Kayaking on Lake Bogstad from Oslo: Calm Water & Historic Sites

Paddle past a 17th-century manor, upstream through a river valley, and end at an 800-year-old folk museum

Half-day kayaking on Lake Bogstad near Oslo with a live guide, where you paddle past Bogstad Manor, up the Sørkedal River, and finish at Bjørnsgard folk museum with a break for coffee and snacks. The trip suits families with children from age 6 and anyone wanting calm-water paddling with a historical angle. Instructors teach basic paddling skills before you start.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and canoe tour on Lake Bogstad

• Start at Bogstadvannet beach
• Paddle past Bogstad Manor
• Paddle up Sørkedal River
• Reach north-east corner of lake
• Disembark at Bjørnsgard folk museum
• Take break with coffee and snack
• Paddle back to starting point

What’s included

• Guided paddling with a live instructor.
• kayak or canoe, lifevest and paddle.
• snacks and beverages at Bjørnsgard.

Times

Next departure: 25 May 2027

1 departing soon ›

Before you book

Group Private 2 group tours ›

Live guide English, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Ages Adult (15 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 1)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Oslo Kayak Tours

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 1 verified traveler review

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The experience

The kayaks and canoes are ready on the beach at Bogstadvannet when you arrive. After a short introduction to paddling technique from your guide, you push off onto calm water and paddle toward Bogstad Manor, a 17th-century house that shaped Norwegian history. The route then turns upstream into the Sørkedal River, which narrows as it winds into the valley. You paddle against a gentle current with forest and wildlife on both banks.

The paddle continues northeast across the lake to Bjørnsgard, a small folk museum of log houses and farm buildings. Some of the structures are up to 800 years old and rank among the world's best-preserved wooden buildings. You pull ashore here for a break: coffee, mineral water and a snack before the paddle back to the start. The whole outing takes about three hours and covers calm water throughout, making it manageable for children and anyone new to paddling.

Your guide speaks English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, and hotel pickup is included if you need it. Public transport stops are also nearby if you prefer to meet at the beach. Small kayaks are available for children, and the trip is built around steady paddling rather than speed or distance.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Bogstad Manor and why do we paddle past it?

Bogstad Manor is a 17th-century house that played an important role in Norwegian history. Paddling past it gives you a view from the water and your guide provides historical context about the building and its place in the region.

Can I bring my six-year-old on this kayaking trip?

Yes. The trip is designed for families with children from age 6 onward. Small kayaks are available, and the water is calm throughout, making it suitable for young paddlers with a moderate fitness level.

What happens at Bjørnsgard at the end of the paddle?

Bjørnsgard is a folk museum with log houses and farm buildings, some dating back 800 years. You land there, take a break with coffee, mineral water and a snack, and then paddle back to the starting beach.

Do I need to know how to kayak before I book?

No. Your guide gives an introduction to paddling skills at the start on the beach, and the trip is designed for everyone, including beginners. The water stays calm throughout.

How do I get to the starting point on Lake Bogstad?

Hotel pickup is included in the booking. If you prefer to meet at the beach, public transportation options are available nearby.