Stockholm Archipelago: Kayak Day Tour with Lunch & Fika

Summary

Kayak among wild islands from Dalarö with outdoor lunch

You’ll paddle through Stockholm’s wild archipelago with a small group and local guide, stopping for an outdoor lunch and classic Swedish fika on a deserted island. Expect cold air on your cheeks, birds overhead, and real silence between strokes—a day that sticks with you long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when I saw the clouds hanging low over Stockholm that morning. But we met up south of the city anyway—me, two friends, and our guide Jonas, who had this calm way of making you forget about weather forecasts. The drive out to Dalarö took about 45 minutes, and somewhere along the way I spotted one of those red wooden houses tucked between pine trees. It looked like it belonged in a storybook. Jonas just grinned and said, “That’s Sweden.”

The first few minutes paddling felt wobbly (I’m not exactly an expert), but Jonas gave us a quick kayak intro and suddenly it was just us gliding through this maze of islands. The water was glassy and cold against my fingers when I dipped them in—kind of bracing but not unpleasant. At one point we passed close to a rocky shore where some birds were making an absolute racket. Jonas pointed out a sea eagle circling overhead; he seemed genuinely excited every time he spotted something, which made me care more too.

Lunch was on one of those deserted islands—no houses, just rocks and moss and the smell of saltwater. We sat on our jackets eating sandwiches and cinnamon buns (Swedish fika is no joke), listening to the wind and not much else. There’s something about eating outside after paddling for hours that makes even simple food taste better. We joked about swimming but honestly, none of us were brave enough for Baltic temperatures in June.

The paddle back felt slower, maybe because my arms were tired or maybe because I didn’t want it to end yet. On the return drive to Stockholm I kept thinking about how quiet it had been out there—no city noise at all, just birds and water—and how different Sweden feels when you’re actually in the archipelago instead of looking at it from a ferry window. I still think about that view from the kayak sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour in Stockholm archipelago

• Meet at office south of Stockholm
• Drive to Dalarö village
• Begin kayaking from Dalarö
• Explore islands by kayak
• Share meal on deserted island
• Rest with nature sounds
• Paddle back around other islands
• Return to Stockholm

Top questions

How far is Dalarö from Stockholm?

It’s about a 45-minute drive south of Stockholm to reach Dalarö.

Is lunch included on this Stockholm archipelago kayak tour?

Yes, an outdoor lunch plus Swedish fika are included during the day trip.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No prior experience is needed; there’s an introduction at the start.

What wildlife might we see while kayaking?

You may spot sea eagles, migratory geese, cormorants, and other birds native to the archipelago.

Is transportation from Stockholm included?

Yes, transport from south Stockholm to Dalarö is provided as part of the tour.

Are drybags provided for personal items?

Yes, drybags are included so you can keep your belongings safe while kayaking.

What equipment is supplied for kayaking?

The tour provides kayaks plus safety vests, paddles, skirts, and instruction.

Is this kayak tour suitable for beginners?

Yes—it’s designed for all fitness levels with guidance throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from south Stockholm by air-conditioned vehicle, all kayak equipment (with safety gear), drybags for your things, an introduction course before paddling out among the islands with your guide, plus an outdoor lunch and classic Swedish fika shared on a quiet island before heading back together in the afternoon.