I have been a kayak guide on Lake Vättern for almost 15 years, have run several kayak bases around the lake, and even owned a large kayak shop – here are my tips for you who are relatively new to kayaking and want to experience the lake, the islands, and the destinations along the shores!

This guide includes:

• A brief introduction to Lake Vättern

• A brief introduction to kayaking

• Where to rent a kayak

• Guided kayak tours

• Places to visit

• Things to keep in mind

• FAQ

• The Right of Public Access – your obligations and respect for the local community

A brief introduction to Lake Vättern

Lake Vättern is Europe’s fifth largest lake and Sweden’s second largest. It reaches depths of up to 128 meters and is known for its clear, cold water. The circumference of the lake is approximately 300 kilometers, and surely no one has missed the Vätternrundan cycling event held every June. In the past, waterways served as logistical routes that connected people, as it was easy to transport oneself across the water. Today, it’s easy to think that they separate us. We rarely travel or transport ourselves across the water anymore. Yet, there is probably nothing that connects people as much as water does! Around Lake Vättern, people, animals, and plants live, all of whom love and depend on the lake. Through the network Runt Vättern, you can learn more about what there is to see and do on and around the lake, whether you live in the area or are visiting as a guest.

A brief introduction to kayaking

Kayaking is a fantastic way to experience nature, to get closer to places that are otherwise difficult to reach. It invites strong nature experiences and the accompanying respect one, as a visitor, wants to give to the places visited. There are some things that can be good to know as a beginner in kayaking.

Here are my tips specifically for those who want to kayak in Lake Vättern.
A lake called "Wild Vättern," now you know that – and soon you will also know how to enjoy the experience! When kayaking, in addition to the kayak, you also have a paddle with two blades, a spray skirt to keep water from dripping onto your knees in the cockpit, and a life jacket. These are standard, along with other gear that can, of course, be used.
Kayaks are most commonly made of plastic or fiberglass. The former can withstand almost anything but is heavy, while the latter is lighter but can crack, though it can be repaired and be as good as new again. Kayaks paddled by one person are called single kayaks (K1), and those paddled by two people (like a tandem bike) are called double kayaks (K2).

Where to rent a kayak

Woods & Water and VätternKajak

There are several kayak rental places around Lake Vättern. The largest of them is VätternKajak (which I ran between 2012-2022 - today we have a good collaboration and these kayaks can be booked either through me at Woods & Water or directly with VätternKajak). VätternKajak has bases at Omberg, in Harge, in Olshammar, and in Granvik. It is self-service at all these locations. At the time of booking, you receive a code to unlock the kayak(s) you booked. You rent the equipment on your own and make your own decisions based on your weather, wave, and safety knowledge.

Kayakomat

There are Kayakomats in Motala, Gränna, and Jönköping. This is also self-service. You rent the equipment on your own and make your own decisions based on your weather, wave, and safety knowledge.

Whatsup rental

There seems to be a kayak rental in Hjo that is open on sunny summer days. I refer you to their website to familiarize yourself with the rental.

Guided kayak tours

There are several reasons to paddle with a guide, and it has nothing to do with whether you are experienced or not. For some, it is a sense of security, for others, companionship, and for some, a way to get an overview of the area or deepen their knowledge about the place they visit. A common comment after a guided paddle is, "Imagine how much I would have missed if I hadn’t joined this tour!"

6 reasons to paddle with someone who knows the area:

1. This person is familiar with how the waves and weather can behave in the area.

2. This person likely has knowledge of buddy rescues and, above all, how to avoid ending up in such a situation in the first place.

3. A local guide can tell you many interesting things about the beautiful places you pass or visit. Nature is always beautiful – but gaining a greater understanding of the place and the life that exists there makes it extra interesting.

4. You contribute to a vibrant countryside, and what you learn during the experience can be shared – helping us all share the magic!

5. Some places should be avoided, not because they are hidden gems but because they can be particularly difficult to pass or because birds need to nest undisturbed for a few weeks.

6. You receive tips on paddling techniques and other useful information that you can benefit from when visiting the area on your own next time!

Here is a list of companies that organize guided kayak tours in Lake Vättern:

1. Woods & Water of Sweden

   • Tours: Evening paddles to Omberg’s caves, Kayak camping in Northern Vättern’s archipelago.

   • Courses: No, but try-out and get-started sessions for private groups.

2. Naturvägledare Norra Vättern

   • Tours: Experience Vättern by kayak, Birthday adventure special.

   • Courses: Yes! Here you can take a paddling pass and gain in-depth kayaking knowledge.

Well... oops, the list ended there. If you have more tips on providers, please let us know!

Places to visit

Lake Vättern is quite a large and rugged lake, and even though there are over 800 islands here, most of them are in Northern Vättern’s archipelago.

Norra Vätterns skärgård (Northern Vättern’s archipelago)

This is a small archipelago that is best visited outside the main vacation weeks. It’s a fantastic place but unfortunately also very busy with motor and sailboats. If you can, visit the archipelago in the off-seasons or on weekdays outside of vacation times. Of all the islands, only five allow overnight stays – for more information, see Sveaskog’s website.

Omboöar (Ombo Islands)
A mini-archipelago that you can paddle around in about an hour, but beautiful. Thus also suitable for families with children, I usually say. The same goes here as for Northern Vättern’s archipelago. There is a lot of boat traffic here during the high season, so if possible, try to come on a day when there is not so much pressure here to get more out of your paddling experience. Since the wind often comes from the west, these islands in the western part of Vättern are often protected from the wind.

