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Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in Sweden

There's nothing like admiring the great outdoors by soaking up the serenity of a kayak tour. Paddle past the scenic landscapes of Sweden with 9 kayak and canoe tours ranging from 4 days to 8 days. Watch the world float by on a gratifying kayak adventure.

9 Kayak & Canoe tour packages in Sweden with 77 reviews

• Kayak & Canoe

5-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Awesome scenery, unique landscape awesome experience! Would definitely recommend!

6-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Absolutely incredible! It was a life experience I will never forget! Thomas (the man behind Do the North) was an absolute gent and had well kitted out for our adventure. Everything was incredibly well organised and went down according to plan. Everything else was completely left up to us which was great to have so much freedom in such a beautiful place! Will worth doing and will definitely be going back next chance I get!

7-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

The whole experience was perfect start to finish. Its such a beautiful part of the world, and definitely one that's worth seeing - I experienced so much that I've not before, swimming under the starts in perfectly calm waters being particularly special. If you're worried about being salty all the time, don't be - the water is brackish, and surprisingly un-salty! The equipment you get is top notch, the camp goes up and down in 5 minutes after you've got used to it. The only thing I would say is that the roll mats are very thin (I've camped a lot and they are thinner than any I've had before) so don't offer much in the way of comfort, especially because you're camping on stone most of the time. There is an upgrade to more comfortable equipment though it was quoted as an additional £40 per person per night on the website which is far too much, I'm not sure if that's a mistake or not so take a camping mattress with you to ensure a better night's sleep if its not. Be sure to visit Harstena, the restaurant there serves great food, and the waiter called Tony is a very lovely man. He gave us a place to stay for the night and stayed up drinking with us into the early hours. All of the people involved were great, from organising the trip, dropping us off and teaching us about the boat (pay special attention to how to pack it, it's the most important thing you'll learn!), and again at pick-up time. This is 100% a trip you'll be glad you went on.

8-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

This experience is really worth it all. We planned the trip in the last minute and only had little time for planning. With Do The North, Thomas and his team made planning an 8 days kayak trip very easy. All we had to do was to plan our meals and bring ourselves and something to wear. Do The North provided us with high quality equipment and everything we could possibly need for 8 days in the wild. It was the best vacation we have ever done and we cannot wait to do it again. St. Anna was beautiful and was a great area for sea kayaking for both beginners and experienced paddlers (we belongs to first category). Thomas gave us a great crash course to paddling, packing a kayak, and how to read a sea chart. This is really the way to relax, no internet, no cell phones, no stress - just you, your kayak, and lots of nature!!!

Team Expedition - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

The Do The North team were efficient friendly and professional. The equipment was easy to use and the information given by Thomas was clear and he made it sound simple.The menus and food all planned by Helena were amazing ...she is a goddess. We loved helping prepare the food and developed great teamwork which made it all a lot of fun with plenty of laughing.What can I say about where we paddled...I was awestruck by the geological history of the area,it was so beautiful.The guidebook provided had good information and of course Thomas was a fount of information and new the islands well.I never felt outside my " comfort zone" on the water .I absolutely loved it. Thankyou Do The North.It has made my holiday very special.

Long Weekend Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided

Unfortunately we had bad weather otherwise I would have said five star! All communications pre trip were great. We didn’t look at our phone often enough, so I’d encourage others to check frequently. The advice Thomas gave was great via text were informative. The food was good, we ordered too much. We had alot of fun and a few challenges. Would recommend this trip highly.

Women's Wilderness Adventure - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

• Food & Culinary

Culinary Adventure - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago

Wildlife Safari by Kayak - Seal & Bird Watching Expedition in the Swedish Archipelago

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• 10 Amazing Kayak & Canoe Tours 2024/2025
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Canoe trips sweden.

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Enjoy Sweden!

Sweden is a wonderful country where you can enjoy the vast forests, the numerous lakes and rivers and the nice climate. The ideal holiday destination to be active in nature with the chance of meeting a moose, deer, beaver or other wild animals. The adventurous Sweden is very suitable for family holidays. A multi-day canoe trip or a family canoe trip with a guide is a great way to discover Sweden. But also take a look at our bushcraft courses. Learn to survive with what nature has to offer you. Making a fire without matches or lighters. Cooking on a wood fire. Making tools with materials that you can easily find in nature. Discover the natural tranquility of Sweden and make unforgettable memories!Discover the natural tranquility of Sweden!

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The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

With its many rivers, lakes, archipelagos and long coastline, Sweden is a kayaker’s paradise. Paddling about in a kayak or canoe is a great way to see the local landscape, spot wildlife and explore uninhabited islands and otherwise-inaccessible areas.

And you don’t have to be superfit either – or set a gruelling pace. Many kayakers chose to just drift along slowly, watching the world go by and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Kayaking in Sweden is the ideal activity for families too, as kids love the independence of having their own boat and being able to go at their own speed.

So where is best for kayaking in Sweden?

Sweden has loads of different options for kayaking from hardcore canoe and camping in the Arctic Circle, to canoeing along wild rivers in Lapland or gentle paddling around the watery cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg.

In the south, the province of Skåne is relatively flat with plenty of rivers and lakes, and a long gentle coastline. The rivers here wend through wooded landscapes and marshlands, ideal landscapes for birdwatching.

Sea kayaking is very popular along Sweden’s west coast, home to the Gothenburg Archipelago and the Bohuslän coast. With some 8000 islands and inlets to explore (many uninhabited), plus pretty fishing villages and sandy beaches and jettys to swim from, this region is excellent for kayaking.

In Swedish Lapland, right up in the Arctic Circle, you can head out into the wilderness by canoe on huge lakes and wild rivers surrounded miles of pristine forests.

And even in the capital Stockholm, you can take to the water. It’s a great way to see the city’s sights on a gentle paddle round the urban waterways, or head out into the archipelago and explore some of the 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago.

Which is the best type of canoe tour in Sweden?

There are loads of different types of canoe and kayak tour in Sweden – it’s a popular sport! Options range from an afternoon pootling about on a city river, to a full-scale week-long expedition camping overnight on deserted islands in a remote archipelago. So, you can pretty much choose whichever type you fancy.

If you want to explore a more remote area, you can opt for a fully organized expedition, which involves several days of travelling by kayak and camping under the stars at night. These tend to be in small groups, with an experienced guide who shows you the best route and helps set up camp and cook at each overnight stop.

Alternatively, if you’re a confident kayaker in a less remote area, you may want to go for a self-guided kayak tour, where all the equipment is provided and you set off on your own with a map and your gear.  

When is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden?

Well, summer is the obvious time to go, when the weather is better, the water warmer and the days are long. In the north of the country, you can still be paddling in daylight at midnight in June and July. The downside is that the waterways tend to be busier and the midges and mosquitos can be worse in summer.

If you’re heading to the south of Sweden, autumn and spring can be lovely times to go kayaking – provided you’ve got the right equipment. You may well have the waterways to yourself and the colours of the leaves in autumn are stunning.

Kayaking in winter is possible, particularly along the more sheltered west coast, but this is usually for experienced paddlers only, and will involve staying in a B&B, rather than camping. You’ll also need to have the full kit, including cold weather drysuits.

Five of the best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

Stockholm city by kayak.

Get a unique perspective of Stockholm’s main sights, including the city hall and old town, by seeing it from the water. Suitable for everyone from complete beginners upwards, this two-hour guided tour takes you round the city’s canals and central islands.

You can either go it alone in your own kayak, or paddle with a friend in a two-man canoe – all equipment is provided.

Explore the Stockholm archipelago by kayak

And if you’ve got a weekend to spare, you’d be mad not to head out out the city and explore the archipelago by kayak. This overnight camping kayak trip starts from the village of Dalarö, just 45 minutes from the centre of Stockholm – but feels like it’s a million miles from the urban bustle.

You’ll paddle through the waters of the Baltic Sea, cooking lunch and dinner on a campfire then bed down for the night on a remote island.

The best of Bohuslän by kayak

This four-day (three-night) self-guided kayak tour heads out along the Bohuslän coast to explore the Fjällbacka archipelago, with its pretty islands, sandy beaches and quaint fishing communities.

You’ll be picked up from Gothenburg, then kitted out with everything you need to explore this beautiful corner of the west coast, including maps, tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food and, of course, a kayak. You can choose where you set up camp each night, so simply head out on the water and get paddling.

Wilderness kayaking in Swedish Lapland

This amazing guided five-day kayak tour starts in Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, and explores the pristine wilderness of the Pearl River Nature Reserve. You’ll camp on the shores of Lake Karats each night (and may well catch your dinner in its waters), surrounded by vast uninhabited forests with no road access.

Do-it-yourself kayak tours in Skåne

Lake Ivösjön, Skåne’s largest lake, is home to Wetlandi , which rents out canoes and all the kit you need to head out onto the water and camp on a deserted island like Robinson Crusoe. Canoes, life jackets and maps are provided, and they also rent out camping and cooking equipment and barbecue packages – or you can bring your own gear and food.

