Kayaking in Gothenburg: Canals and City Views

The Vallgraven moat shows you central Gothenburg from the water: the calmest part of the city.

A 2-hour guided kayak tour through Gothenburg's canals and rivers, starting from Lilla Bommen near central station. You paddle past Gustaf Adolf Square, the Gothenburg Garden Society, and through the historic Vallgraven moat while an English-speaking guide provides equipment, safety instruction and city history. Minimum age is 12. Maximum weight 100 kg. Life jacket and paddle are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour through Gothenburg

• Meet at Lilla Bommen
• Receive life jacket and paddle
• Start kayaking on canals and rivers
• Paddle alongside Gothenburg Garden Society
• View Gustaf Adolf Square from water
• Explore central Gothenburg by kayak
• See Vallgraven moat and city center

The experience

You meet at Lilla Bommen, a few steps from central station and Brunsparken, and launch into the river and canal system that winds through the city. The kayak and buoyancy aid are provided, along with a safety briefing before you paddle out. The route takes you past Gustaf Adolf Square (a busy landmark that looks entirely different from the water), and along the Gothenburg Garden Society, a park area the tour paddles right alongside. You'll see into one of Sweden's most renowned gardens without leaving your kayak.

The Vallgraven, originally built as a defensive moat, is now one of the quietest stretches in central Gothenburg, and the 2-hour paddle gives you time to move through it at a steady pace while the guide points out the city's history and architecture. The canals stay calm enough for the activity to feel manageable rather than strenuous, though you're actively paddling the whole time. Water splashes are normal, so dress in layers you don't mind getting wet.

You can leave bags and belongings at the shop before you launch, so you're not managing gear while paddling. The tour wraps up back at Lilla Bommen, leaving the rest of your day open in the city.

What’s included

• Kayak and life jacket.
• English-speaking guide with safety instruction and city history.
• bag storage at the shop during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayak Goteborg

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself for the full 2 hours, so this suits anyone aged 12 and over with moderate fitness who wants to be active on the water rather than watching from a boat: dress for splashes and plan on steady paddling through calm canals.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 Vallgraven and why does it matter for this kayak route?

The Vallgraven is the historic moat that once defended Gothenburg. It's now a calm canal running through the city center and forms the heart of the paddle route, offering a tranquil perspective on central Gothenburg that you can't get from the streets.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No experience is required. The guide provides all equipment, safety instruction and leads the paddle at a steady pace suitable for beginners aged 12 and over with moderate fitness.

Can I bring a backpack or camera on the kayak?

You can leave bags and belongings at the shop before launching, so you paddle without carrying gear. A small waterproof camera or phone case would need to be secured to avoid water damage.

How far is Lilla Bommen from Gothenburg's main attractions?

Lilla Bommen sits just next to central station and Brunsparken, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city and a short walk from most central hotels and landmarks.