Kayaking Kristinehamn

Welcome to the Kristinehamn archipelago

Vänern is Sweden’s largest lake with around 22,000 islands, islets, and skerries, of which 250 are located in Kristinehamn. Almost half of the municipality’s area is water, totaling 632.5 square kilometers. You have several opportunities to admire the Väner Lake horizon. Go to beaches, rocky swimming spots, and fire pits on the islands or along the mainland shoreline. Here in Vålösundet, the Vänerleden cycling route, the Picasso sculpture, restaurants, cafes, hiking trails, island life, and various views of Lake Vänern.

Do you want to explore the archipelago from the water but don’t have your own boat? No problem, in Kristinehamn, you can paddle a canoe or kayak, rent an electric boat or motorboat, or explore the archipelago and Lake Vänern with one of the excursion boats operating during the summer.

There are many islands to discover in Kristinehamn’s archipelago. Remember that there are no shops or restaurants on the islands, so be sure to pack your own picnic with treats or grab some take-out from one of the restaurants or cafes along Vålösundsvägen. On some of the islands, you can camp overnight in tents or shelters at designated spots. Before you go on a paddling trip, it’s important to check the wind direction and adjust your journey accordingly, considering your skills and the weather conditions.