This lush, peaceful landscape is perfect for paddling around with more than 40 islands (many uninhabited) and plenty of secluded beaches and inlets, where you can escape the crowds and set up camp.

See also: The best Swedish islands: our top 12 The best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast The best lakes in Sweden

Fun and cheap things to do in Gotland, Sweden

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My Name is Gideon Glaser, I am from Austria. This summer (around August), I have a Kayak tour over the Götakanal planned. From Söderköping till Göteborg (about a month long). For that I would need a Kayak. I have looked at all the Options and haven’t found anything that could make that happen. So here is my Question. I need a kayak for that and i don’t want to buy one in austria and bring it with me if possible. So i would need to organize one there. In Söderköping, where i would like to start, are no options for that. …  Read more »

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Sweden The Paddler ' s

Welcome to canoe experience sweden.

At Canoe Experience Sweden, our aim is to provide our guests with the opportunity to enjoy travelling by canoe through Värmland, Sweden.

Sometimes called “Sweden in miniature”, Värmland offers visitors endless possibilities to enjoy a great experience in Sweden.

Based at our own campsite, Byns Camping, on the shore of Klarälven, in Ekshärad, we are very proud of the high level of personal service we offer to our guests with our rental company, Klarälvdalen Kanot.

If you are interrested in self guided canoe tours check out our canoe tours on byns camping .

We provide the option of self-guided tours or for those wishing that little extra, a week’s tour with a highly qualified and experienced guide. We are delighted to help small to medium sized groups plan and organise tours with us.Our self-guided tours use Klarälven, Sweden’s classic river, Svartälven and Rottnan. All 3 rivers have their own special character.

We have canoes suitable for a solo paddler right though to our Big Canadian, a great family canoe with up to 5 seats. Guests have the choice to hire canoe equipment or can opt to take our Premier package, which includes quality camping equipment.

We look forward to welcoming guests, old and new, in 2017.

Byns Camping

Värmland is the Swedish land of rivers, lakes and forest. It is a wilderness playground of endless possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast.

For the paddler it can be a paradise with fantastic routes to explore by canoe and it’s our job to support you with everything you need to go out and enjoy this paddlers paradise.

We specialize in self guided canoe tours in the Northern Region of Värmland, particularly the Klaralvdalen area and the rivers Klarälven, Svartälven and the Rottan.

At Canoe Experience Sweden we are proud to offer a high level of service and equipment and we strive to exceed your expectations and make your canoe tour a wonderful experience.

Are you are an expeditionary leader?

Using the correct outfitter and expedition support provider is essential to make sure that your group have a great experience and are safe.

We offer a bespoke and personal service to expeditionary group leaders. We want to make your expedition a complete success.

We can provide:

• Basecamp – full facility, riverside.
• Top equipment – gatz, hel sport etc.
• Group scout vehicle – can be provided.
• Group leader back up phone – never be out there out of touch.
• Dedicated expedition line to our expedition co ordinator.
• Food drop offs can be co-ordinated.
• Airport pick up and drop off arranged.
• Full canoe, equipment and personal transport capability in comfort.

Your groups deposits are safe with us, we fully comply with all travel guarantee law in Sweden and are verified and registered with Kammarkkollegiet under the resegaranti scheme*.

*We have a travel guarantee:

Our company is a member of Resegaranti. All companies offering a similar service to our selves should be members of this scheme.

You can check this directly with Resegaranti.

We have been Quality Tour approved since 2009 and are an official canoe rental operation approved by the Swedish Canoe Federation (Svenska Kanot Förbundet). In 2010, we became the first Swedish Partners in Leave No Trace.

To Get In Contact With Us

Contact us now at [email protected] and we’ll arrange the total package for you – hassle free, no obligation to book.

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Byns Camping, Klarälvdalen Kanot and Canoe Experience Sweden are owned and operated by Värmlands Älgpark AB.

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Canoe trips in Sweden

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The 10 most beautiful canoe trips in Sweden

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Canoeing adventures in Sweden

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Canoeing in Sweden

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Canoeing tours are a perfect activity to get to know a country’s landscape. With many rivers, lakes, and a long coastline, Sweden is one of the best places to go canoeing. Canoeing is usually a family-friendly activity, and you don’t even have to be very fit to do it! 

Canoeing Tours in Sweden

Canoe Adventure in the Pearl River Nature Reserve, Lapland

Discover Stockholm Archipelago Kayaking Tour

With many rivers, archipelagos, and a long coastline dotted with islands, Sweden has a lot to offer when it comes to water activities. Canoeing is a perfect beginner and family-friendly way to get to know a local landscape and explore both city and unpopulated areas.

What is the best place for canoeing in Sweden?

You can canoe literally anywhere in Sweden (even in the cities!), so what’s the best place for a canoeing trip? 

Northern Sweden

Swedish Lapland offers a true wilderness experience with the country's wildest rivers, such as Torne, Ume, Kalix, and Lule. You'll paddle through waterways of huge Arctic plains and the highest coastline in the world, Höga Kusten. The Midnight Sun lights up the sky 24/7 during the summer months, so there's even more time for exploration! Eastern Sweden

On the east coast of Sweden, the archipelagos of Stockholm, St. Annas, and Tjust are waiting to be explored. Here you can even try sea canoeing along the eastern coast, which is suitable for beginners. Stockholm's archipelago with over 30 000 islands is a perfect place for a Baltic Sea adventure. Going down the coast, you'll find Sweden's youngest national park, Lake Åsnen. It's a unique lake archipelago, consisting of islands, forests, and wetlands. People have been known to travel to this land since the Stone Age, so it also has traces of early human settlement. Western Sweden

Sweden's western part features 10 000 lakes which creates a perfect environment for paddling. Here the country's longest river, Klarälven, flows into Sweden's largest lake, Vänern. The smaller rivers Klarälven, Röjdån, Rottnan, and Svartälven also offer a nice opportunity for canoeing. The area is also known for its giant forests, 80 pristine lakes, and waterways. Do we need to say more?  Southern Sweden

The southern part of Sweden is a true paradise for birdwatching and canoeing. The province of Skåne is flat with many lakes, rivers, and a long coastline, which creates a perfect, family-friendly environment for paddling. If you're looking for something a bit more extreme, the nature reserve of Kullaberg is the right place for you. It includes dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea. For a safe and hassle-free family trip, choose Rönne å river and wind down the stream between the lush greenery and open meadows.

Paddling in the c ity In Sweden, it is even possible to paddle through the city’s canals in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.  

• Stockholm is built on 14 islands, so getting around with a canoe or a SUP board is a perfect way to get to know the capital. 
• Kayak or SUP tours will help to see the different sides of Gothenburg, the second biggest city in Sweden. From the calm waters of Säveån to islands like Brännö, paddling is the best way to explore the southern archipelago. 
• Travelling through the canals of Malmö is a fun and unpredictable way to see the city’s highlights. You’ll be able to pass through Turning Torso, a twisted skyscraper, and the Öresund bridge, an approximately 16-kilometer-long road and rail link between Sweden and Denmark.  

Which is the best type of canoe tour in Sweden?

Sweden provides many different options for choosing a canoeing trip. For a more hardcore experience, we recommend choosing a canoeing and  camping trip in the Arctic Circle , where you can canoe along the wild rivers of Lapland. If you want more of a calmer paddling experience, explore the cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg, or  Stockholm archipelago  by canoe.

When is the best time to go canoeing in Sweden?

Summer would be an easy shot because of mild weather and longer days. The downside of going during summer is busier waterways and insects like mosquitoes and midges.  

Autumn and spring can also be a good time to go, but it will need a bit more preparation, and we recommend staying at the Southern coast.  

Canoeing during winter is usually kept to more experienced paddlers and involves bigger preparation, such as renting a B&B and getting outdoor clothes suitable for cold weather. 

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Our paddling trails

Self-guided canoeing holidays through the stockholm lakelands..

Our canoeing trips take advantage of the endless amounts of water Sweden has to offer. Island archipelagos and countless lakes make Stockholm and its surroundings a haven for those longing to take to the water.

Our tours take place in both Stockholm's remarkable archipelago; a seemingly endless archipelago of 24,000 glorious islands lying right on Stockholm's doorstep. Stretching some 80 km east of Stockholm deep into the Baltic waters, it formed during the last Ice Age and is today considered to be one of the world's natural wonders.

The archipelago tour makes use of sea kayaks, designed for these waters and allow you the chance to admire the archipelago from its best vantage point - the sea.

Alternatively, visit the county of Sörmland where we take you to the locally treasured Viking waterway from Mariefred to Trosa, passing the dramatic landscape of the Marviken lakes, the long slender Klämmingen lake, and finally the mighty lake Sillen before following the gently flowing river all the way to Trosa.

Or why not get back to basics and take a tour on the remote Båven lake system to appreciate its natural wilderness environment. Days can be spent exploring its many arms and islands by canoe.

Whichever tour you choose, enjoy the silence and tranquility of a hidden lake, a silence broken only by the gentle splash as your oar meets the calm, clean waters.

