Stockholm Winter Kayaking: Vaxholm Archipelago & Swedish Sauna

Paddle past 500-year-old Vaxholm Fortress in winter silence, then warm up in a Swedish sauna

You paddle a fully equipped sea kayak around Vaxholm's fortress and fishing villages in the Stockholm archipelago, 30 minutes from the city center. The tour includes a drysuit, gloves, boots, and warm drinks during the paddle. Winter means you'll have the water largely to yourself, with views of 16th-century fortifications and traditional Swedish architecture. The whole outing takes three to four hours, and you return to Stockholm by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter kayaking and archipelago exploration

• Drive 30 minutes from Stockholm to Vaxholm
• Explore Vaxholm Fortress and Citadel
• Kayak around Vaxholm archipelago
• Enjoy warm drinks during kayaking
• Visit Norrhammen fishing cottages and summer cafe
• Discover Bogesundslandet nature reserve
• See Resarö Island and Ytterby Mine

The experience

"In winter, you have the archipelago to yourself," our guide said as we pushed the kayaks into the water. That sentence stayed with me the whole morning. Vaxholm sits 30 minutes from central Stockholm, but once you're paddling between the islands, the city feels like another world entirely. The fortress (built by King Gustav Vasa back in the 1500s) rises up from the water in pale stone, and you pass close enough to see the details of the walls. No crowds, no noise except the paddle hitting the water and the occasional call of a bird.

The kayak itself feels solid under you, and they give you a drysuit so you're genuinely warm, not just pretending. Gloves, boots, a spray skirt that keeps the water out. It's the kind of gear that makes you realize they've thought about what happens when it's cold. We paddled past Norrhammen, where traditional fishing cottages line the northern harbor, their red walls reflected in the still water. The guide pointed out Bogesundslandet, one of Stockholm's largest nature reserves, with its old oak trees and green meadows visible from the water. You're moving slowly enough to actually see things (the architecture, the way the light hits the islands, the texture of the landscape) instead of just passing through it.

After the paddle, there's hot coffee and tea waiting, which tastes better than it has any right to. The whole experience runs about three to four hours depending on conditions, and the timing means you're back in the city by early afternoon. Winter kayaking around Vaxholm isn't about adrenaline or covering distance. It's about being on the water when most people aren't, and feeling the difference that makes.

What’s included

• Your day includes a fully equipped sea kayak with paddle, spray skirt, and life vest, a drysuit in your size, boots, gloves, and a rain hat.
• You'll get a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry and hot coffee or tea during the paddle.
• Transport from Stockholm to Vaxholm and back is arranged, and the guide provides local stories and knowledge of the archipelago as you paddle.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour (without sauna)Guide in English · 09:30, 10:30 and 11:30Meeting point: Skärgårdens Kanotcenter Kayaks & Outdoor, Resarövägen 10, 185 51 Vaxholm, Sweden

Paddling tour followed by a sauna sessionGuide in English · 09:30, 10:30 and 11:30Lasts 4 hours 30 minutes: a 3-hour paddling tour, then 1 hour in the sauna after paddling. Starts at Skärgårdens Kanotcenter Kayaks & Outdoor, Resarövägen 10, 185 51 Vaxholm, Sweden

Paddling tour, sauna and pickup includedGuide in English · 08:45, 09:45 and 11:00Lasts 6 hours: pickup from Stockholm, paddling tour and sauna session, then drop-off in Stockholm

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:45, the last at 11:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Skärgårdens Kanotcenter | Kayaks & Outdoor

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle the Stockholm archipelago without arranging your own boat, gear, or route. The guide handles the timing and navigation so you can focus on the water and the landscape.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years). Under 16: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How far is Vaxholm from Stockholm?

About 30 minutes by car from central Stockholm.

What's included in the tour?

Fully equipped sea kayak, drysuit, boots, gloves, rain hat, waterproof bag, paddle, spray skirt, life vest, and hot coffee or tea during the paddle.

Can I do this in winter?

Yes. Winter paddling is possible, and the guide notes that autumn and winter mean fewer people on the water.

What's the minimum age?

16 years old. Families with younger children can book private family-friendly tours.

What are the height and weight limits?

Minimum height 1.50 m, maximum height 1.95 m, maximum weight 110 kg.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Good physical condition and the ability to swim are required.

What will I see on the paddle?

Vaxholm Fortress (dating to the 1500s), traditional fishing cottages at Norrhammen, and views of Bogesundslandet nature reserve.

How long does the tour take?

Approximately three to four hours, depending on conditions.