Sweden

Kayak and Wild Camp - Saint Anna Archipelago (Guided)

9

Join like-minded adventurers for an amazing exploration of the Saint Anna Archipelago on the east coast of Sweden. Made up of 6,000 islands, most of them tiny and uninhabited, it’s a fantastic location for a truly free nature experience paddling and camping wherever you like!

Itinerary

Day 1: Into the maze

We'll pick you up from Norrköping train station at 10am (1h 45 min from Stockholm). After an hour drive along countryside roads we arrive at the launch, repack personal belongings into drybags and load the kayaks.

We set out in the secluded bay and zig-zag our way northeast through pretty clusters of small islets with lots of common birds that breed in the middle archipelago –  ducks, swans and maybe even Grey herons.  White-tailed eagles soaring high up in the sky are a common sight, since they nest in old trees not far from here.

We aim northeast towards the many islands south of Aspöja. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful settings in these archipelagos, and we find a camp site with a stunning view.

image_SULYN3EZHTDMH96D
image_U8A92TUB4SPYMNXH
image_76SSVFEH6SF82JZQ
Day 2: A band of islands against the horizon

Our following day is a gorgeous paddle southeast through the outer archipelago and its barren, wind-pined little islands. The horizon and the open sea is our backdrop. If lucky we may spot seals and there is an abundance of coastal birds out here – large colonies of gulls and Arctic terns, Black guillemots, Eiders, Velvet scoters, Mergansers, Shelducks, Redshanks and Oystercatchers. Massive birds like White-tailed eagles and Great cormorants are common, and maybe we spot Ospreys or Arctic skuas.

After a strenuous day we reach the famous navigation mark Kupa Klint. It’s a fantastic lookout with spectacular views of the hundreds of skerries of the Missjö Archipelago – the most finely-chiselled archipelago that exists in Sweden.

Inside the outer band of skerries is the large island Missjö and its parallel islands.  Our guides know all the nooks and crannies and find a great sheltered spot for the night.

media_6XYQV8ZMLHME3734
image_V8HM6ZAWXNKU8P3K
media_TWXB47MCUPKJT55F
Day 3: The village that time forgot

Our exploration continues south towards Harstena Village, renowned for its picturesque and historic beauty. We visit the museum at the old school and stroll around the village. Our  idyllic outing is complete with a visit to the local bakery for some heavenly home-baked cinnamon swirls.

We get back in our kayaks and head southeast aiming for the magical Ytterö island with its smooth rocky beaches and old gnarly pine trees. It’s right on the open sea and we find higher ground for an amazing view of the archipelago and the horizon. When we fall asleep all we can hear are the waves crashing in against the smooth rocks and calls from the many birds that breed on the surrounding little islets. 

f9ad4a8a-9da2-49ae-9324-58946c18b1f8
image_PRPNMTVXPDFRAJR8
image_XVJTUMX9J529WGZ7
Day 4: A paddle to the edge of the world

If weather conditions allow, we’ll try to make it to Häradskär today. It’s the last outpost of the archipelago and few make it to this historic lighthouse at the edge of the world.

On the way we’ll pass Gubbö kupa, and climb the hill to the cairn on the top for a stunning view of this part of the archipelago. We continue south through the beautiful clusters of islands at Laxvarp and assess whether we can make it to our goal. 

After a pretty exposed crossing,  the red iron lighthouse finally appears and we land our kayaks on the smoothened rocks. The island is right on the open sea and all we can see is endless horizon. We’re as far out as we’re going to get and it’s beautiful!

image_R4P8PM4M5228XAY8
image_X877U82TSDULBXBT
media_PYZATWGMKYNNC3F2
Day 5: Due west for the mainland

We found a camp site south of the large Fångö island last night, and we wake up for the very last time in our island wonderland. 

We check out the abandoned copper mine on Fångö, round the island and paddle through a narrow canal that takes us opposite Fyrudden. We cross the small straight to the mainland and our finish point.

Far from strangers anymore, a crew of seasoned explorers who’ve just been through an amazing expedition together!

image_HT7N86Z45GVP76YQ
image_HKPXHJHQU75XWPRH
image_EGXHW668YQCV5X4B

What's Included

Included
  • Kayaking guides.
  • Top quality kayaking, camping & cooking gear.
  • Private solo tent.
  • Inflatable mattress, pillow & chair.
  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks & dinners.
  • Soft drinks, coffee & tea.
  • Detailed guide book
  • Return transfer (Norrköping - Saint Anna).
  • Luggage storage.
Not Included
  • International flights.
  • Airport transfers (2 hr train from Stockholm Arlanda Airport).
  • Travel insurance.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

9 verified reviews

Anita
Anita

(Aug 2023)