Sparkling Lakes of Sörmland

6 night/7 day canoeing trip including: canoeing, steamboat

Islands of the Baltic

Coming soon...

Wild Canoe Camp

1 night/2 day canoeing trip including: canoeing, camping

Sörmland's hidden treasure

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Canoeing and kayaking in the land of lakes, rivers and archipelagos

Swedish lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland swedish lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland, kayaking and canoe adventures in sweden, uppland – where swedish history comes to life uppland – where swedish history comes to life, autumn and winter kayaking in sweden - our top picks, värmland – a lake-rich haven of natural beauty värmland – a lake-rich haven of natural beauty, bohuslän – a gem on the idyllic west coast of sweden bohuslän – a gem on the idyllic west coast of sweden, kayaking in bohuslän, gothenburg – sweden’s second largest city gothenburg – sweden’s second largest city, kayak or sup along the river säveån, halland – a coastal haven for foodies and nature lovers alike halland – a coastal haven for foodies and nature lovers alike, småland – as swedish as it gets småland – as swedish as it gets, västergötland västergötland, west sweden west sweden, sea kayaking on the swedish west coast.

 SCANDIATRAIL - SWEDEN

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Canoe trips on the border lakes between sweden and norway, individual briefing and start - 3 or 7 days, s ee calender ..

Canoe holidays in Sweden – back to nature. Experience sun, wind and water on your own. Scandiatrail is located in a wild, lake area that is second to none. Where Sweden and Norway meet you find our camp and we have tour suggestions for the beginner all the way to the Challenger. 

Easy travel by bus, car or flight. New! Now daily with Flixbus to our next town.

Choose your next Canoe Adventure here!

Most diversified in Scandinavia

The area is 10.000 km² large, dominated by a tremendous lake and river system, deep ravines and fairy tale forests. The water is so pure, you can drink it straight from the lake, and the abundance of beautiful places to camp, makes this a nature lovers dream.

Canoe Trips

Five adventure tours to  choose from .

All of our tours are in the "easy to paddle" category, only weather changes, can increase  the level of difficulty. Canoeing is an activity anyone can enjoy who likes water, wants to experience nature up close and isn’t afraid of using some muscle power.

Travel Info

Convenient connections by bus, air and car.

Camp Grunnerud is situated directly on the shore of Stora Le. The Camp is out in the wilderness, yet, easy to reach. If you're not travelling by car you can go by FLIXBUS from several locations in Europe to get to Årjäng. Great Flight connections are available to Oslo.

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Canoeing (Sweden & Finland)

Self-guided canoe tours with wild camping in rural, remote and wilderness areas, home > summer holidays > canoeing.

Rural Canoe Tours

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Canoeing holidays in sweden and finland:.

Sweden and Finland have world-class possibilities for canoeing holidays , with around 100,000 lakes in Sweden and 180,000 in Finland as well as thousands of miles of rivers.

Nature Travels offers a wide range of canoe tours from easy to challenging , from family-friendly holidays to a two-week wilderness paddle expedition.

What's more, you can camp wild along the route and often fish for your supper. In Sweden and Finland it's water, water everywhere - and you can drink most of it too!

Many of our canoe tours are ideal for novices , while others are more suitable for a "next step" paddle adventure or for those with greater experience who are more confident in the outdoors. We offer tours located throughout Sweden and Finland, from the attractive rural landscapes of the south to the northern wilderness.

Canoeing in Sweden or Finland is a wonderful and very affordable way to discover the outdoors, whether you are travelling as just two persons, as a family, a group of friends or even a larger group such as a school group or canoe club - all our canoe tours are self-guided , giving you the freedom to discover these beautiful regions in your own way.

"Canoeing is simply a great way to enjoy the outdoors and allows easy access to amazing landscapes - the freedom to camp wild is exhilarating!" Bob from the Nature Travels team

Further Reading

• Compare our range of canoe tours .
• When to go canoeing .
• Canoeing FAQs .

Did You Know...?

• We also offer a wide range of self-guided kayak tours .
• Our Self-guided Packrafting and Hiking in Tiveden tour is another great option for a wild camping adventure.

Canoe Getaway in Skåne (Sweden)

Paddle the rural waters of south sweden on an easy-to-reach canoe break.

• Self-guided (min 2 pers)
• From £ /adult, £ /child
• May-Sep, 3-5 days
• Adults, Families (min age 6), Groups

Canoe Tours on Klarälven (Sweden)

An easy-going rural canoe tour on wide, meandering river ideal for adults or families.

• May-Sep, 4 or 7 days
• Adults, Families, Groups

Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District (Sweden)

A flexible lakeland canoe adventure in west sweden with designated camping spots and firewood provided.

• May-Oct, 4-10 days

Canoe Tours on Rottnan or Röjdån (Sweden)

A choice of two accessible and scenic canoeing holidays for adults or families.

• May-Sep, 4 days/3 nights

Canoe Tours on Svartälven (Sweden)

A remote yet accessible paddle tour on the svartälven river, one of sweden's best canoe waters.

Canoeing on the Tar Route in Kainuu (Finland)

A remote canoe adventure through the beautiful lentua lake system on finland's famous tar route.

• From £ /person
• May-Sep, 4-8 or more days
• Adults, Families (min age 12), Groups

Canoe Tours in Bergslagen (Sweden)

Remote canoeing and wild camping on the lakes and rivers of bergslagen.

• May-Sep, 5 days/4 nights
• Adults, Families (min age 10), Groups

Canoe or Kayak in Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Park (Finland)

Explore the beautiful inland archipelago of lake saimaa by canoe or kayak.

• May-Sep, 6 or more days

Discover Wilderness Canoeing in Rogen (Sweden)

Wilderness canoeing and wild camping in the rogen nature reserve.

• Self-guided (min 2 adults)
• Jun-Sep, 5-8 or more days

Rogen Wilderness Canoe Expedition (Sweden)

A challenging wilderness canoeing adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

• Jun-Sep, 8-12 or more days
• Adults, Groups

Why choose Nature Travels for your canoeing holiday?

Canoeing has been one of our main summer activities since Nature Travels started in 2006. In that time, more than 4,000 guests have been canoeing in Sweden and Finland with us, from families with young children to miltiary adventurous training expeditions. We've personally paddled in all the areas in which our tours take place - we love canoeing, and we'll be very happy to advise you on the most suitable canoe trip for you.

Canoeing - our favourite way to enjoy the Nordic summer! Photo: Robyn Babb.

Where will I stay on my canoe tour?

All our canoe tours feature camping on all nights. For some tours, this may be fully wild camping, in accordance with the guidelines of the Right of Public Access in Sweden or Finland. For other tours, there is a network of designated camping spots, which offer the advantage of facilities such as fireplaces/firewood, wind shelters and possibly even dry outside toilets.

Looking for tour with a roof over your head after a day's paddling? We offer those too!:

• Hike, Bike and Paddle Stockholm's Lakes and Islands (Sweden)
• Self-guided Kayaking in Aukštaitija National Park (Lithuania)
• Self-guided Sea Kayaking in St. Anna and Gryt (Sweden)

The Right of Public Access in the Nordic countries affords a wonderful freedom to campers. Photo: Euan Turner.

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Featured , Sweden · September 8, 2023

Canoeing along the Dalsland Canal: Guide and Itinerary

Dalsland’s mix of raw Swedish nature, beautiful freshwater lakes, and the canal’s intricate system of locks, makes it one of Europe’s best places for canoeing and kayaking. If you are visiting Sweden in the summer and want a genuine Swedish nature experience, look no further than a canoe trip in Dalsland.

Dalsland is one of my personal favourite destinations in Sweden . Located only a few hours north of Gothenburg , it is the perfect destination for a weekend escape from the busy city. The region is well known for its natural landscape, the “lake district” of Dalsland (Dalsland-Nordmarken’s lake system) being one of the main reasons for this. This area makes up over 10,000km 2 and the Dalsland canal system connecting these lakes is over 250km long.

This canoe trip to Dalsland was something I had on my Sweden bucket list since the day I moved to Gothenburg , however, it wasn’t until my brother came to visit from Australia that we finally made the time to do it – and wow do I wish we had done it sooner! The trip was incredible and definitely something I recommend to anyone who enjoys water sports, camping and spending time in nature.

In this guide, I will take you through everything you need to know about canoeing in Dalsland, including where to hire canoes and kayaks, what you need to know about DANO and details of our route.  

Want to spend more time in Dalsland? Make sure to read my detailed itinerary for two days in Dalsland which includes tips for places to visit, hikes and wild swimming spots!

This post was written in collaboration with Bootshaus and DANO but all thoughts and opinions in this post are genuine. Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

Where is Dalsland?

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Dalsland is a region in West Sweden , just north of the second largest city Gothenburg . To the west of the region you will find Norway , and to the east Sweden’s biggest lake the Vänern. As a region, Dalsland is well known for its lakes and rich forest lands as well as the historic canal and aqueduct in Håverud.

