Exploring the Stockholm Archipelago with KAYAKOMAT

After an unforgettable keep on the island Utö, we discovered ourselves travelling again in the direction of Stockholm however with a couple of hours to spare earlier than checking into our lodge at Nacka Strand. I had beforehand scoured Google Maps to see if I might spot one thing attention-grabbing to do on our route, which was once I stumbled upon KAYAKOMAT.

Desperate to discover a method to additional discover the archipelago independently, the idea of KAYAKOMAT instantly appealed to us. The corporate rents out single and double kayaks, in addition to SUPs, however the distinctive factor is that their stations provide a completely self-service system. You merely go on to their web site, or scan a QR code on the station, guide what you need and for when, and you might be despatched a code to unlock the gear on the designated time. What a terrific concept!

This can be a idea that originated in Sweden, and there are quite a few stations across the Stockholm archipelago in addition to additional afield. With the solar shining and a delicate breeze blowing, we referred to as on the KAYAKOMAT station at Saltsjö Duvnäs, a peaceable residential space that lies simply 10 kilometres south-east of Stockholm. The water there’s preferrred for boating and kayaking, and there are many inexperienced areas additionally for individuals who want terra firma, with plenty of alternatives for climbing and different outside pursuits.

Discovering KAYAKOMAT

We’re no strangers to adventures on the water and didn’t wish to fear about ready for an attendant or arriving at a selected time as we didn’t know which ferry we’d be catching from Utö or how lengthy the drive can be. Because of this, the KAYAKOMAT providing suited our plans. The station was straightforward to seek out and conveniently arrange proper by the shore.

As soon as we arrived, the reserving course of couldn’t have been less complicated. We chosen the Saltsjö Duvnäs location on the KAYAKOMAT web site, and inside minutes we had booked two double kayaks. Ten minutes later when our allotted time arrived, we entered the code we’d been given to unlock them from the station.

It was an extremely hassle-free course of, and we cherished the flexibleness it supplied us. No ready round for somebody at hand over gear. It was solely on our phrases.

The station and the gear was clearly properly maintained, with buoyancy aids, paddles, sponges, and so on. all equipped inside every kayak. There have been even waterproof storage areas on every vessel for us to take objects with us if we wished.

All we needed to do was placed on our buoyancy aids, slide the kayaks on to the water and prepare for a day of journey!

Exploring Skurusundet

Our journey started as we paddled northwards into the calm waters of Skurusundet, a slim strait surrounded by picturesque shorelines and quaint waterfront properties. As we left the shore, the noise of distant site visitors was quickly changed by the mushy sound of water lapping towards the kayaks. Often a bigger vessel would come by, however they had been respectful of our presence and would decrease their velocity in order to not create an excessive amount of chop.

Paddling in double kayaks was enjoyable, permitting us to work collectively and luxuriate in some high quality household time.

Round Mårtens Holme and again alongside the southern shore of Lännerstasundet

After crossing the strait at Skurusundet, we hugged the shoreline to keep away from the primary channel and headed east in the direction of Mårtens holme, a small island within the northern part of the Lännerstasundet waterway. We resisted the temptation to cease at Kennys Gelato Tollare, based by Kenny Mattsson, Swedish Gelato Champion in 2022.

We circled this quiet little island, surrounded by rocky shores and dense greenery. Regardless of it being fairly a large and uncovered channel thereafter, the water remained extremely calm for our return to Saltsjö Duvnäs. Aside from Fisksätra, which lies additional alongside than we’d reached, the southern shore of Lännerstasundet is essentially undeveloped so we might admire a extra open view of the panorama and the pure great thing about the shoreline. It’s exhausting to think about that every one that is simply 10-15 kilometres from central Stockholm.

An ideal afternoon on the water

We employed the kayaks for 2 hours and, by the point we returned to the station at Saltsjö Duvnäs, that was nearly excellent. We had taken all of it at a leisurely tempo and the double kayaks had been straightforward to deal with, gliding via the water with ease, however I’m certain we might have lined extra floor if we’d tried. Based on Strava, we’d lined 6 kilometres on the water, with a shifting time of an hour and quarter-hour.

When you had been to rent the kayaks for the day, you could possibly proceed kayaking east via Lännerstasundet, and exit into the bigger bay of Baggensfjärden by way of Baggenstäket, following a route that ultimately leads out to the Baltic Sea (we don’t recommend you go that far!), with many islands and skerries alongside the best way.

Returning the kayaks was simply as straightforward as after we picked them up. We made certain we had been leaving them in good order, together with the buoyancy aids, paddles, and so on. and securely locked them again into their designated spots. The whole course of, from begin to end, was simply so easy and seamless that it’s little marvel why KAYAKOMAT stations have been arising throughout Europe.

Whether or not you’re exploring the Stockholm archipelago, paddling via Danish fjords otherwise you fancy stand-up padde boarding on the lakes of Germany, KAYAKOMAT’s enlargement signifies that increasingly individuals can expertise journey on the water in a few of Europe’s most beautiful places. Wherever your travels occur to take you, we extremely suggest giving it a attempt. It’s the proper method to expertise nature, create unforgettable recollections and spend high quality time with household or buddies.

Disclosure: This publish is sponsored by KAYAKOMAT and our journey was kindly supported by Go to Stockholm.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.