Paddlingsled 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.

Kayaking tips in Kristinehamn

1. Into the reeds | 1-2 hours | E

Paddle swiftly across the shipping lane. Enjoy the boat life and admire the beautiful villas. Paddle into the reeds, where there is a cut. If you are lucky, you might spot moose or eagle. Please mind the birds.

2.The Jutviken Tour | 2-3 hours | E

Paddle around the Southern headland/ tip and visit one of the cafés along the way to the sandy beach at Jutviken. NOTE, check the wind beforehand and avoid protected bird areas.

3.The Tjyvholmen Tour | 2–3 hours, 8 km | E

Bring along a picnic or a take-away from one of the cafés. Paddle past the reeds, stop and enjoy your picnic. You might be lucky enough to spot eagles or beavers here.

4.Around the island Lindön | 3–4 hours, 13 km | M

Paddle past Stora Tjuven, along the western coast of Vålön. Paddle around Lindön and enjoy the scenery. NOTE, important to check the wind beforehand and avoid protected bird areas.

5.Around the island Vålön | 3–4 hours, 11 km | M/K

Paddle as in tour 4 but continue around the whole of Vålön. Paddle through the channel cut in the reeds beneath the bridge between Vålön and Kalvön. Stop and swim at one of the beaches. NOTE, check the wind beforehand.

6.Around the island Kalvön | 4 hours | M

Paddle as in tour 5, but then through the channel cut in the reeds beneath the bridge between Kalvön and Sibberön. Look back before paddling under the bridge. Do you see any birdlife? Then continue as in tour 5.

7. Around the island Sibberön | 6–7 hours | K

Paddle as in tour 5 but continue past Kalvön and around Sibberön. View the horizon and observe the birdlife. Pay attention to the winds beforehand. This tour is only for experienced paddlers.

8.Towards the City Centre | 4 hours | E

Paddle past the beautiful villas of Vålösund. Stop at Skymningen beach or at First Camp Herrgårdsliv for a snack. Continue to the guest harbor. Check the currents beforehand so you don’t end up with a strong counter-current on the way back.

9.Towards the Campsite | 1-2 hours | E

See tour 8 but stop at Skymningen beach and First Camp Herrgårdsliv, where you can also buy ice cream.

10.The Picasso sculpture | 1 hour | E

Paddle along Vålösundet and see one of the world’s largest Picasso sculptures from the water. Pablo Picasso envisioned it as a portrayal of his wife Jacqueline. Paddle ashore and admire it up close. Here you will find refreshments, food, toilets, and information about the sculpture.

11.The Fallskären Tour | 6-7 hours | M/K

Paddle past the Picasso sculpture and the southern point, pass the Fjällbergen bird protection area at a distance, and follow the shore of Lake Vänern southwards before rounding the fascinating island group of Fallskären. Note: check the wind conditions beforehand.

12.Toward Revsand and Hult | 4–6 hours, 9–10 km (one way) | K

See route 11, but continue paddling past Fallskären, past Trinneholme and Getholmen. Campsite Revsand Familjecamping and the campsite Hults Sommarhem offer nice tent sites, and Hult has a summer café. Note: Only for experienced paddlers. Check the wind conditions beforehand.

All times are calculated from Kapurja and the Kayakomat.

E - Easy

M - Moderate

K - Challenging

Please note that the tours can be more challenging depending on the wind and weather conditions.