How to get to Dalsland

There are many ways to reach Dalsland and the Dalsland Canal. In this guide, I will assume you are coming from Gothenburg in the south. From here, you can either travel by car or public transport to reach the Dalsland Canal. Both options take a similar amount of time.

Taking the train and bus from Gothenburg to Dalsland is a relatively easy journey, with frequent trips every day of the week. There are several different routes you can take, the time of which depends on how well the connections line up. The best way to plan your trip is to search for the best option on Västtrafik , West Sweden’s public transport company. On average, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Bengtsfors and 1.5 hours to reach Håverud.

If you want to make the most of your trip, I can recommend taking the train and bus to Håverud where you can take a look at the aqueduct and walk along the canal before taking the DVVJ train from Håverud to Bengtsfors. Known as The Beautiful Views Railway, this train journey is really worth making time for. You can find out how to book train tickets and find the timetable here .

If you are planning to canoe in Dalsland, you will likely want to drive straight to your canoe rental. We hired our canoes from Bootshaus in Bengtsfors where they have parking available. From Gothenburg, this is quite a simple drive following the E6 to Uddevalla and continuing along the 172 all the way to Bengtsfors. This trip takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Canoe Rental along the Dalsland Canal

There are a few different places to hire canoes and kayaks along the Dalsland Canal. We hired ours from Bootshaus , a rental shop and lodge located in Bengtsfors. This turned out to be the perfect starting point for our three-day canoe trip as we wanted to include a mix of locks along the canal and the more untouched side of Dalsland, all of which were close by. You can find out exact route at the bottom of this post.

The other great thing about hiring our canoe and kayak here is that they have lodging available so we could stay the night before starting our trip early the next morning! We stayed in the mini apartment, with views over Lake Lelång, which was perfect after a long day of travelling and exploring Håverud. You can find all their accommodation options on this page .

If you are more interested in paddling in Dalsland from a training/fitness perspective, they also sell paddle spots products online at dietzpaddling.com .

Bootshaus have the option to hire both canoes and kayaks. We hired one of each as we were three people and wanted to test out both alternatives. While there were definitely positives and negatives to both, I would probably hire only kayaks next time. The canoes were a lot of fun and it was nice to be able to chat to each other whilst we paddled, however, we did struggle in the harsher winds with control and speed.

Rental costs vary whether you take a canoe, kayak or double kayak, but when it comes down to it the price difference is quite minimal. If you are interested in hiring a canoe or kayak from Bootshaus, you can find their prices here .

If you are not from Sweden, or don’t own your own camping gear, doesn’t mean that you can’t do this trip! Not only do Bootshaus hire out canoes and kayaks, they also have tents, sleeping mats, camp kitchens, dry bags and barrels available to rent – basically everything you will need for this trip! You can find all the prices for camping gear, along with canoe and kayak rental here .

The best time to canoe in Dalsland is during the summer months of June to August. June is a great month as the locks are open, the weather is usually nice, and the canal is a little quieter. In the peak season of July and early August, you will likely find it much busier and will likely be sharing a wind shelter or camping area with another group. Peak season is considered the middle of June to the middle of August, with pre-season starting at the end of May and post season running until the end of August.

Something to consider when planning your paddling trip along the Dalsland Canal is that the locks are only open from June to August. While it is not a problem if you visit outside these times (you can use your boat cart to pass these areas) they are very much a part of the experience so I would recommend trying to visit while they are open.

Things to Know Before Canoeing or Kayaking in Dalsland

Canoeing in the Dalsland Nordmarken area is an incredible trip, but, before planning your trip, there are a few things you need to know and plan for.  

Locks Along the Dalsland Canal

The Dalsland Canal which connects the system of lakes is made up of a system of locks (sluss in Swedish) which work to raise and decrease the water level so the canal can flow over hills and valleys. There is a total of 31 locks along the Dalsland Canal, 17 of which have lock stations. These are usually very picturesque red cottages adorned with flowers, where the lock workers live during the summer months as they work to open and close the locks.

You can find a map which includes all the locks along the canal on this page .

The locks in the Dalsland Canal are open from June to August, with the hours differing throughout the summer months. In 2023, when we took our trip, the majority of June locks were open from 11am to 4pm, while in July they were open from 9am to 7pm. In the beginning of August, they were open from 9am to 7pm, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays, and in the second hand of August they were open from 10am to 5pm. Planning your trip for another year – here you can find a list of the updated opening times .

While the locks are open these times, to enter a lock you must be able to complete it by the time it closes. However, this is much less of an issue if you are canoeing or kayaking as if the locks is closed its very easy to use the boat cart to reach the other side.

While it may seem confusing before you take the trip, using the locks of the Dalsland Canal is very easy. Arriving at a lock, you will see an orange sign pointing to “sluss”. Following this sign, you will reach a waiting dock where you can park up until you have talked to the lock keeper who will let you know when you can pass through, and where in the canal you should be placed. If you are alone in the lock, you will likely be placed on the right-hand side, holding a rope as the water is lifted/ removed.

To pass through the locks, you will need to purchase a ticket. If you know the route you plan to take, you can purchase the ticket in advance online here . If you are unsure, you can instead purchase tickets at the lock. The best way to do this is to pay by card. The prices for the different lock stations depends on the number of locks chambers – generally it is 45kr per lock per boat. For example, there is one lock at 18:e so a ticket for a double canoe costs 45kr, however, there are 2 locks at Bengtsfors, so a ticket costs 90kr.

You can find more details here .

DANO Campsites

The Dalsland Nordmarken region is looked after by DANO, a non-profit organisation who work to preserve the natural landscape of the Dalsland lake district. A part of this, they have a selection of wild camping sites set up throughout the region. To access these, you will need to purchase a DANO Nature Conservation Card . At each campsite, you will find a toilet, pre-stocked piles of wood for fires, and wind shelters perfect for spending a night in the wilderness.

The card costs 60kr per person per night and can be bought online or at your canoe rental. While you don’t necessarily need it to canoe in the Dalsland Canal, it is very much recommended, especially if you plan to canoe along Lake Svärdlång where camping is only allowed in the DANO campsites. Additionally, keep in mind that if you are a group of 5 or more people, DANO ask that you only stay at the designated campsites.

You can buy the DANO nature Conservation Card here .

In addition to the unbookable wild campsites, DANO has two bookable wind shelters. These are great if you want to sleep in a wind shelter overnight but don’t want to worry about sharing one with others. The wind shelters in question are Vikningen (Campsite no. 50) and Snäckan (campsite #87) . We stayed in Vikningen on the first night of our canoe trip which was a really special experience. The wind shelter is of a unique design, with three “beds” and storage space for your things. It was my first time staying in a wind shelter and not a tent, and it was truly amazing.

Another benefit I have to mention is that unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side on the first night and we experienced quite a lot of rain during the evening. Waking up in the wind shelter, not having to worry about drying or packing up a wet tent was great – especially as we planned to camp the next evening.

Another thing to consider taking with you is a map of the Dalsland lake system. We took the Canoe Country map with us on our trip which was great because not only did it include all the campsites, details of the locks and each area, there were also loads of tips on how to respect the nature while camping/ canoeing, and guides on the local plant and animal life. The book was waterproof so easy to keep in the canoe at all times and available in English, Swedish and German. You can buy the map on DANO’s website .

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3 Day Itinerary: Self-guided canoe trip along the Dalsland Canal

Our canoe trip to Dalsland lasted a total of 3 days. While this was the perfect long-weekend trip, I would in the future definitely try and stay out for longer. With help from Christian at Bootshaus , we planned out our three day route which consisted of a mix of canoeing slowely through the locks of the canal, and enjoying some time paddling along the larger Lake Svärdlång. You can find some of their suggested itineraries here , however, they will definitely help you plan the perfect trip when you arrive if you want help. Below is our exact itinerary in more details.

We began our trip in Bengtsfors, at the Bootshaus canoe rental shop and paddled through a total of 7 locks on our way towards Vikningen and Lake Svärdlång. In total, this took us around 5 hours. If you plan to take this route I recommend starting early to be able to make the journey, especially if there is high wind in areas.

The highlight of this day was definitely passing through the locks; Bengtsfors, 19:e & 20:e, 18:e, and Billingsfors. Each lock station is so picturesque and just being able to experience the canal from the water is an amazing experience.

After passing through the Billingsfors lock, we stuck to the left-hand side and made our way up to the land crossing from Laxsjön to Lake Svärdlång. This was probably the most difficult part of the day as the crossing consists of quite a considerable hill which you will need to take the canoes up. However, being able to get that mix of locks and beautiful lake canoeing definitely makes it worth it!

We spent the night at Vikningen which is located on a beautiful peninsula. Standing down by the water you can really take in the nature which makes Dalsland so special. As I already mentioned, staying in this wind shelter was perfect as we awoke to quite a bit of fog and rain in the morning. If you are planning on taking this route, I recommend booking the wind shelter as soon as possible.

