4.9

Kayak and Wild Camp in Sweden: Self-Guided

Explore Sweden's most stunning and untouched coastal landscape

What's Included?

  • Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

Fromexcluding flights

Highlights

  • Paddle around the remote Saint Anna Archipelago - a paradise for kayakers looking for an epic adventure!

  • Find an island that’s completely your own, set up camp by the water and cook a delicious meal as you watch the sunset

  • Explore a maze of more than 6,000 islands, most of them uninhabited – from forested ones sheltered near the mainland, to the wild and barren islets out by the open sea

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Into the maze

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    Meet your host at the airport or in the town of Norrköping and drive through the Swedish countryside to the jump off point for the beautiful Saint Anna archipelago. Load your supplies into your kayak and review your plan for the weekend, including safety and water navigation - you’ll even be given a phone for daily weather reports. Take to the water and quickly find yourself surrounded by forested islands, narrow passages and barren skerries as far as the eye can see. Find the perfect island for the night and set up camp - the solitude and sense of freedom are hard to put into words and have to be experienced!

    Day 2

    Islands all the way to the horizon

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    Break camp and continue exploring. If you choose, you can paddle to Äspskär - a crescent-shaped islet surrounded by shallow waters that are superb for swimming and snorkelling. Another route takes you through a massive cluster of barren islands out by the open sea. This is the most finely-chiselled archipelago in Sweden and a paradise for wildlife, including Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Arctic Skuas, Ospreys and Grey Seals. Head to one of the most famous spots in Saint Anna – Kupa Klint - an old navigation marker used by seafarers for centuries with a spectacular view over the surrounding islands. Pay a visit to the rustic pub on Missjö where sea dog Mats serves up cold beers and delicious dishes made from fish and coastal birds sustainably hunted nearby. Choose your next island, set up camp and get the fire going.

    Day 3

    The village that time forgot

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    Continue south towards Harstena, a village famous for its historic beauty. Take a stroll to the museum in the old school and treat yourself to a delicious lunch at the waterside restaurant. Be sure to pick up some of the heavenly cinnamon swirls from the nearby bakery and some smoked fish from the local smokehouse. Continue exploring and perhaps stop off at Torrön; a large and wild island surrounded by a mosaic of little islets. It’s a sheltered area with shallow waters, smooth rocks and calm creeks – fantastic for swimming and sunbathing. You'll also find some of the best sunset views in the whole area around here!

    Day 4

    Land Ahoy

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    Cook up a hearty breakfast and prepare for your last paddle through this ravishing area. Aim north across exposed waters until you reach the long and narrow passage by Missjö. After that, a quick paddle westward will take you to the bustling mainland hub of Tyrislöt where your adventure will end. Enjoy a couple of cold lagers among the cherry trees at the local pub - the perfect way to end your long weekend in the wilderness - after which your host will take you back to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight home.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO)
Pick up
Stockholm Skavsta Airport or Norrköping
10:00 or 11:00
Drop off
Stockholm Skavsta Airport or Norrköping
Flexible

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Arrive in the morning to Stockholm Skavsta and your host will pick you up right from the airport.

Alternatively, there are a number of other options to fly and make your way to the pick up point at the train station in Norrköping, the major hub of the area.

Stockholm Arlanda (all major airlines), 2 hour direct train to Norrköping Linköping City Airport (KLM), 30 min train to Norrköping Norrköping Airport (BMI), 10 min taxi ride to Norrköping Copenhagen Airport (CPH), 3h 45m high speed train Norrköping These options allow you to take advantage of typically cheaper evening flights and arrive the night before, spend the night in Norrköping (or elsewhere) and meet your guide in the morning.

If you are staying in Norrköping your local host recommends The Lamp Hotel close to the train station or Pronova Hotel in the city centre.

At the end of your adventure your host will drop you back off either in Norrköping, an hour drive, or Stockholm Skavsta Airport, 2 hours from the archipelago.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Stockholm Skavsta from airports across the UK and Europe.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

3 nights wild-camping on deserted islands

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Professional kayaking and camping equipment

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

Wild camping in Saint Anna Archipelago, Sweden

The islands

Stay

The islands

You are free to set up camp on any island you find and make it your home for the night. Top quality Hilleberg tents, Haglöfs sleeping bags, sleeping mats and all your cooking equipment are provided. You’ll also be given information on the rules regarding rubbish disposal, open fires, bird sanctuaries, protected plant and animal species etc. Saint Anna is incredibly clean and untouched — together we'll keep it that way!

What You'll Eat

You will order everything in advance from a comprehensive food list and pay exactly the same price as in the supermarket. Food for a 3 night trip usually adds up to around 40–60 Pounds (EUR 50–70) per person depending on how lavish you wish to be. Th…

Food and Dietary info

You will order everything in advance from a comprehensive food list and pay exactly the same price as in the supermarket. Food for a 3 night trip usually adds up to around 40–60 Pounds (EUR 50–70) per person depending on how lavish you wish to be. The larger the group, the smaller the individual cost.

You will also be provided with enough fresh water to last the first half of the trip, and shown a few places en-route where you can fill up. All dietary requirements can be provided for, just order the appropriate food off the list.

