Kayak, Hike and Wild Camp the Stockholm Archipelago
An epic long weekender of island-to-island paddling with wild hikes, starry nights, and the magic of the Swedish sauna-and-sea ritual
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
4 nights wild campingMeals
All your breakfasts, lunches and dinners, plus snacks throughoutTransfers
Return transfers from Stockholm Central Station, plus a boat transfer back to the kayak centre in StavsnäsEquipment
Everything you need for sea kayaking, plus your camping equipment – including sleeping bagsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Paddle through a labyrinth of 30,000 islands, skerries and sheltered bays, wild camping on remote shores each night
Hike part of the new Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Nämdö – one of National Geographic’s 25 best places in the world to travel to
Explore Bullerön, once a creative sanctuary for Swedish painters, embracing a shoreside sauna session with Baltic plunges and wild swims
Reach the wild edge of the archipelago at Långviksskär, surrounded by wide skies over the endless horizon and the long light of Nordic summer
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Stockholm!
Kayaking
Arrive in Stockholm this morning and make your way into the city centre by train or bus. If you’re in early, stash your bags at Central Station (see the 'Getting There' section for more info) and head out for a wander. By early afternoon, your local host will meet you and transfer you to the kayak centre in Stavsnäs, around an hour east of the city. You’ll get your gear, pack your kit into dry bags and go through a full safety briefing and paddling intro. Then it’s time to launch into the calm waters for your first guided paddle. Wind your way between islets and skerries before setting up camp on a quiet, uninhabited island. After a dip in the sea, you’ll cook up a traditional Swedish meal on outdoor stoves, then drift off to the sound of the waves. Over the next four days, you’ll kayak through the wild maze of more than 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago, scattered with pine forest, smooth granite and sheltered coves.
Day 2
Paddle to Nämdö and hike the Archipelago Trail
Kayaking
Hiking
Sauna
After breakfast in the wild, you’ll paddle to Nämdö – one of the largest islands in the Stockholm Archipelago. Much of the island is now a nature reserve, home to orchids, birdlife and ancient woodland. You’ll set up camp in a sheltered bay on the north coast, then head out on a section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail – a new long-distance hiking route linking over 20 islands by ferry and well-marked footpaths. This 13km stretch takes you through forest, meadow and rocky shoreline, passing an old church, a lakeside trail and a heritage centre which shares tales of island life. You’ll also pass Östanvik, a working organic farm that’s been part of the local community for generations. Later, if you're keen for the full Nordic experience, unwind in the rustic public sauna built by the Archipelago Foundation, followed by a bracing dip in the sea. Back at camp, there’s a hearty dinner before the lull of waves and whispering forest sends you off to sleep.
Day 3
Paddle and explore the artists’ sanctuary of Bullerön
Kayaking
Hiking
Sauna
After breakfast, paddle out towards the wilder fringes of the archipelago, aiming for the remote island of Bullerön in Nämdöskärgården National Park. Once a creative escape for some of Sweden’s best-known painters in the late 19th century, the island’s windswept cliffs, pine forests and sweeping sea views still feel like a world apart. On arrival, follow a short trail through rocky outcrops, pausing at the old hunting cabin of wildlife painter Bruno Liljefors. There’s also the chance to relax in Bullerön’s newly built sauna, a warm refuge perched by the wild granite shore. If you’re feeling bold, wrap it up with a bracing plunge into the Baltic – a proper Scandinavian ritual. As the light begins to fade, keen paddlers can head out for an optional sunset tour, gliding across calm water as the archipelago glows in golden light.
Day 4
To the edge of the archipelago
Kayaking
Today you’ll paddle southeast towards the dramatic frontier of the archipelago and the remote island of Långviksskär, deep in Nämdöskärgården National Park. Out here, the landscape feels raw and elemental – windblown granite shaped by glaciers into ridges, crevices and smooth slabs during the last Ice Age. Along the way, you’ll stop on quiet islets and in sheltered coves, perfect for a Baltic swim, snack or a quick leg stretch. Your final wild camp is set among these rugged rocks, surrounded by a vast seascape of islands and skerries that stretch out to the horizon. This is the last true outpost of the archipelago – keep paddling east and the next landfall is Estonia. Tonight, you’ll fall asleep with only the sea and stars for company – wilderness camping at its purest.
Day 5
Goodbye Sweden!