The second day started at the wind shelter Vikningen and was much more of a leisurely trip as we made our way up through Lake Svärdlång towards Kråkenäs. On this section of the route, you will not come across any locks, only one short land crossing by Campsite #55 (Skifors). We spent the day making short swimming stops, exploring the forests and small islands, and searching for chanterelles.

By the late afternoon, we decided not to head to a campsite but instead spend the night in a clearing to the side of the lake. The forest land here here was beautiful, with a mix of blueberries, lingon, spruce trees and heather growing along the lakeside. As I mentioned before, there is a fire ban throughout the Dalsland Nordmarken lake system from June 1 to August 31, so if you plan not to stay at a campsite, please keep this in mind.

On the third day of our canoe trip through Dalsland we decided to have a slow morning enjoying the forest and take a leisurely paddle to our final destination of Kråkviken. As I mentioned before – I would definitely recommend paddling in Dalsland for more than 3 days if you can make the time, however, this long weekend was still a perfect chance to experience the incredible lakes and canal.

If I were to extend this trip by one day, we would have continued from Kråkviken, through the lock station at Krokfors, and back to Bootshaus through lake Lelång (perhaps a trip for another day?)

Canoeing in the Dalsland-Nordmarken lake district, and through the Dalsland Canal is an incredible and unique experience that should be on everyone’s Sweden bucket list . There is no better way to experience the magic of Swedish summer than by canoeing through the Swedish wilderness, stopping for wild swimming and spending the evenings by the fire. On top of that, there is no better way to experience the Dalsland Canal than through its waterways, taking the locks up and down the lakes.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments and I will get back to you with answers as soon as possible!

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17 Things To Know About A Self Guided Canoe Trip In Sweden

A survival trip in Sweden, one week on a self guided canoe expedition! Peddling from island to island in the Swedish wilderness. That sounds like the ultimate travel adventure, right? Something I had definitely never done before, so when I got the chance to join The Canoe Trip to Sweden I didn’t hesitate and signed up for this adventure travel trip.

As always I started reading about this canoe camping trip just a week before although the briefing came in a month earlier already. I found out that this was not your standard holiday in Sweden. Regardless the country this was an adventure into wilderness with a canoe. It could have been in Norway or Finland as well but The Canoe Trip is in Värmland, Sweden. In the briefing I found out that this was one of those canoe tours in Sweden on the lakes of Varmland close to the border of Norway.

Be prepared this is a self guided canoe trip on the lakes just by yourself. Camp overnight in the wild, cook your own food on a little stove and most of all enjoy the peaceful environment and the natural beauty here.

1. How to get to The Canoe Trip in Varmland Sweden?

There are several options to choose from: self drive, fly to Oslo and get a pick up or take the bus from either Lille (France), Brussel (Belgium) or Utrecht (Netherlands). 

Bus to Sweden

I chose to take the bus from Utrecht. It was pretty comfy as the double decker bus was not completely full, but damn it the last time I sat in a bus for more than 18 hours was a long time ago! Not complaining here as when I was traveling in South America , India , Namibia , Argentina , etc. long bus journeys were a daily routine. Actually some of the best places in the world to backpack will involve long bus rides. So if adventure travel is your thing, be prepared to suffer a little! :)

But honestly I would not recommend you to take the bus from either Holland or Belgium. The trip is long, but the wait is even longer. On the way back I needed to wait 30 hours for a bus that would take almost 20 hours to bring me back to Holland. Felt like a waste of time…

The group just arrived at Basecamp North and set up their tents after the long bus ride.

The Canoe Trip was great fun, but when I arrived back at base camp North on Friday afternoon the adventure was over and I was ready to leave. Unfortunately the bus only left on Saturday 22.00 to drop me in Utrecht 19 hours later.

The bus journey has a weird itinerary through Friesland and does not take the shortest route from Utrecht to Varmland. Unfortunately the only boarding points in Belgium and Netherlands are Brussels and Utrecht.

Going to the canoe trip by your own is totally worth spending some extra euros on plus you can combine it with a city trip to Stockholm or Oslo.

2. Travel partner

You are stuck in a canoe for a week and sharing a tent with your travel partner so choose wisely. This canoe camping trip is surely about teamwork.

Traveling with my dad

It was the first time I actually took my dad on one of my adventure travel trips. Not sure how he felt about 20 hours in a bus, but that aside. The canoe trip in Sweden was a great way to spend some quality time with him. By far he was the oldest one and I guess I was the second oldest. The average age on The Canoe Trip is probably around 25, at least in my group.

It was a cool way for him to get a little insight in what Im doing as a full time travel blogger , although I have to mention that this trip was a little different than a trip to Maldives for example.

3. Self guided tour on the Swedish lakes

Upon check in you will be handed an info book, including tips, routes, suggestions and a detailed map of the area. However you are completely free to peddle wherever you want and camp anywhere you feel like!

The canoe trip in Sweden is all about freedom! But you have to understand that this is a journey into the wilderness. Leaving all your daily routines behind.

You basically wake up in the morning, pack up your stuff, get into the canoe and self guide the lakes of Varmland finding your next camp destination for the night. Whatever you do in and between is totally up to you. You can go cliff jumping, relax on a deserted beach, find yourself a private island or chill in your canoe while floating on the lake.

A suggested itinerary is provided by the Canoe Trip organization in the info book. There are a couple routes: easy, medium, hard. This has nothing to do with the difficulty, it is all about the distance. With the provided detailed map it is pretty easy to self guide your canoe through the deserted lakes and the wilderness. Even though it is a self guided canoe trip getting lost is fairly impossible.

Not mentioned as a tip by The Canoe Trip but bring powerbanks (a few) so you can charge your phone. Even a Sweden canoe expedition is made easier with the navigation skills of Google Maps!

4. Phone reception on the lakes

Although the Lakes of Varmlands is a pretty remote area there is often a phone signal available, sometimes even 4G! Completely being disconnected on The Canoe Trip only happens when you switch off your phone on totally give over to your canoe in the Swedish wilderness.

5. Group trip or solo travel

The Canoe Trip is a solo travel adventure in to the wild. You will mostly just be by yourself on the lake unless you choose to peddle together with others. Many of the people joining the Canoe trip are travel buddies, best friends, brothers or couples. In my group there was also a group of 10 people, they all peddled together so you can also sign up as a group.

When your goal is to be alone in the wlderness it is fairly easy to realize. There is no need to follow the suggested itinerary and as you can camp basically anywhere it is really easy to find an isolated spot on the side of the lakes or on one of the many islands.

6. Safety issues

I think there is no need to discuss if traveling to Sweden is safe, especially not here on the lakes. But what you probably want to know is how the canoeing was and how safe that is. 

First of all don't be afraid your canoe will flip over. After a week in a packed canoe I learned that it is pretty impossible to tip over your canoe. You may make some water when you enter the canoe with water shoes but that is about it.

Briefing upon arrival

I stayed at Base Camp North and here we got a proper briefing from a 86 year old man who knows the Varmlands like the back of his hands. This old commando is still running the show here and is much resected in the region. His professional briefing is worth a lot and his handy tips for this canoe trip in Sweden were very welcome.

Peddling around Varmlands is fairly easy, just don’t put yourself in danger and use common sense! When there is too much wind, don’t go out on the water. When there are waves, stay on shore. Simple things like that can make this adventure travel trip a lot more fun!

When checking in you will be handed a GPS tracker with a SOS button in case of an emergency, but don’t worry no ever needed to use this so far.

Peddling out for some midnight fun on the lake! It never really got dark in Varmland, Sweden.

7. Difficulty The Canoe Trip

So how is it to peddle all day on the lake? You can make the Canoe Trip as hard as you want to. If you don’t feel like peddling there is no one who pushes you. May be your travel buddy will, but that is it. Every morning and every evening during my trip the water was like a mirror so quiet. During the days there was some wind so now and then which made it sometimes really difficult to peddle. The bigger waves made it physically hard, but it was mostly mentally hard. Peddling with strong winds can go as fast as 2 km/h, without wind I guess you can reach up to 10km/h.

For example the last day we peddled against the wind and it was no fun. We should have stopped and chilled on the side for the wind to lay low, but we were stubborn. In the end we made it, but it took some effort. Still this should one of those lovely Sweden canoe holidays were enjoying has more priority than working out, right?

The Canoe Trip is a leisure trip, but be prepared to push some boundaries so now and then.

8. Where to sleep

I already said it a couple times, but you decide yourself where to sleep. Basically everywhere where you can put up your tent you are good to go. This canoe camping trip is tailored to those seeking adventure. There is some private land around the lake, but then mostly there is a sign saying no camping. The area is huge, so if you want to find your private spot you just need to find a place to board your canoe on the lake side.

There are many designated shelters. These places have a little shelter and a toilet and are suggested places to camp overnight. They are basically campgrounds. Shelters are of course a little busier as some people prefer to camp at a shelter every night. This because of the toilet or simply want to meet other travelers on self guided canoe trips. In case you don't sleep in a shelter and need to take shit you are provided a spade so you can dig a little hole. Adventure travel to the max, right? :)

in the forest you can see a little hut, those things are shelters.

