Top Tips For Paddling In Stockholm

Sweden is a country renowned for everything from its sleek design, balanced and happy lifestyle, stunning natural beauty, and ABBA. Stockholm, its capital city, is uniquely situated on a sprawling archipelago. The downtown area is located on many islands, and the entire Stockholm region has more than 1,000 islands and islets. This makes it a wonderful city to explore by kayak, canoe, or SUP board, as long as you know how to paddle its waters safely.

To have an enjoyable and safe experience paddling in Stockholm, plan your trip for summer, when the weather is warm and stable. Select routes in advance, taking into account tides and boat traffic. Consider joining an organized tour and chatting with local paddlers before venturing out on your own. Wear layers to protect yourself from the cold waters and the strong sun.

Stockholm is one of the best cities for paddling. You can enjoy the stunning city sites or venture further out in the archipelago to see pristine waters, Viking history, and Nordic wildlife. Before you head to Sweden on a paddling vacation, however, there are some important tips you should know to ensure your adventure is enjoyable and safe.

10 Paddling Tips To Remember When Visiting Stockholm

1. Avoid The Winter

Sweden, like other Nordic countries, is a land of weather extremes. The winter sees lots of snow, strong winds, and few hours of sunlight. This weather increases the likelihood of miserable and dangerous paddling conditions.

Summer is an ideal time to explore Stockholm on the water. The days are nearly 20 hours long, and the weather is warm and more stable. If you are interested in paddling in this region, it’s best to visit from June through August, when the arctic winter has passed, and you can enjoy long days on the water.

2. Plan Your Route, But Stay Flexible

With more than 1,000 similar-looking islands, it’s easy to get lost and distracted when paddling in and around Stockholm. Instead of wandering around aimlessly in your paddling vessel, it’s smart to plan a route.

Planning your paddling route will help keep you safe from potential hazards, and it will ensure you see all the sights you’re interested in. There are beautiful buildings, pristine National Parks, and Viking remnants all near the shoreline, but you need to plan well to see it all.

It’s also smart to have a backup route. If strong winds approach, for example, you will want to choose a path that has better protection.

3. Join A Group Tour Before Venturing Out Solo

The waterways near downtown Stockholm might seem safe and easy to navigate, but it takes an expert to know all the challenges these canals, bays, and rivers may be hiding. Before you head out on a solo paddling adventure in Stockholm, join a paddling group or paddle with a local.

This will provide you with some inside knowledge, including secret spots, areas to avoid, and best times of day to paddle.

4. Incorporate Historical Sites Into Your Route

Stockholm has a wealth of history, and much of this Swedish city’s history takes place near the shore. You can venture to form Viking capitals, like ​​Björkö, located on Lake Mälaren. The city center also offers stunning views of various government and religious buildings.

Try to arrange your paddling routes so you can see some of these important landmarks from the water.

5. Be Prepared For Endless Daylight

When you think of the Nordic countries and their close proximity to the North Pole, sun protection might not be your first thought. While Stockholm is very dark for half the year, it is very sunny during the summer months.

Stockholm has more than 18 hours of daylight in June, which means sun protection for your skin and eyes is essential. Bring your favorite sun hat, UV-protectant sunglasses, and shirts with SPF. This will keep your skin and eyes protected during the endless days.

6. Stay Close To Shore

With so many islands protecting you while paddling, it’s easy to feel confident when paddling in the protected waters of the Stockholm archipelago. Don’t take this safety for granted. After all, you are very close to the open ocean, and many narrow waterways have strong tides and currents.
To stay protected and safe, always paddle close to shore. This will make it easy to reach help if you need it, and will also give you a better chance to see local wildlife like sea birds and even moose.

7. Pack Reliable Navigation Gear

With so many pine-covered islands sprinkled around, it can be easy to get lost in this maze of evergreens and water. To avoid getting lost in foreign waters, it’s essential you pack reliable navigation gear. Bring a waterproof map and a device with GPS that has your paddling route logged. Ensure you have mobile data on your cell phone if you opt to use your smartphone.

You should also register your paddling route with a loved one on shore or with the company you rent your paddling vessel from.

8. Be Aware Of Ferry And Boat Traffic

Being the biggest city in Sweden, Stockholm has a multi-faceted public transportation network. In addition to buses and metros, the city also has an extensive ferry system, as well as dozens of tourist boats.

Some waterways can become quite busy with boat traffic, and it’s not always easy to know where some boats are headed. When planning your paddling route, try to avoid canals and bays with lots of boat traffic, especially areas with multiple ferry lines running.

This will help keep your journey serene and free of large boat wakes.

9. Pack Lots Of Layers

When you pack for a Scandinavian paddling vacation, it’s all about planning layers. You need an insulating layer to protect yourself from the crisp winds coming from the cold water. A waterproof layer to keep you dry, and a thin layer with UV-protection to shield you from the sun.

Always bring an extra set of clothes in case you capsize. Even with the warm outdoor temperatures, the water temperatures are still cold enough to cause temperature-related illnesses.

10. Remember To Take Plenty Of ‘Fika’ Breaks

Other than paddling, one of the best ways to live like a local in Stockholm is to enjoy fika breaks when you’re navigating the city. Fika is a Swedish tradition that typically involves enjoying a beverage and a snack in a calm and mindful manner.

In a way, a fika break is like a gourmet meditation. You can enjoy fika in a cafe, on the shore, or even anchored in your paddling vessel. The key is taking a moment to savor the surroundings and some local flavors. This is a great way to combine rest with some local customs.