Kayaking
Boat Ride
Ease into your final morning in the stillness of the outer archipelago. Take a dip in the sea, sip coffee as the light dances on the water, or just soak up the quiet. If you fancy one last paddle, head out for a short kayak among the nearby islets. Around midday, your transfer boat arrives to take you back across the islands to the kayak centre in Stavsnäs. There’s time to unpack, grab a hot shower and change into city clothes before returning to Stockholm. Say your goodbyes to your local hosts and fellow adventurers, swapping stories from the trip before parting ways. You’ll arrive at Stockholm Central by 16:00. If you're flying out tonight, book a flight from Arlanda no earlier than 19:00 – or stick around and enjoy an extra night in the capital.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Stockholm city
Arrive by 14:30 on Day 1
Ends
Stockholm city
16:00 on Day 5
Transfers
Your trip begins and ends in Stockholm, with the meeting point usually being at Stockholm Central Station. While airport transfers are not included, it is straightforward to reach the city from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). The fastest option is the Arlanda Express train, which runs every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just 20 minutes, and costs around 320 SEK (approx. €28/$30) one way. Alternatively, the Flygbussarna Airport Coaches connect Arlanda to Stockholm City Terminal (next to Central Station) in about 45 minutes for around 129 SEK (€11/$12). Taxis are also available, with the journey taking 40–50 minutes and costing roughly 600–700 SEK (€50–60).
If you arrive early, you can store your luggage securely at Stockholm Central Station, which has storage facilities available for a few hours while you explore the city before your group transfer departs in the early afternoon.
On Day 1, plan to land at Arlanda by 14:00 at the latest to allow enough time to travel into the city centre and meet your host. The pick-up transfer to Stavsnäs kayak centre is usually scheduled to depart from Stockholm Central Station by 15:00 (however, if all group members arrive on earlier flights, the transfer may depart sooner). Your host will confirm the exact meeting point and time a few days before your trip begins. On Day 5, you’ll be transferred back to Stockholm Central Station by 16:00. We recommend booking onward flights from Arlanda Airport departing from 19:00 onwards to allow plenty of time for the transfer and check-in.
Travel options
There are daily direct and indirect flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) from major airports across the UK, Europe, and North America. Arlanda is the main international gateway, located about 40 km north of the city, and handles the majority of long-haul and European flights. Stockholm also has a smaller airport, Bromma Airport (BMA), which mainly serves domestic and regional flights, and Skavsta (NYO) and Västerås (VST), which are used by low-cost carriers but are further from the city.
For travellers from the UK and Europe, there are numerous direct options operated by airlines such as SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Finnair, Lufthansa, and KLM, connecting Stockholm to hubs including London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Helsinki.
From North America, direct flights are available from New York (JFK/EWR) and Chicago (ORD) with SAS and United Airlines. Other US and Canadian cities are well-connected via one-stop routes through major European hubs.
If you plan to extend your time in Sweden and want to add extra nights in Stockholm before or after the trip, your host recommends Downtown Camper by Scandic – a stylish 'urban-outdoor' hotel designed to inspire adventure, conveniently located in the heart of the city and walking distance from the central station.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
In the mornings, you’ll fuel up with a hearty Scandinavian-style breakfast – porridge or muesli with coconut flakes, raisins, honey, and traditional lingonberry jam plus plenty of coffee or tea to get you going. Lunch is kept simple and portable, often eaten during a break between paddles. You’ll prepare your own sandwiches, wraps, or salads with fresh bread, cheese, spreads, and vegetables – sometimes enjoyed as a picnic in a sheltered cove or on a sunny rock by the sea. Evenings are all about gathering at camp and cooking together as a group using the provided stoves and utensils. Ingredients are supplied for wholesome hot meals such as pasta, rice, or couscous dishes with vegetables, fish, or meat; hearty soups; or Swedish-inspired classics. Meals are designed to be easy to prepare outdoors while still comforting and filling after a day on the water. Snacks, fruit, tea, coffee, and sweet treats are available throughout the trip to keep your energy up – perfect for a quick boost on the water or around the campfire in the evenings. To complement your camp meals, you may also like to purchase a few beers or a bottle of wine to enjoy at sunset. In Sweden, regular supermarkets sell drinks up to 3.5% alcohol, while stronger beverages such as wine and spirits are only available at Systembolaget, the state-run alcohol monopoly. Your host will arrange a quick stop here on the way to the kayak centre so you can stock up if you wish. For safety reasons, alcohol is strictly prohibited while kayaking.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Wild camping in the archipelago