Ratings & Reviews

4.911 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Latest Reviews

  • Louis

    Very well organised.

  • Joe

    What a trip!! Everything was excellent. The most well-organised trip, everything was so efficient! Staff was friendly and very knowledgable. Highly recommend this trip!

  • Siobhan

    Location, people, equipment and the weather were great!

  • Chris

    Hosts were fantastic, the country was beautiful. Could visit 20 times and not see everything.

  • Phil

    The equipment was great, good communications, great location.

  • Andy

    The freedom and beautiful scenery were great.

  • Andrew

    I just enjoyed a 3-day self-guided kayaking holiday around the St Anna archipelago. This was an excellent experience all round. The scenery and location were wonderful. The advice and assistance provided by Rob, Ted, Thomas and Helena was first class. The equipment provided was the highest quality. I would thoroughly recommend them for anyone looking for a brilliant adventure holiday.

  • Vince

    Fantastic equipment and everything was thought of. Brilliant service and quality.

  • Anna

    The setting, the fact that everything was thought of and provided, the top of the line kit, that was easy and nice to use.

  • Simon

    Great nature, quiet islands to yourself - paradise.

4.911 reviews
  • 5 stars (10)
  • 4 stars (1)
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 11 reviews
  • Very well organised....

    Louis August 2019
    Very well organised.
  • What a trip!! Everything was excellent. The...

    Joe August 2019
    What a trip!! Everything was excellent. The most well-organised trip, everything was so efficient! Staff was friendly and very knowledgable. Highly recommend this trip!
  • Location, people, equipment and the weather...

    Siobhan August 2019
    Location, people, equipment and the weather were great!
  • Hosts were fantastic, the country was beaut...

    Chris August 2019
    Hosts were fantastic, the country was beautiful. Could visit 20 times and not see everything.
  • The equipment was great, good communication...

    Phil July 2019
    The equipment was great, good communications, great location.
  • The freedom and beautiful scenery were grea...

    Andy June 2019
    The freedom and beautiful scenery were great.
  • I just enjoyed a 3-day self-guided kayaking...

    Andrew June 2019
    I just enjoyed a 3-day self-guided kayaking holiday around the St Anna archipelago. This was an excellent experience all round. The scenery and location were wonderful. The advice and assistance provided by Rob, Ted, Thomas and Helena was first class. The equipment provided was the highest quality. I would thoroughly recommend them for anyone looking for a brilliant adventure holiday.
  • Fantastic equipment and everything was thou...

    Vince August 2018
    Fantastic equipment and everything was thought of. Brilliant service and quality.
  • The setting, the fact that everything was t...

    Anna September 2017
    The setting, the fact that everything was thought of and provided, the top of the line kit, that was easy and nice to use.
  • Great nature, quiet islands to yourself - p...

    Simon September 2016
    Great nature, quiet islands to yourself - paradise.
  • What was great? The scenery, the whole expe...

    Nick September 2016
    What was great? The scenery, the whole experience.

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • Kayak, paddle, spraydeck and life jacket
  • Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag
  • Compass, maps, guide book and mobile phone
  • Dry bags
  • Rainproof jacket
  • Camp stove, cooking utensils and eating utensils
What do I need to bring?
  • A small rucksack for exploring the islands
  • Several warm layers of clothing (thermal top and bottom, warm jacket or sweater)
  • Light-weight, breathable, quick-drying tops and bottoms
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Shoes that can get wet (not flip-flops)
  • Light hiking shoes for camp and exploring
  • Sun protection
  • Hat and light gloves for nights at camp
  • Personal toiletries and medications

FAQs

Not really. Wind direction has a lot to say in where you go and your host will advise you on a general plan, but everything else is up to you. There are a few different pick-up points, so when it's time to go home, you just call your host and let them know where and when you'll be.

Double kayaks are very stable and well suited for both beginners and intermediate level kayakers, while single kayaks require more skill since they can roll over. If you do roll, don't worry - life jackets are provided and you're not attached to the kayak, so just pop to the surface and get back in! Navigation is pretty straightforward, you just have to be attentive and make sure that the landmarks around you match what you see on the map. You'll also be given a cell phone with pre-programmed numbers. The whole area has reception, so if something happens you're only a phone call away from help and can be reached by boat in under 20 minutes.

There are no tides in Saint Anna to speak of and the sea level stays the same, which means no time tables and transporting kayaks and gear from the waterline. Also, there are no big swells since the many islands break up the waves into occasional choppy water.

The islands are close together, completely pristine and unexploited, with no ferries or large boats to disturb you. There are a couple of quaint old villages where you can buy smoked fish and ice-cream and local points of interest that include an old copper mine, a wood-fired sauna, lighthouses, lookouts and more. You will get plenty of solitude and wilderness on your adventure, but it's also great to have a few places to visit along the way. There's plenty to do on each little island, like swimming and sunbathing, fishing from the shore, cooking, hanging out by the campfire, wandering into the forest to pick berries and mushrooms. Your imagination really gets going when you feel so free!

Any excess luggage can be safely left with your local host at the put-in point.

For current advice about travelling in Sweden, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

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