5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided

Summary

Your expert local host will take care of all the logistics and equipment needed for  kayaking,  cooking,  sleeping and  exploring in this magical place. After a briefing on safety and navigation, you’re off on your own for a  true wilderness experience!  Wake up to an incredible view, eat some yummie breakfast, then pack up and explore the day away. The path you choose will be one never travelled before! Stop at your leisure to swim in pristine coves, enjoy a beer and soak up the sun. In the evening, pick a deserted island to watch the sunset, and enjoy each others company around the campfire. You'll feel free....it's as simple as that! Day 1 – Into the maze Our launch site is located in a sheltered bay - soon you see a maze of islands spreading out in all directions. You pass bird sanctuaries teeming with birdlife on your way northeast to the pretty islands around Aspöja. Sea Eagles are a common sight around here. Day 2 – A band of islands against the horizon Your next day is a beautiful paddle southeast through the barren, wind-pined islands of the outer archipelago. After a hard day you reach the old navigation mark Kupa Klint. It's a great lookout with stunning views of the hundreds of islands below. Inside the outer band of skerries is the sheltered large island Missjö, ideal for camping. Local boat taxi man Mats runs a small pub on Missjö. Day 3 – The village that time forgot Continue your exploration south towards Harstena Village. You are greeted by a picturesque view of the village as you paddle the small inlet to the waterside restaurant. Harstena is famous for its idyllic and historic beauty. Visit the old school and seal processing factory, munch on delicious cinnamon swirls from the bakery or try hot-smoked fish from the local fisherman. Day 4 – A wood-fired sauna on the sea Head west through the narrow straight by Vaggön with its dramatic steep walls crashing into the water, and circle back up to Håskö. It's one of the area's last untouched homesteads. They are well-known for their fresh deboned perch and smoked salmon. For a very small fee you can use the wood-fired sauna located right on the sea. Day 5 – The abandoned copper mine Paddle through the tiny straight by Kråkmarö - a secluded area with many traditional summer houses, aiming for Fångö. During the 19th century, Fångö was an important site for mining copper and there are many remains from the era. Climb to the top of Gubbön navigation mark, opposite Fångö, to get a spectacular view of the Gryt Archipelago before heading west towards the mainland to the end point of your trip. 

Tour info

Duration
5 days
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

The remote Saint Anna Archipelago on the East Coast of Sweden is heaven for kayakers. Nowhere in Europe can you find 6000 islands so closely clustered together - a maze from the forested sheltered islands close to the mainland out to the barren islets bordering the open sea. You are free to paddle and wild camp wherever you like! This is a self-guided expedition and you decide your own route. All top-notch equipment is provided along with a detailed guide book, and 24/7 support while kayaking. Your pre-ordered groceries are packed when you arrive, and after a briefing on safety, navigation and the area, you're ready to hit the water! A perfect tour for beginners or experienced sea kayakers alike! Almost all the islands are uninhabited, but the area also has a rich history of people living their whole lives out here. It’s completely your choice what to explore – visit cultural points of interest, do all wilderness, or more likely, a blend of both!

What’s included?

  • Top quality kayaking, camping & cooking gear

  • Return transport Norrköping-Saint Anna

  • Food order - we shop and pack for you at cost price

  • Briefing on the area, navigation and safety

  • Detailed guide book

  • Cell phone for weather reports & communication

  • 24/7 Do the North service while kayaking

  • Food and drinks

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

  • Flights

  • Airport transfer to Norrköping

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 5 days

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Do the North

About operator:

Discover the thousands of islands that make up the Swedish archipelago from your kayak, on your very own self-guided adventure. We’ll provide you with everything you’ll need and quickly go over the outdoor skills needed to navigate the Archipelago. From there you can choose whether you eat ice cream at an old fishing village, get cosy in wood-fire sauna, or watch the sunset from your own private island. With so many islands to hop, you’ll be unplugged from civilisation and enjoying summer like a Swede.

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