Each night you’ll set up camp on remote, uninhabited islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, sleeping in comfortable twin-share dome tents provided by your host. This is genuine wild camping, with no built facilities – part of the magic of this adventure is embracing the wilderness – so you’ll need to be at ease with finding wild toilet spots on land. Your guide will give a full briefing on outdoor toileting etiquette and supply all the camping gear you’ll need. Swedish summers can be very dry, and wildfire risk is taken seriously, so at times regional or national bans may make it illegal to light fires, even in designated pits. Your guide will keep you updated and ensure all cooking and evening activities follow current fire safety regulations.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private tent can be booked for an extra charge. See Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You’ll need adequate fitness for a few active hours each day, and must be able to swim 200m unaided (required locally). You can expect 4–12km of paddling each day, averaging 2–4 active hours on the water. The archipelago has no tides, currents or big swells, so conditions are usually calm. Strong winds can be the main challenge, in which case your guides may adjust the route or suggest exploring an island of foot instead. Most days are spent in sheltered waters, though one 12km stretch crosses more exposed sections that can feel tougher if it’s windy. No previous kayaking experience is needed – your guides will give you a full introduction, and the tandem touring kayaks are stable and suitable for beginners as well as intermediate paddlers. Safety gear and life jackets are always provided. On land, the main hike covers 13km on gentle terrain, with shorter walks on other days.
This is a participatory wild camping trip, so everyone helps with pitching tents, cooking, and moving kayaks and equipment at the shoreline – it's all part of the adventure!
What if i need to skip an activity?
This is a point-to-point journey, so it’s important to feel confident in completing all the included activities. Evacuation by boat is possible in the case of an emergency, but otherwise you’ll need to paddle, hike and camp along with the group each day. Distances are manageable, with regular breaks for snacks, wild swims or resting, and your guides will support you throughout.
What will I need to carry?
You’ll only need a small day pack with water, snacks and personal items while paddling or hiking. Everything else, including camping gear, food and water and overnight kit, is packed into the kayaks. Dry bags are provided for your essentials during the four nights of wild camping, so we recommend packing light and bringing only what you really need. Anything you don’t wish to bring – such as large luggage or items not needed on the kayak tour – can be safely stored on the mainland by your hosts. These will be locked in insurance-grade containers, marked with your name, and waiting for you when you return.
This trip runs from June to early September, when the weather and sea conditions in the Stockholm Archipelago are at their best. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20–27°C, and the sea sits between 16–20°C – fresh, but ideal for wild swims. The archipelago is generally free from large tides or swell, so most paddling is done in calm, sheltered waters – though wind can create choppier conditions in more exposed areas.
June brings long daylight hours and cooler nights. July and August are the warmest and most settled months, while September is quieter, with crisp evenings and golden sunsets. You'll be provided with a waterproof kayak jacket, rain hat and neoprene gloves to stay comfortable in wind or rain. Your guides will share daily forecasts and help plan the best routes. Weather can shift quickly – a sunny morning might turn wet or windy, then clear again for a long Scandinavian sunset.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Five days of guided kayaking through the Stockholm Archipelago
- Wild camping on remote islands each night
- Guided hike on a section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Nämdö
- Guided island exploration on Bullerön with sauna and (optional) wild swimming
- Guided hike to discover Bruno Liljefors’ hunting cabin
Guides
- Certified, English-speaking Nordic wilderness guides with kayaking specialisation (one guide for up to six people; two guides for groups of seven to 12)
Accommodation
- 4 nights wild camping on remote islands with all equipment included
Meals
- All (4) breakfasts
- All (4) tasty picnic lunches
- All (4) local dinners cooked at the wild camping spots
- Snacks and fika (a break over coffee and something sweet) throughout the trip
Transfers
- Transfer from Stockholm city to Stavsnäs kayak centre on Day 1 (airport transfers not included)
- Transport by boat from the outer archipelago back to the kayak centre
- Transfer from Stavsnäs kayak centre to Stockholm city on Day 5 (airport transfers not included)
Luggage storage
- Free luggage storage at your host's basecamp, if there's anything you don't need to take with you on the kayaking journey
Equipment
- All sea kayaking equipment, including tandem touring kayaks, paddles, life vest, spray skirt, safety pump, dry bags, waterproof smartphone case, kayak jacket, hat and neoprene gloves
- All wild camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and cooking utensils
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Airport Transfers
Transfers to and from the airport are not included on this trip, because this is journey is done more easily and quickly by public transport. See the 'Getting There' section for more information.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you feel that your tour leader has provided excellent service over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their service however please note that culturally this is not expected in Sweden.
