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Paddle the Stockholm Kayak Trail
Four main stages form a connected network of over 140 km, tied together by connector routes and with extensions reaching out toward more open water. Here's every stage in detail, plus maps and access points.
Stages, extensions and connectors
The trail is built as a network, not a single line, and made for multi-day trips. Paddle a whole stage, split it over several days, or build your own route from the pieces.
Main stages (1–4) are the backbone of the trail. Each stage is quality-assured by trained kayak guides — chosen and reviewed for safety, care for nature and experience value — and can be paddled in full or in sections. The stages meet at shared crossings so the network connects.
Extensions (101–111) take you out toward more open and exposed water — like Finnhamn, Sandhamn and Bullerön. They're for those who want to go further and have the experience and weather judgement for it.
Connectors (201–205) are short routes that link stages and islands so you can build longer continuous trips.
Open crossings
On the map, open-water crossings are marked with their length in metres. These are the stretches where you're most exposed to wind, waves and boat traffic — plan them around the day's weather and your own experience. The distances below show the longest crossing on each stage.
The four stages
Distances and crossings come from the trail's map data. The character notes how sheltered or exposed a stage is — not a formal difficulty grade.
Sollenkroka loop
The trail's most sheltered stage — easy paddling and genuinely idyllic. The loop starts and ends at Sollenkroka (so no pick-up needed) and runs through varied inner-archipelago scenery around Hjälmö and Lådna. Because it winds between many smaller islands it's easy to shorten — you choose how many days to stay out. Extensions toward Svartsö, Ingmarsö and Finnhamn start here, and from Sollenkroka you're also within reach of simple hostels and waterside restaurants — a little comfort with nature right outside.
Kanholmsfjärden
The trail's big point-to-point adventure — the classic A–B route between the two mainland access points, Stavsnäs and Sollenkroka, straight across the wide-open Kanholmsfjärden and on past Möja and Sandhamn. A magnificent trip best savoured over 4+ days. Because you start and finish in different places, you'll need to arrange transport or a pick-up at the end in advance. The more open bays give a grand, expansive feel; paddle them when the wind is with you.
Runmarö loop
The trail's shortest stage by distance — and the one that takes you furthest into the genuine outer archipelago. The loop around Runmarö starts and ends at Stavsnäs, so no pick-up is needed, and it's perfect to savour over 3–5 days. Out here you're met by stillness, wide horizons and rock slabs, skerries and open water as far as the eye can see, out toward Nämdöskärgården National Park — Sweden's 31st, inaugurated in 2025. There's one open crossing along the way, but with an eye on the weather the loop is well within reach even for beginners — and if you'd like company the first time, guides can be booked.
Stavsnäs–Dalarö
A point-to-point stage heading south from Stavsnäs to Dalarö through the southern archipelago around Nämdöfjärden. At 47.1 km it's the trail's longest and most exposed — the open crossings are at their longest here. As it runs between two different points, you'll need to arrange transport at Dalarö. Extensions reach out toward Bullerön and Biskopsön.
Three trips to start with
A few fine multi-day trips setting out from Stavsnäs or Sollenkroka. This is just inspiration — feel free to build your own route from the trail's pieces.
Out to the national park
Paddle the Runmarö loop out toward Nämdöskärgården National Park — the wild outer archipelago of open sea, skerries and wide horizons. The loop starts and ends at Stavsnäs.
A to B across the archipelago
The classic point-to-point trip across Kanholmsfjärden, past Möja and Sandhamn. A magnificent tour; arrange transport at the end in advance.
Sollen–Sollen
A calmer loop in the inner, idyllic archipelago around Hjälmö and Lådna. Easy to shorten, and you start and finish in the same place.
Further into the archipelago
- 101 Svartsö & Ingmarsö — 9.9 km
- 102 Finnhamn — 7.5 km
- 103 Möja north — 13.3 km
- 104 Bockösundet — 5.5 km
- 105 Storö–Bockö–Lökaö — 9.9 km
- 106 Storö nature reserve — 5.3 km
- 107 Sandhamn — several sections
- 108 Runmarö Vidskär — 6.8 km
- 109 Nämdö Långvik — 10.7 km
- 110 Bullerön — 12.6 km
- 111 Biskopsön & Jungfruskär — 11.3 / 6.4 km
Tying the network together
- 201 Norra Stavsudda — 3.5 km
- 202 Getholmen–Sandhamn — 1.8 km
- 203 Vånsholmen — 1.2 km
- 204 Solvik–Nämdö — 7.1 km
- 205 Norrfjärden — 7.4 km
Access points
Stavsnäs and Sollenkroka are the trail's main access points — far out in the archipelago yet still on the mainland, with a road right to the launch and good connections from Stockholm. Stavsnäs is the gateway to the archipelago's wilder outer reaches and Nämdöskärgården national park, while Sollenkroka leads into an inner, idyllic landscape with simple hostels and waterside restaurants within reach. Dalarö in the south serves as the end point for the southern stage. If you need gear, kayak rental is available nearby.
What's out there
The archipelago is wild, but not deserted. Here and there you'll find simple service that makes a multi-day tour more comfortable. It varies by island and season — plan as if it isn't there, and treat it as a bonus when it is.
Wild swimming and open saunas
Swim wild straight off the rocks almost anywhere. In some spots there are also open saunas — perfect after a day on the water.
Dry toilets & bins
Many camping and rest spots have dry toilets (outhouses) and sometimes bins. Where there's no bin, carry your rubbish home.
Island shops
Several islands have small shops where you can restock food along the way. Opening hours are often limited to the summer season.
Fresh water
On some islands and in guest harbours you can refill drinking water. Never rely on it fully — always keep your own margin.
Camping & rest spots
Use designated camping and rest spots where they exist. They're gentlest on nature — and often the finest camps.
Guest harbours
Here and there you'll find guest harbours and eateries if you want to mix wilderness with a little comfort.
Don't light fires
Our clear advice is to avoid open fires entirely along the trail — cook on a camping stove instead. Read why in the safety guide →
The whole trail on one map
Explore the network interactively in Google My Maps or take printable map sheets offline. The maps are free to use for your own adventures.
Printed maps of the trail can be purchased on site at Stavsnäs and Sollenkroka.
The maps don't replace nautical charts or your own judgement. Always read the safety guide before you head out.