Looking for a unique outdoor activity? Why not try a Stockholm winter kayaking experience? The city center offers ideal kayaking conditions year-round, and we run trips as long as the water temperature remains above freezing. We provide all the necessary kayak equipment for an enjoyable winter kayaking tour, with safety as our top priority. That’s why all our tours are conducted in dry suits, ensuring you stay dry and safe in the unlikely event of capsizing.
Paddle through the heart of Stockholm and take in spectacular views. Winter kayaking offers calm and peaceful conditions, as the waters are free from other boats. We typically use tandem kayaks for added stability, but single kayaks are available upon request for those with previous experience. The tour takes you through beautiful and historic neighborhoods, including Kungsholmen, Långholmen, Södermalm, Gamla Stan, and Lilla Essingen, as you paddle under charming bridges and along tranquil waterways.
Our experienced guide will share insights about Stockholm’s history and culture, along with tips on the best spots for photos and sightseeing.
Important Information
We will provide you with the right-sized dry suit and boots to keep you dry. However, it’s important to bring extra layers to wear underneath the dry suit to stay warm. Please avoid cotton and jeans; instead, opt for synthetic or wool (thermal) clothing. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure you get the most out of your Stockholm winter kayaking experience.
The winter season offers a truly unique and peaceful experience on the water. Temperatures usually range from -10°C to 10°C. While it can be cold, the calm beauty of Stockholm in winter makes the experience unforgettable.
As we say in Sweden, “There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing.” To stay comfortable, we strongly recommend checking the weather forecast before your tour and dressing in appropriate winter clothing.
One of the great advantages of our Stockholm Winter Kayaking Tour is the typically calm waters and absence of other boats, creating a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. On some days, we even paddle through ice and snow, adding a truly magical touch to the experience.
For the Stockholm Winter Kayak Tour, we recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing that can be layered under a dry suit. While we provide dry suits for your safety, dressing appropriately for the cold is essential. Warm thermal underwear, comfortable pants, a fleece, two pairs of wool socks, and a winter hat are ideal. It’s also wise to bring a change of clothes, just in case.
Recommended clothing
Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Comfortable pants (no jeans)
Warm long-sleeve top or fleece
Two pairs of wool socks
Winter hat or beanie
Gloves (optional but recommended)
Personal items
Hot Drinking water
Spare clothing (just in case)
Lip balm or moisturizer for cold conditions
Be sure to check the weather forecast before your tour and adjust your outfit as needed. Layers are key and staying warm and dry helps make the experience even more enjoyable.
No worries about your luggage. You are welcome to leave larger items like suitcases or travel backpacks at our jetty. Valuable smaller items can come with you in the kayak and fit easily into the dry compartments, keeping your essentials safe and dry throughout the tour.
There are no toilets at the kayak station for the Stockholm Winter City Kayak Tour, so please plan ahead. Some nearby restaurants or cafés may have restrooms available, but we recommend using a restroom before you arrive to ensure a comfortable start to your tour.
The Stockholm City Winter Kayak Tour covers around 8 to 10 kilometers, which makes it a light to medium light physical activity. Most of our guests manage the distance without any issues. We keep a relaxed pace, unlike other companies that complete the same distance in just 2-hours.
You just need to be in normal health and bring a positive mindset. Our guides are always there to help, though the level of individual support may vary depending on the group size. If needed, we even tow kayaks to ensure everyone has a great experience.
That said, for some participants, it can still be a bit of a workout, especially in the arms. Weather conditions such as wind and cold can also affect how demanding the tour feels.
The likelihood of tipping over during any Stockholm City Kayak Tour is very low. Our kayaks are designed to be stable and suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, and the calm waters of our route further minimize the risk.
We provide a thorough briefing before the trip, covering essential paddling techniques and safety measures. Our guides are also on hand to assist and ensure everyone feels confident and secure throughout the journey. While it’s natural to have some concerns, rest assured that tipping over is a rare occurrence. Should it happen, our guides are trained to handle such situations quickly and effectively, ensuring your safety at all times.
Double kayaks rarely tip over; it’s more likely to happen in single kayaks.
For all our Stockholm City Kayak Tours, we typically use stable double kayaks. They are easy to handle, very stable, and ideal for beginners or anyone who prefers paddling with a partner.
All our kayaks are stable sea kayaks with a rudder, making steering smooth and straightforward, even if you have no prior experience. If you would prefer a single kayak, just let us know during the booking process and we will do our best to arrange it.
Yes, children are welcome on our Stockholm Winter City Kayak Tours, but please note the age requirements due to colder conditions and safety standards.
We use double kayaks, which are ideal for families with younger children. They offer extra stability and let an adult paddle together with a child. Our guides provide clear instructions and support to help everyone feel confident on the water. We have life jackets in all sizes and always take extra care to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable. For the most flexible experience, we recommend booking a private tour for your family.
