nature Reserve at your own pace, exploring interesting inlets and bays and soaking in the beauty.
The tour is specifically tailored to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. This means that even if you have little ones, they can come too! Also, since it’s a private tour, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with a larger group, allowing for a more personalized and relaxed journey.
During the tour, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Swedish ‘fika,’ which is essentially a coffee break, on one of the islands too.
3-Day Self-guided Kayak Weekend Tour
- Best for: multi-day self guided adventure over a weekend
- Duration: 3 days // 2 nights
- Price: 3 694 SEK // US$352
- Where to book: Through Viator
For a real kayak adventure in Stockholm’s archipelago, this 3-Day Self-guided Kayak Weekend Tour is a perfect choice.
It’s a unique experience where you can explore the archipelago at your own pace, with the support of expert wilderness guides. They’ll help plan your tour based on your preferences and the weather forecast, so you get an adventure tailored just for you.
The tour includes everything you need – a kayak, paddle, life vest, safety gear, waterproof bags, a map, compass, and even camping gear like a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking utensils.
The best part? You get to camp on one of the many islands, possibly having it all to yourself. How’s that for the ultimate experience when you kayak Stockholm archipelago?
The downside is that this freedom requires a bit more responsibility and confidence in navigating and camping on your own. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
4-Day Stockholm Archipelago Self-Guided Kayak and Wild Camp
- Best for: Those wanting the ultimate fuss-free kayak adventure
- Duration: 4 days // 3 nights
- Price: 5 340 SEK // US$509
- Where to book: Through Viator
Similar to the 3-day kayak rental above, this is a 4-Day Self-Guided Kayak and Wild Camp tour.
You’ll get top-quality equipment for both kayaking and camping and can order an add-on of an organic food menu so that you don’t have to think about what meals to eat or worry about shopping for and packing food.
What’s great about this tour is the flexibility – follow the recommended route or create your own.
You’ll receive a thorough introduction by a professional guide, a guidebook to the best spots, and 24/7 phone support. This support system makes the tour accessible even for beginners. Plus, the return trip transfer from Stockholm City to the kayak centre is included, which makes logistics even easier.
Summing up the Best Kayak Rental Stockholm Archipelago
Exploring Stockholm’s Archipelago by kayak is an amazing experience. With options ranging from KAYAKOMAT’s convenient rentals to guided tours and self-guided adventures, there’s something for everyone. Kayaking in this stunning region guarantees a memorable adventure, showcasing the best of Sweden’s amazing outdoors!
Hannah is the owner and main writer of Outdoor Sweden. Having travelled the world and documented it on ThatAdventurer.co.uk, including 6 years living in Canada, Hannah and her husband have decided to make Sweden their home for the outdoors activities Sweden offers.