I only slept at a shelter once, all the other nights I found my own spot on the lake sides of the Varmland.

9. Land transport canoe

The Canoe trip also involves some land transport, which seems a little difficult and yes it sometimes can be. You will be provided a set of wheels which you can strap under your canoe. When the roads are flat then the land transport is like walking with your dog. But there are also some steep sections that are a bit heavier. For a fit person it is all relatively easy to handle.

The signposting could definitely be better as at some land transport sections there were no signs at all. But I heard they are renewing them soon for an even smoother canoe trip in Sweden.

10. What to eat in the Swedish wilderness

You can opt for the Canoe Trip food package or bring everything yourself, which costs €80 for the trip. Easy choice people, let the professionals do this for you, saves you a lot of hassle.

Bringing your own food for a week taking into account that there is no place to keep things cool will already be a challenge I guess. I would for example have no clue what to bring. And on top of that you have to carry it all the way to the Canoe Trip base camp in Sweden yourself.

When you calculate it is just another €10 extra per day and all the food is included. Plus no hassle to buy everything yourself. 

Upon arrival I got a box with a dozen things in it.

All this food was for two people for 7 days. Included were things like:

• 2 pots of hazelnutspread
• Adventure food packages
• Energy bars
• Noodle boxes
• Ravioli and other noodles

Check if the food package contains everything before you start peddling, because after you left it is too late.

Now of course you are curious how these adventure food packages taste, right? You are probably asking the wrong person, because I like everything. But in all honesty I mostly heard positive words about the food packages.

The green Adventure Food bags come in many different flavors:

• Chili con carne
• Pasta Bolognese
• Vegetable hotpot
• Chicken curry
• Veggie couscous
• Veggie fruit rice

There are even packed some deserts for you:

• Chocolate mousse
• Vanilla mousse

11. What to pack for The Canoe Trip

Apart from the standard stuff recommended by The Canoe Trip organization I totally recommend you to bring the following.

Definitely bering one of these super easy to pack hammocks which you can strap between to trees. Basically anywhere they come in handy. Check out these hammocks on Amazon .

Find yourself a good book before your trip. There is enough chill time to go through a good book. These are the recent bestsellers .

Small camping chair

When bringing a hammock is not your thing a little camping chair is easy to carry as well and very comfy at the end of the day. The canoe seats have no backrest, so get yourself one with a backrest. Trust me it is totally worth it, check them here .

There is some cool wildlife to spot in Varmlands. I was lucky to see beavers, a snake and a fox. If you peddle out during the long evenings, just before sunset it is possible to spot bears, elands and more wildlife. Bring some binoculars on your canoe trip, its good fun, small and cheap.

The flashlight of your phone is easy to use as well, but it drains your battery and it occupies one hand. Get yourself a head torch and you can use both hands at the same time.

Pop up tent

Not encouraged to bring by the Canoe Trip, but I did it anyway and it was the best decision. My pop up tent has a radius of just 80cm and the canoe is more than 1m wide, so it fit in easily. Definitely bring a pop up tent on this canoe camping trip.

Don’t just bring one powerbank, bring many to charge your phone. Check out all the powerbanks on Amazon .

Fishing rod

I am not a big fisher myself, but on the Canoe Trip it was cool to have one. I made mine on the spot with a stick and the equipment of friends. A simple fishing rod is surprisingly cheap and totally worth the money. Fishing in the evening is good fun!

Water shoes

As I said before your canoe will most probably never really make water, but to keep your valuables dry get yourself a dry bag to make sure.

Don’t just bring standard sunscreen, also bring sunblock for your lips . My lip burst!

Just don’t bring too many clothes. I literally only wore one swim short, some t-shirts and that is about it. For the evenings bring some long sleeves.

12. Best shelter

That one night that I did stay in a shelter it was probably the best place I stayed overnight on the whole canoe trip. This was not because of the shelter it was because of the location and I am happy to share it with you.

At the red circle you will find my favorite shelter in Varmlands.

Peddling off the beaten track and find a little peninsula away from the standard routes. Up here in this deserted shelter we saw beavers and loved the remoteness.

For the best Canoe Trip travel tips you are best off asking the people from the week before. You will meet them on your first day. They probably all look pretty tired but are happy to share their adventures with you and give you tips about this self guided canoe trip.

They were trying to keep their beers cold! Did not work with a water temperature of 26 degrees! LOL

13. Insects

Yes there are insects in Sweden, you are in to the wild. But in all honesty it was not that bad at all. There were only a few mosquitos and sometimes those annoying flies that sting. Some people found ticks so be aware of them.

Long time ago when doing volunteering work in the jungle in Costa Rica I learned how to deal with them. Everyone will advice you to bring mosquito repellent, but there literally is only one solution: wear long sleeves and long pants. I always wear my comfy Qatar Airways pyjama pants from that day I got to fly Qatar Airways First Class: Qsuite . Check out the video here.

14. Difference Camp South/North

There are 2 different base camps: North and South. It does not matter which camp you choose or get dropped both groups follow the same route just with a 1 day delay. So initially you never cross each others paths and shelters don’t get too crowded.

Campground at basecamp south.

Camp South does not have the old Swedish commando running the show so I heard their briefing was not as good as ours. Camp South though is a proper camping on a lawn, where at camp North you need to find a place to put up your tent in the forest.

15. Clockwise or counter clockwise route

Same here, there is hardly any difference. As the suggested routes are exactly the same only different shelters are highlighted. Regarding the land transport the same as you both have to cover the same altitude meters. Though I have to say the clockwise route has less steeper sections to deal with for sure. Also the wind direction can play a role.

You are assigned a route when checking in but you are still free to choose which way you go.

16. Weather

The Canoe Trip is very depending on the weather. I was extremely lucky and did not see a cloud for 6 days, but I don't know what I would have done when it would be pouring raining. A Canoe Trip in Sweden in the rain is definitely less fun and when there are strong winds peddling on the lakes can be extremely exhausting too. But like with everything, we can’t do anything about the weather!

17. Leave no trace

Last but not least, leave no trace! Always clean after you, bring your own garbage with you and respect this serene and beautiful nature up here in the Varmlands.

The Canoe Trip Review

I hope with these tips you will make the most of your Canoe tour in Sweden. Get out of that chair and do something active on your holiday. Sure it will be worth it! For more info about The Canoe Trip , check their website in the link.

Thanks for reading my adventure travel blog and for keeping up with the adventures of Traveltomtom. If you have any specific questions about the Canoe Trip Im happy to answer them, simply leave me a comment below.

Enjoy your tripp to the Swedish Lakes of Varmland!

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Breaking news, stockholm and oslo are the new paris and rome as extreme summer temps drive surge of interest in europe’s chilly north.

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All the cool people will be going there this summer.

Scandinavia and other chillier parts of Europe are experiencing a dramatic increase in June to August travel — and it’s all driven by a desire to escape sizzling temperatures that have become the norm in popular destinations like Paris and Rome, experts say.

During the warm weather months, bookings for trips to Norway — particularly in places like cool, coastal Bergen — have risen 37% over last year, according to luxury operator Kensington Tours.

The luxury tour company also named Innsbruck, Austria — nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in the Austrian Alps — as another not-so-hot summer commodity, the Wall Street Journal reported .

Travel booking company Hopper reported that trips to Sweden have gone up 70% , while Finland went off the charts with a 126% boost. There has also been increased interest in the Faroe Islands — a scenic archipelago off the coast of Denmark that has raised its profile in recent years.

“As Europe braces for the impact of increasingly common extreme weather events , we anticipate travel patterns and destination choice shifts over the long term,” said Eduardo Santander, executive director of the European Travel Commission said.

World traveler Mary Miles, a 33-year-old in public relations from Baltimore, will enjoy a trip to Scandinavia with her husband later this year, touring Sweden, Denmark, and Norway for two weeks.

Cooler weather was an easy signing bonus for Miles’ other half.

“He’s very, very sensitive to heat,” she told the outlet. “He gets nervous that he’s going to pass out.”

Experts add that the rationale for spending time at these comparatively obscure locations instead of literal tourist hotspots further to the south is not only because they offer a milder climate — travelers will also enjoy fewer fellow foreign vacationers.

The trend toward northern destinations extends beyond Europe.

Domestically, interest in travel to Alaska has risen 25%, according to Kayak.

The northernmost state has become a hub for cruises, according to Jillian Simpson of the Alaska Travel Industry Association.

“Statewide, the state did see a record number of cruise passengers arriving, which was very good,” she told Alaska Public Media earlier this year.

Seward, a major cruise port, is expecting at least 200,000 visitors via cruises in 2024.

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5 favorite places

Eugene Levy’s Toronto

The Canadian comedian, known for “American Pie,” “Schitt’s Creek” and now, “The Reluctant Traveler,” isn’t at all reluctant to share what he loves about his hometown.

Eugene Levy called Koerner Hall, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of his favorite places to see concerts. “The acoustics are impeccable,” he said. Credit... Eugen Sakhnenko for The New York Times

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By Abbie Kozolchyk

• May 9, 2024 Updated 3:57 p.m. ET

As you might guess from the title of Eugene Levy’s latest series — “The Reluctant Traveler” — he’s a guy who’s happy to stay put.