Fabulous 5-day women’s kayaking guided tour with amazing guides, Katha & Linda. It was so beautiful, peaceful & fun as we kayaked through the Santa Anna archipelago. Our boats & camping equipment were top notch quality, and meals were delicious, hearty, & creative - we ate well and often! (yay, fika!). My tour mates were fabulous, we laughed & enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend Do the North as tour outfitter.

media_BANMU2F46W5D2V8V
media_KPY9N687QHJBDQJD
media_X4T4QW2XVN7G7HYY
Julie
Julie

(Aug 2023)

A wonderful experience. Our guides, Katha and Linda, were excellent. Supportive, encouraging, empowering and interesting. They were sensitive to the needs of the group members. Katha worked miracles in providing delicious meals, and Linda gave us food for thought about caring for our environment. Do The North’s organisation and equipment are top quality. Most of the group had not kayaked or wild camped before but the way this trip was led gave me confidence to stretch myself. Thank you, Katha, Linda and Do The North.

media_SF952AQVQH37X9HD
Pier
Pier

(Aug 2023)

Had the best time with Phill and Diego as our guides and a great crew of paddle warriors. Diego and Phill worked great as a team to get us all into some good vibes and enjoy the time spent in the archipelago. They immediately made us feel like this was going to be amazing and it was. Both are real outdoorsman and have a lot to teach about kayaking and camping in the wild. The five days spent out there in the wild were some of the best days I had in a long time.

media_YPK6NB3F799VDTQK
Jane
Jane

(Aug 2023)

I can't speak highly enough of our trip with Katha and Linda. The kayaking was brilliant and very special to be so remote. Everything was super organised and we became expert at setting up and breaking camp (6 minutes our record for the latter I think). Tents and kayaks were excellent quality. Katha's cooking was exceptional and worthy of any restaurant. Linda shared her experiences and goals in tourism and this was really interesting. They made a great team.. One of the things that I really valued was the chilled and open atmosphere which allowed us to connect with our surroundings and each other in a very organic way. We had some great discussions - and dancing!

media_8PGWFMJ3VCPUBLNR
media_A22AFPPTH7VRMRKV
media_V8SJ72E59LVZM4SW
Stephen
Stephen

(Jul 2023)

Just had the pleasure of completing the 5 day guided adventure with Phil and Linda. I would not hesitate in recommending this company their services and their guides. What an awesome trip it was from start to finish. The guides were absolutely excellent having great people skills who are experienced, knowledgeable and interactive ensuring every aspect of this adventure trip for all participants was made enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. I'm now more informed and wiser having done this trip with guides. The trip certainly gets you close to the wilderness, the environment and all its benefits they offer. The guides went over and above with their sunset and sunrise swims with guests. Thanks to "Do the North" and all staff for making this experience and adventure possible, safe and so enjoyable.

FAQs

Before you go

You can fly to: - Stockholm Arlanda (all major airlines), 2-hour direct train to Norrköping - Linköping City Airport (KLM), 30 min train to Norrköping - Copenhagen Airport (all major airlines), 3 hr 45 min high speed train to Norrköping - Bromma Airport (Brussels Airlines), 20 min bus transfer plus 1 hr 45 min train

The warmer summer months are June-Sep, so we only run trips during those dates. Late May to mid-June When the seasons starts, early summer is in its pride – it’s incredibly green with lots of flowers. The archipelago is full of proud bird moms swimming around with their little chicks. Days are really long and it barely gets dark at all. Pros: Very green and lush, lots of bird wildlife, crazy long hours of daylight Cons: Water usually does not get swimmable until late June, can be windy, most establishments in the area closed until Midsummer Late June to mid-August The prime summer months in Sweden and your best bet for sunny and warm days. By now the water is a little warmer – you may get some glorious days sunbathing on a flat skerry in the outer archipelago. Although still solitary while camping & kayaking, there may be bustling activity of sailers, boaters and kayakers at the different hubs of the area. Pros: Beautiful sunny weather, swimmable water, long hours of sunlight, all establishments in the area open Cons: Conditions may get very windy, some mosquitos, less solitude in some areas of the archipelago Late August to mid-September By late August you will probably be blessed with calmer weather but you won’t see as many flowers and birds. September is regarded by many as the best month to go sea kayaking in Sweden. It’s starting to get a bit cooler but late summer weather is usually very stable. There is a good chance of mirror-calm water for several days. Late summer sunsets last for hours and are absolutely amazing! Pros: Fantastic calm days, long colourful sunsets Cons: Most establishments close end of August, chillier water even though it usually stays swimmable at least a week into September. Many bird species have migrated south. Late September As autumn arrives to the archipelago, the leaves turn beautiful bright red and yellow colours. The air is crisp and the sun is low, creating a lovely golden light. The stillness is palpable – no one around except locals carrying on their daily lives on the islands. Bring your long johns and a warm beanie, and preferably have some kayaking and camping experience. Pros: Beautiful, crisp autumn weather, incredible solitude. Cons: Water starting to get cold, if unlucky, can be wet and windy.

