Kayaking Central Stockholm: Self-Guided Paddle City Hall

Paddle past Stockholm City Hall and the Old Town from the water

Self-guided kayaking in central Stockholm on a stable single kayak, starting from a calm canal on Södermalm. You paddle around the city's landmarks (Stockholm City Hall and the Old Town) with all equipment provided and a short instructor introduction before you launch. The route takes around two hours, and you can rebook up to six hours before if weather turns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour around central Stockholm

• Receive kayaking equipment and instructions
• Start kayaking in calm Södermalm canal
• Pass by Stockholm City Hall on water
• See Stockholm Old Town from kayak
• Paddle around Långholmen and Reimersholme
• Paddle around Kungsholmen including City Hall area

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, life jacket and spray deck.
• map for navigation.
• dry bag.
• instructor introduction and instructions.
• all taxes and fees.
• weather guarantee allowing rebooking up to six hours before with no extra charge.

Times

Next departure: 10 May 2027

4 departing soon ›

Before you book

Group Private 8 group tours ›

Live guide English and Swedish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 1 with pickup ›

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

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

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Långholmen Kajak

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

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Traveler reviews

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The experience

You start on a calm canal on Södermalm, where an instructor walks you through the basics and makes sure the kayak, paddle, life jacket and spray deck all fit. The kayak is stable and built for one person, so you're in control of the pace from the moment you push off. A dry bag keeps your phone and wallet safe while you're on the water.

The two main routes both show you Stockholm from an angle the streets don't offer. Paddle around Långholmen and Reimersholme, or head toward Kungsholmen to pass Stockholm City Hall on the water (one of the most scenic views of the building), and see Stockholm Old Town from the water. Both routes run around two hours. You navigate using the map the instructor provides, so you're not following a guide on the water. You're choosing your own line through the canals.

Weather guarantee means you can rebook the tour up to six hours before if conditions aren't right, with no extra charge. Public transportation is nearby if you need it to reach the starting point.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Swedish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

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's the kayak like for someone who's never paddled before?

The kayak is single-person and stable, designed so beginners feel secure on the water. The instructor covers everything you need to know before you launch, and the starting canal is calm, so you can get comfortable with the paddle and the boat before heading out on the main route.

Can I paddle around Stockholm City Hall and the Old Town in one trip?

The route around Kungsholmen takes you past Stockholm City Hall on the water and lets you see Stockholm Old Town from a unique perspective, and it fits inside the two-hour window. The other popular route circles Långholmen and Reimersholme instead, so you choose which one suits your interest.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I book?

You can rebook the tour up to six hours before your start time if weather turns, with no extra charge. That gives you time to reschedule without losing your booking or paying again.

Do I need any kayaking experience to do this?

No experience is necessary. The instructor gives you a short introduction covering everything you need to know, and the kayak is stable and easy to handle. The route starts on a calm canal, so you build confidence before heading into the main waterways.

What should I bring, and what's provided?

All kayaking equipment is provided: the kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray deck and a map for navigation. Bring a dry bag's contents (phone, wallet, keys), and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. A dry bag is included to keep your belongings safe.