The show, now in its second season on Apple TV+ , follows Mr. Levy, a 77-year-old comedy legend known for his roles in “Waiting for Guffman,” “American Pie,” “Schitt’s Creek” and more, as he defies his anxieties about airports, heights, temperatures, textures and vast swaths of the animal kingdom. With great consternation, he leaves his comfort zone — Canada, as he often reminds viewers — to shadow an expert moose caller in Sweden, herd 600 sheep through a German resort town and politely avoid an octopus aboard a Greek trawler.

Raised in Hamilton, Ontario, about 40 miles southwest of Toronto, Mr. Levy got his big break in 1972 alongside Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin and Paul Shaffer in a celebrated production of “Godspell” at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theater . He has since called the city — and one historic, leafy neighborhood — home.

“Rosedale is a residential area that is right in the heart of Toronto,” he told me over coffee at Tavern on the Green, in New York, where he’d joined the cast of the fourth season of “ Only Murders in the Building .” With new skyscrapers going up “a mile a minute” in Toronto, he said, the scene from our table in Central Park looked a little like his view from Rosedale. He and his wife, Deborah Divine, are neighborhood loyalists — Avant Goût , a local bistro, has been their go-to for decades — but spots in other areas rank high, too.

Here are five of Mr. Levy’s favorite places in Toronto.

1. Terroni Bar Centrale

“Deb and I would usually do our daily constitutional in the morning and end up at Bar Centrale for a latte and some of their fine pastries,” he said, adding that the croissants are especially good at this spot in Summerhill, a neighborhood that borders Rosedale. Occupying the ground floor of the multistory Terroni Price restaurant in a 19th-century brick building, Bar Centrale forgoes the Wi-Fi you might expect with your coffee in favor of a wall’s worth of international magazines and — according to Mr. Levy — a staff full of good conversationalists.

2. Harry Rosen

The flagship of this family-run men’s wear emporium on Bloor Street is one-stop shopping for Mr. Levy. “I hate traveling around to different places to get different things,” he said, very much on brand. This place “has every designer, if that’s what you’re into, and everything from socks to tuxedos.” There’s also a sumptuous grooming department, a tailoring service and an array of coffee table books on topics like racecars, rockers and tattoo art.

3. CN Tower

Touristy? Sure, Mr. Levy acknowledged. Still, this approximately 1,815-foot communications and observation tower offers unrivaled views of the city and Lake Ontario, even if — like him — you avoid the acrophobia-inducing glass-floored sections. “We used to take the kids there when they were young,” he said. “I couldn’t even put my toe on the edge of the glass, but my kids would just destroy me — they would lie down on it.” A less stressful view: Rogers Centre , the stadium next door, where you can see the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball. “I’ve been a Jays fan for, I guess since they started in ’77,” Mr. Levy told me. He clarified his brand of fandom during a Season 2 episode of “The Reluctant Traveler”: “I don’t go and paint my face,” he told the Spanish footballer Héctor Bellerín , but “in a championship game, I’ll stand up and give them, you know, a thumbs-up.”

4. The Royal Conservatory of Music

“The musicianship coming out of the Royal Conservatory is just awesome,” said Mr. Levy, quick to note that his wife “would go there when she was a kid taking piano lessons.” (Students at the 138-year-old institution have included the pianist Glenn Gould and the singer Sarah McLachlan .) Mr. Levy loves concerts at the attached Koerner Hall — “the acoustics are impeccable” — where you can see top students or international stars .

5. Windsor Arms Hotel

The 1972 “Godspell” role became Mr. Levy’s first steady acting paycheck: “That was huge,” he said. And with his windfall (“140 bucks every single week”) he started enjoying meals and late-night cocktails, or cake and coffee, at the Windsor Arms , a 10-minute drive from the theater. The hotel was popular, he said, because it was “quiet and more residential” than others. (The suites feel like genteel prewar apartments, with musical instruments and plenty of plush seating.) One of Mr. Levy’s favorite old haunts there — the Courtyard Cafe — is now the Courtyard, an event space worth a quick wander to see where, among other things, Elton John and David Furnish held an engagement party. Mr. Levy, now a connoisseur of 5:30 p.m. dinners, is no longer the late-night cake-and-coffee guy he once was — but he still gives the place, you know, a thumbs-up.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Kanuverleih und Kanutouren in Schweden

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Canoe rental Sweden

We only offer the best equipment in our canoe rental in Sweden. The following overview lists the rental prices for canoes, kayaks, equipment, consumables, services and nature maps. Missing or forgotten equipment can be booked directly on site at Kanu Center Svanskog at any time.

All prices include the statutory Swedish Moms (VAT), 25%.

Linder canoe Incas 525 aluminum

The best rental canoe in the world?: light, stable, wobble-free and fast!

Does everything as a stable family canoe as well as an adventure canoe, whether on the sea, lake or river. Very suitable as a rental canoe for several weeks canoe trips in Sweden with large luggage. Unsinkable. Made in Sweden!

Linder Inkas 525: Length: 525 cm Width: 90 cm Weigtht: 38 kg Max. load: 400 kg Max. Number of persons: 3

Rental price one day: 460 SEK – from the third day 390 SEK

Sea kayak Seabird Expedition

– a classic.

Seabird Expedition is one of the best-selling kayaks in Sweden. Expedition manages to perfectly combine speed, stability, volume and weight. It is fast in all weathers and very stable at the same time.

Expedition HV: Length: 518 cm Width : 59 cm, Depth: 38 cm Cockpit: 85,5 × 41 cm, Weigth: 28 kg Paddler weight: 80 kg until ca. 110 kg Body size until 195 cm Max. load: 150 kg

Expedition LV: Length 480 cm Width : 56 cm, Depth: 30 cm Cockpit: 80 × 39,5 cm, Weigth: 26 kg Paddler weigth: 50 kg untill ca.85 kg Body size until 178 cm Max. load: 130 kg

Rental price one day: 390 SEK – from the third day 290 SEK

Prices Naturvårdskort, locks and services:

Overnight stay at the canoe center after a tour 100 SEK per person Lock fee per chamber and canoe 45 SEK Naturvårdskort, entitles you to use a Dano rest area: SEK 80 per night and person Glaskogen kort, 1 day per person 80 SEK, 3 days per person 200 SEK Sauna per person (at Harefjorden), only if booked in advance 50 SEK Starting price for extra driving services 150 SEK, for each KM driven 12 SEK will be charged additionally

Gasoline for motor boats at the current market price Spirit one liter 90 SEK Gas cartridge propane and isobutane (Primus system) 7/16 inch screw cap, 230 g: 90 SEK Gas cartridge propane and isobutane (Primus system) 7/16 inch screw cap, 450 g: 150 SEK

Equipment rental prices:

2 person tent – price on the first day 90 SEK, each additional day 60 SEK 3 person tent – price on the first day 120 SEK, each additional day 70 SEK 4 person tent – price on the first day 150 SEK, each additional day 80 SEK Alu seat for a third person – price on the first day 50 SEK, each additional day 40 SEK Sleeping bag with sleeping mat XL to Junior – price on the first day 100 SEK, each additional day 60 SEK Gas – or petrol – stove with eating utensils and cookware (large) for 2 persons – price on the first day 90 SEK, every further day 60 SEK, excluding fuel Spirit – stove with eating utensils and cookware (small) for 2 persons – price on the first day 70 SEK, every further day 50 SEK, excluding fuel Gas or petrol stove – price on the first day 60 SEK, each additional day 40 SEK Spirit stove – price on the first day 40 SEK, each further day 20 SEK Cooking and eating utensils (small) for 2 persons – price on the first day 40 SEK, each additional day 30 SEK Cooking and eating utensils (large) for 2 persons – price on the first day 50 SEK, each additional day 40 SEK Packing bag 40 to 60 L – price on the first day 40 SEK, each additional day 30 SEK Packing garbage can 60 L – price on the first day 30 SEK, each additional day 20 SEK Electric motor Mina Kota with 60Ah gel battery – price on the first day 200 SEK, each additional day 150 SEK (rental only in combination with canoe) Garmin GPS on the first day 160 SEK, each additional day 130 SEK extra canoe trolley per day 100 SEK Map sales price: Arvika Friluftskarta 130 SEK, Glaskogen map 160 SEK, Dano-Kanuland 150 SEK

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If you arrive by train or bus, we offer a shuttle service, the prices for this shuttle service include round trip transportation (for up to 5 people), each additional person costs SEK 100 (round trip together)

Åmål train station  790 SEK Årjäng Bus Station   990 SEK Säffle train station  890 SEK Knöstad bus station  790 SEK Shopping trip to  Svanskog supermarket  400 SEK (one-off), not available at all times

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Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans are following her across the pond after missing out on her U.S. concert tour last year or being put off by marked-up ticket prices.