You do not have to be especially fit to go sea kayaking, nor do you need previous experience. Kayaking is quite easy, and the boats go surprisingly fast with little effort. Your guides are experts at making sure that everyone is comfortable with the tempo and distance covered. The above itinerary is just an example and will be adapted to weather conditions and the group. You must be able to swim and have a taste for adventure. Weight limit; 120 kilos per person. Beginners are welcome! Double kayaks are used for beginners and intermediates.

- A couple of sets of clothing - shorts, t-shirt, trousers, warm jumper. - Warm beanie hat - Even in summer, it can get cold at night. - Cap - Escape from the midday sun. - Waterproof gloves. - Shoes for land - They’ll be plenty of opportunities to explore the land, so bring a pair of trainers or walking shoes. - Shoes for the sea - Your feet will get wet when entering or exiting the kayak, so we highly recommend buying a pair of neoprene socks. They are cheap to buy and will improve your trip immensely. Although not comparable, Crocs also make a reasonable alternative. - Towel. - Swimwear. - Sunglasses. - Waterproof sunscreen - Essential. - Toiletries -(the sea is your bathtub, the water is brackish, only slightly salty) - Mosquito repellent - Optional extras - binoculars, playing cards, book, telescopic fishing rod, snorkel.  - Tech - camera, phone power-bank, mobile phone. (You should get a 4G signal throughout the trip).

Please see 'Inclusions' section above for a full list of what's included.

The minimum age is 18.

On your trip

Maximum group size is 8 guests with 2 guides. The group is usually a very fun mix of nationalities and ages, and having a great time together is the highest priority!

Yes, as long as you are respectful to land, wildlife and people. Although some of the islands have the odd traditional red and white little house, the absolute majority are wild, unexploited and uninhabited.

All meals, snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea are included. Make sure to let your host know if you have any dietary requirements! If you wish to order some alcoholic beverages they are available in ‘Additional Drinks’ in your Trip Planner, payable through credit card upon arrival.

- Kayaks - Paddles - Spraydeck to keep the water out - Life jacket - Paddle jacket (can also be used as a rain jacket) - First aid kit  - Bilge pump to remove any water from the kayak  - Dry bags  - Rolling deck compass & hand compass  - Maps  - Guide book  - Haglöfs sleeping bag  - Exped inflatable mattress - Thermarest camping pillow - Chair - Hilleberg Solo tent - Head torches  - Knife  - Rope  - Tarp  - Spade  - Drinking bottle - Trangia gas stove & fuel  - Lighters  - Frying pan  - Cooler - Cooking and eating equipment

Yes the group has maximum 8 participants along with two guides.

It’s an interesting challenge to navigate around the islands. Your guides will teach navigation and you get to give it a try if you want.

Start: You'll be collected by your host at your Norrköping hotel or Norrköping train station at 10 am on day 1 of our itinerary. End: You'll be transferred back to Norrköping train station, or your hotel by 5 pm on day 5 of your itinerary.

Weather in the Archipelago changes often and quickly. A summer day can bring you 33°C and sunshine, or 17°C and rain, but mostly it stays around 20–28°C. Expect some calm, hot and sunny days, and a couple of overcast, windier ones. Sometimes it rains, but it usually passes pretty quickly. Your route will be adapted to wind conditions. Water temperature depends on the weeks leading up to summer. Typical ranges are 14–19°C in early summer and autumn, and 19–24°C during peak summer.

Your guides are there to take care of any emergencies. The whole area has reception, so if something happens you're only a phone call away from help. You can be reached by boat in under 30 minutes. Kayaking related emergencies are exceedingly rare.

Distances and time on the water varies depending on the day and weather conditions. We generally spend around 3.5-5 hours on the water, paddling somewhere around 12-16 km.

On this camp, you will be proper wild camping. There are no facilities. The forest and a spade are your ”bathroom”. The guide will designate a part of the island for bathroom duties. The spade has a special spot at camp and when it’s gone, that’s the ”busy” signal. The sea is your ”bathtub”. The water is brackish, only slightly salty, so it’s more similar to swimming in a lake than the sea. It doesn’t itch like after you swim in saltwater.

Other FAQs

Yes absolutely. This trip is made specifically for solo travellers looking for a wild adventure and a fun group atmosphere. It’s of course also ok to join if you’re not alone.

A great option if you’re flying into Stockholm Arlanda is to spend the night in Stockholm city (20 mins from airport), and take the train to Norrköping in the morning (1 hour 45 mins).

Yes, sure! We do recommend using the host equipment though. It's very high quality and has been carefully selected for the conditions in the area.

Yes. You get to repack your clothing and personal items into dry bags at the start point. Your host will store your luggage safely at the base and bring it to your endpoint on your last day.

Your head guide is Thomas

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Do The North, based in Vasteras.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Thomas