Motala & Karlsborg – with Göta Canal
Two towns on either side of Vättern, but they both have in common that they are located by Vättern – and both have the Göta Canal! Some stretches are more paddle-friendly than others in terms of the canal, and the kayaks need to be carried around the locks. Read more about paddling on the Göta Canal here. During the winter, the canal can be closed, and some passages drained of water for maintenance. Keep updated on the Göta Canal website to see what applies.


Vadstena, Hjo & Gränna
Vadstena, Hjo, and Gränna are three charming small towns where you can pull up your kayak near the town and then take a walk along cobblestone streets and eat ice cream. Just that... In Vadstena, you can take a tour around the moat and then pull up your kayak in the park in front of the castle. Talk about a royal entrance!

Omberg
Dramatic cliffs that plunge into Vättern and several caves of various sizes. Yes, Omberg as a paddling destination is well worth a visit. This place has a unique magic about it, if you take it gently and approach the mountain with respect, you will notice that even your sixth sense is activated here.

But be aware that during a summer season, it is only paddle-friendly half of the days due to winds. Omberg is located in the eastern part of Vättern, and the winds, which usually come from the southwest, are particularly strong here. There is no shelter when it gets windy, and it is practically only possible to land at Älvarumsudde and on the northern stone beaches. If you want to paddle and stay overnight, Älvarumsudde is the place, or if you prefer a bit of adventure, you can find a spot on one of the beaches in the north at lower water levels. Otherwise, Borghamn Strand is a good overnight option (they have a lovely garden where you can pay to camp… and eat!)..

Things to keep in mind

Wild Vättern Vättern is a large lake, and it is a cold lake. It also easily and often gets windy here, often without warning. Remember to check the weather forecasts carefully, both before and during the tour. Plan in advance where you can land if needed, and make sure you return to the mainland if you venture out into the archipelago.

Closer to land Your skills determine how far from land you paddle. Usually, it’s best to stay close to the edge unless the terrain or waves make it difficult. It is common for inexperienced paddlers to be too far from the shoreline, so think about staying close enough that you can swim with the kayak in one hand to the shore if you tip but cannot get back into the kayak.

Respect Respect for the unexpected – but also for what you cannot see. The place you visit is someone’s home, where plants, animals, and locals live, for whom these places mean everything. We are happy to share it – but we ask you to visit our home with a mindset of "receiving" instead of "taking." If you want local tips – feel free to ask around. And if you find a secluded gem in nature – keep it to yourself and do not geotag it – that way, we can together keep our gems around Vättern.

FAQ

What happens if you capsize with the kayak? You probably won't even get your hair wet before you are out of the kayak and above the surface again. An exaggeration, but it is quick and easy to get out. On the spray skirt, you have a handle that you pull to the side to slide out of the kayak. It can be reassuring to know that when you start practicing rolling (turning around with the kayak), the first step is to succeed in staying in the kayak without falling out. This applies to the kayaks usually used in rentals and guided tours.

Can you paddle with small children? If you rent a kayak, you can do what you want with it, as long as it is returned in proper condition. If you want to paddle with children, it is up to you. The Swedish Canoe Federation’s recommendation is that each person participating in kayaking should be able to swim at least 200 meters. If the child can swim but is too small to paddle their own kayak, you can paddle a double kayak where the child sits in the front cockpit and the adult in the rear, from where you also steer with pedals.

Can you bring a dog in the kayak? It is possible. Check with your kayak rental or guide about what applies. Some double kayaks have a larger storage hatch between the two seats where it is popular to have a dog (with a life jacket).

I have never paddled before, can I join a guided tour? Of course! There are tours for everyone! It usually says what skills are required for each tour.

Can you rent a kayak by the hour? I don’t know of any in Vättern that rent by the hour, only by the day. But that might change. It is probably more common at staffed kayak rentals on crowded beaches – while the type of paddling on Vättern invites longer tours in fantastic nature. Take your time and enjoy it!

Do you need a wetsuit or drysuit? It depends on the water temperature, how far out you paddle, the depth you paddle at, the weather, and a host of other parameters. The suits are a costly investment and rarely something provided by operators. Therefore, rentals and tours are often limited to times of the year when the water is warmer.

Buying a kayak

Want to buy a kayak? Tips from me as a former kayak seller are to first familiarize yourself with kayaking by joining a tour, taking a course, or renting a kayak a few times. Then you will learn how you like to paddle, where you like to paddle, and how often you paddle and why. All this, a kayak seller will want to know to find the best kayak for you.

Plastic kayaks last long, have a high resale value, and you can probably find something good on Blocket. However, if you know you will keep your kayak for a long time, invest in a fiberglass kayak and take good care of it. When it gets damaged, repair it (or have it repaired), and it will be as good as new again.

Also, choose the right paddle – skip the cheaper ones with aluminum shafts, they are heavy, and you will want a light paddle; it’s half the experience. Don’t let the paddle worsen the kayaking experience. If you want to buy a kayak, go to a dealer who specializes in kayaks, not a store that sells 3000 other items. In smaller kayak shops, you also get good support and easier help if something is not as expected with the kayak.

The Right of Public Access – your obligations and respect for the local community

On and by the water, the Right of Public Access applies, and as in nature reserves, other and additional rules may apply. As I mentioned earlier, for example, you are not allowed to overnight on the islands at Ombo or in Northern Vättern’s archipelago, with few exceptions. Nor can you fly drones or make fires outside designated fireplaces. Overall, you can follow the old rhyme, "Do not disturb, do not destroy" – common sense will get you far. And remember that where you are a visitor, someone else lives, regardless of life form.

Here is a site at Visit Sweden about the Right of Public Access: The Right of Public Access

Other & Contact

If there is something you miss in the guide, please email info@woodsandwater.se so we can improve it together. This is a first draft, so feel free to suggest more things you want to know, and I will add them.