Taylor Swift fans drinking at The Black Dog in Vauxhall, south London, said they were there thanks to the track “The Black Dog,” in which the singer describes monitoring an unnamed ex’s visit “into some bar called The Black Dog,” through location share on her phone.

In this image taken from video, fans pose with a life-size image of Taylor Swift at a club that plays only Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

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Taylor Swift fan Brodie MacArthur from east London poses with a friend’s dog next to a sign featuring Taylor Swift lyrics outside The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Drinks are prepared in the Black Dog pub, thought to be mentioned in a Taylor Swift song, in London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. Some Swifties decided to see Swift in one of the 18 cities on the pop star’s tour after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and scalping in Europe made seeing Miss Americana perform abroad less of a splurge. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 9, 2023. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

In this image taken from video, Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, is shown on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024. Taylor Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour, with three shows in Stockholm, on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

In this image taken from video, Taylor Swift fans sing and dance at a nightclub event called ‘Ready for It’ that only plays Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of ride-or-die Taylor Swift fans who missed out on her U.S. concert tour last year or didn’t want to buy exorbitantly priced tickets to see her again found an out-of-the-way solution: Fly to Europe.

The pop star is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, and planeloads of Swifties plan to follow Miss Americana across the pond in the coming weeks. The arena where Swift is appearing said Americans bought 20% of the tickets for her four sold-out shows. Stockholm, the tour’s next stop, expects about 10,000 concertgoers from the U.S.

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+. Yet online travel company Expedia says continent-hopping by Swift’s devotees is part of a larger trend it dubbed “tour tourism” while observing a pattern that emerged during Beyoncé's Renaissance world tour .

Some North American fans who plan to fly overseas for the Eras Tour said they justified the expense after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and resales in Europe made seeing Swift perform abroad no more costly — and potentially cheaper — than catching her closer to home .

“They said, ’Wait a minute, I can either spend $1,500 to go see my favorite artist in Miami, or I can take that $1,500 and buy a concert ticket, a round-trip plane ticket, and three nights in a hotel room,” Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson and travel expert, said.

That was the experience of Jennifer Warren, 43, who lives in St. Catharines, a city in the Niagara region of Ontario. She and her 11-year-old son love Swift but had no luck scoring what she considered as decently priced tickets in the U.S. Undeterred, Warren and her husband decided to plan a European vacation around wherever she managed to get seats. It turned out to be Hamburg, Germany.

AP AUDIO: Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports Taylor Swift is heading to Europe, and her U.S. fans are following.

“You get out, you get to see the world, and you get to see your favorite artist or performer at the same time, so there are a lot of wins to it,” said Warren, who works as the director of research and innovation for a mutual insurance company.

The three VIP tickets she secured close to the stage — “I would call it brute-force dumb luck” — cost 600 euros ($646) each. Swift subsequently announced six November tour dates in Toronto, within driving distance of Warren’s home. “Absolute nose-bleed seats” already are going for 3,000 Canadian dollars ($2,194) on secondary resale sites like Viagogo, Warren said.

TOUR TOURISM: IS IT REALLY A THING?

Hard-core fans trailing their favorite singer or band on tour is not a new phenomenon. “Groupie” emerged in the late 1960s as a somewhat derogatory word for the ardent followers of rock bands. Deadheads took to the road in the 1970s to pursue the Grateful Dead from city to city.

More recently, music festivals like California’s Coachella and England’s Glastonbury, and concert residencies in Las Vegas by the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga and Adele, have attracted travelers to places they wouldn’t otherwise visit, Fish noted.

Travel and entertainment analysts have also spoken of a pent-up consumer demand for “experiences” over material objects since the coronavirus pandemic. Some think the willingness of music lovers to broaden their fandom horizons is part of the same mass cultural correction.

“It does seem like it’s more than a structural shift, maybe a personality transformation we all went through,” said Natalia Lechmanova, the chief Europe economist for the Mastercard Economics Institute.

As Swift hopscotches across Europe, Lechmanova expects restaurants and hotels to see the same boost that Mastercard observed within a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) radius of concert venues in the U.S. cities she visited in 2023. The U.S. dollar’s strong value against the euro may also increase retail spending on apparel, memorabilia, beauty products and supplies for the friendship bracelets fans exchange as part of the Eras Tour experience, the economist said.

Former college roommates Lizzy Hale, 34, who lives in Los Angeles, and Mitch Goulding, 33, who lives in Austin, Texas, already had tickets to see the Eras Tour in L.A. last summer when they decided to try to get ones for Paris, London or Edinburgh, Scotland, too. They saw a Europe concert trip as a makeup for travel plans they had in May 2020 to celebrate Goulding’s birthday but had to cancel due to the pandemic.

Goulding managed to secure VIP tickets for one of Swift’s three Stockholm shows. He, Hale and two other friends scheduled a 10-day trip that also includes time in Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

“As people who enjoy traveling and enjoy music, if you can find an opportunity to combine the two, it’s really special,” said Hale, who is pregnant with her first child.

FOR STOCKHOLM, 120,000 SWIFTIES CAN’T BE WRONG

The local economic impact of what the zeitgeist has termed “Swiftonomics” and the “Swift lift” can be considerable . It’s no wonder the exclusive arrangement Singapore’s government made with Swift to make the city-state her only tour stop in Southeast Asia earlier this year aroused regional jealousy .

No European governments have complained of their countries not being among the dozen selected for the Europe leg of the Eras Tour, although some fans have expressed surprise that Gelsenkirchen, a city with a population of about 264,000 is one of the three cities in Germany that made the cut.

Airbnb reported Tuesday that searches on its platform for the U.K. cities where Swift is performing in June and August — Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London — increased an average of 337% when tickets went on sale last summer.

Not to be outdone when it comes to trend-spotting, the property rentals company cited the demand as an example of “passion tourism,” or travel “driven by concerts, sports and other cultural events.”

In Stockholm , 120,000 out-of-towners from 130 countries -- among them 10,000 from the U.S. — are expected to swarm Sweden’s capital this month, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Carl Bergqvist said. Stockholm is the only Scandinavian city on Swift’s tour, and airlines added extra flights from nearby Denmark, Finland and Norway to bring people to the May 17-19 shows, he said.

The city’s 40,000 hotel rooms are sold out even though prices skyrocketed for the tour dates, Bergqvist said. Concert visitors are expected to pump around 500 million Swedish kroner, or over $46 million, into the local economy over the course of their stays, an estimate that does not include what they paid for Swift tickets or to get to Sweden, he said.

“So this is going to be huge for the tourism sector in Sweden and Stockholm in particular,” Bergqvist said.

Nightclubs, restaurants and bars are seizing the opportunity to cater to fans with Taylor Swift-themed events, such as karaoke, quizzes and after-concert dance parties.

Houston resident Caroline Matlock, 29, saw Swift more than a year ago when the Eras Tour came to the Texas city. Now she’s making more friendship bracelets and trying to learn a few words of Swedish as she prepares to see the 3 1/2-hour show in Stockholm. The idea of seeing Swift in Europe was her friend’s, and Matlock needed some persuading at first.

“I was like, ‘I only want to go if it’s a country I haven’t been to. I’ve seen Taylor Swift,’” she said.

Visiting the Scandinavian cities of Oslo and Gothenburg is on their itinerary. The concert is the last night of the trip and Matlock looks forward to interacting with Swifties from other countries: “Americans tend to have a very obsessive culture, especially Taylor Swift-related, so I’m curious if the crowd will be more toned-down.”

WILL TOUR TOURISM ENDURE AFTER ERAS?

It remains to be seen if the music tourism trend has legs as long and strong as Swift’s and Beyoncé's, and if it will carry over to Billie Eilish, Usher and other artists with world tours scheduled next year. Expedia’s Fish thinks other big-name artists in Europe this summer will prove that booking a foreign trip around a concert is catching on.

Kat Morga, a travel consultant based in Nashville, isn’t so sure. Morga saw Swift perform in Nashville last year and helped two clients with school-aged children book European family vacations this summer that include seeing Swift in concert. But she thinks the difficulty of navigating ticket purchases through language barriers, currency conversions, international banking regulations and the risk of cancellations will limit the appeal of regular gig getaways.

“I think this is an anomaly,” Morga said. “People aren’t typically going to build their $20,000 huge family vacation only because Taylor Swift is there. She’s the one-off. She’s special.”

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel, whose company operates Booking.com, priceline.com, agoda.com, Kayak and OpenTable, is even less enthusiastic about concert tours as a tourism instigator. The Swift Effect causes a “little blip” when the superstar goes to smaller destinations, but for the worldwide travel industry, “one star touring around does not make a difference,” he said.

“It may just shift it a little bit. A person was going to go to the Caribbean for a week vacation. Instead that person (says), ‘Let’s travel to the Taylor Swift thing,’” Fogel said. “It doesn’t increase it. It just moves it from here to there.”

AP journalists Colleen Barry in Milan, Chisato Tanaka in Stockholm, Anne D’Innocenzio in New York, David Koenig in Dallas, Thomas Adamson in Paris and Brian Melley in London contributed reporting.