Personal expenses
This adventure takes place in a remote setting, so you’ll only need spending money for any time in Stockholm before or after the trip (optional). Budget for extras like food, drinks, shopping or laundry, depending on your own habits.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- High-quality 2-person sea kayak plus paddle, life vest, spray skirt and all necessary safety equipment
- Dry bags (as many as you need for your overnight kit and daily items)
- Waterproof kayak jacket, rain hat and kayak gloves
- 2-person dome tent with self-supporting three-pole construction
- Sleeping bag and bedding
- Inflatable sleeping mat, plus a foam mat for extra comfort
- Camping pillow and camping chair
- Cooking stove and fuel
- Cooking utensils (including chopping board, knife, spatula, salt, pepper and oil)
- Eating utensils and washing-up kit
- Tidy-kit – with rubbish bag, toilet paper etc.
- Archipelago 'spa kit' with locally produced, environmentally friendly shampoo and conditioner
- Flashlight, extra matches
- Environmentally friendly bug repellent
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag, rucksack or luggage (you will repack your kit into dry bags locally)
- Small hiking rucksack (25L)
CLOTHES
- Some changes of comfy outdoor clothes
- Light quick-dry clothes for kayaking
- Shell layer
- Wind/waterproof jacket and pants for land use
- A warm sweater and light jacket and hat if the night gets cold
- Sunglasses with strap and sun cap
- Waterbottle (1 litre)
- Swimwear and towel
- Sleep mask and ear plugs (it can be very light at night, especially from May until end of July)
- Underwear and socks
- Trainers with grip or light hiking shoes
- Sandals
OTHER
- A book to read, a deck of cards and other personal items
- Heavy duty hand cream/barrier cream
- Sun screen
- Passports (and visas)
- A power bank (or two!) to be able to charge your smartphone
- Travel insurance documents
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
Optional Private Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Tent Upgrade
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 60kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Group sizes are kept small to ensure safety and a personal experience. The guide-to-guest ratio is usually 1:6, with two guides leading bigger groups of 7–12 people. Your local host is a close-knit team of warm, down-to-earth kayak instructors. All group leaders are certified wilderness guides and trained in wilderness first aid. Many of them spend their summers guiding kayak tours in the archipelago and their winters leading expeditions in the Scandinavian fells. You can count on them not only to share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors, but also to keep you safe and handle any unexpected situations – so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the archipelago.
Travel in wild places always comes with a little unpredictability. Weather, sea conditions, or other local factors may mean that your guides need to adjust the itinerary. Safety is always the top priority, and your experienced hosts know the archipelago inside out. In practice, this might mean altering routes or choosing alternative wild camping locations that are more sheltered, slightly lengthening or shortening the planned paddling distances, or even swapping a kayak session for a guided hike if conditions require. These adjustments are designed to keep the adventure safe and enjoyable without taking away from the overall experience. That said, the weather is generally stable during the season when this trip runs, so it’s unlikely that severe conditions would disrupt the whole itinerary. We recommend approaching the trip with flexibility and a sense of adventure – it’s often these unscripted moments that create the most memorable stories.
Yes! Anything you do not wish to bring on the trip , including extra luggage and other items that you will not use during the kayak tour, can be stored safely and for free at the host's basecamp. Your items will be locked in their insurance-grade containers, marked with your name and waiting for you once you get back from your tour.
As a group, you'll be provided with 5-litre tanks (as many as needed) to carry throughout the trip. There are also few places out in the archipelago where it's possible to refill during the trip. As a rule of thumb, we recommend 2–3 litres of drinking water per person, per day. Please remember to bring your own small water bottle so that you can refill to stay hydrated while on the water.
You’ll be paddling in good quality double (tandem) sit-inside touring kayaks. These are stable and comfortable boats designed for multi-day expeditions, with spacious cockpits and plenty of storage for camping gear and supplies. They’re well-suited to both beginners and experienced paddlers, making them ideal for exploring the Stockholm Archipelago. If you have plenty of previous sea kayaking experience, your host may also be able to offer a single kayak; please contact them via your booking ahead of your trip if you'd like to discuss this option.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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.
No Reviews yet
This trip is brand new
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday 24th June 2026
to Sunday 28th June 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
