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Find Peace on the Water: Micro-Expeditions in Stockholm & Paddling Day 2026
Nature has become our most important place for recovery. More and more people are stepping away from screens and stress to find an uncomplicated break in their everyday lives – a genuine outdoor life for recovery. Gliding across the water is a smart choice to lower your heart rate, a fact supported by the well-known Blue Mind research, which shows how being near water demonstrably calms our brains.
Here in Stockholm, we have the luxury of going on small, urban “micro-expeditions”. We always say that the best adventures are often the ones that start just around the corner.
Here in Stockholm, we have the luxury of going on small, urban “micro-expeditions”. We always say that the best adventures are often the ones that start just around the corner.
City pulse and nature: Around kungsholmen
If you are looking for fun things to do in Stockholm, the classic tour around Kungsholmen by kayak is a brilliant idea. You can start your journey at Pampas Marina, glide through the leafy Karlbergskanalen, and then pass the majestic City Hall. Finish your tour by paddling past Långholmen, Lilla Essingen, and Fredhäll. It is a route that offers both beautiful architecture and green shorelines.
The Urban Oasis: Lillsjön
For a different kind of experience, a tour of Lillsjön is an excellent tip. Although the city hum from nearby roads reminds us we’re still in the heart of Stockholm, the lake is a fantastic, mirror-like oasis. Because it’s so well-sheltered from wind and waves, it’s the perfect spot to practice your paddling technique or simply enjoy gliding through lush surroundings. Remember, we share the water with nature—please keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and pick up any trash you might spot in the water.
Paddling Day 2026 and Tips from the Dock
On May 30, 2026, we are celebrating Paddling Day! It is a great opportunity to try out a SUP in Stockholm or rent a kayak for the day.
Here are two new tips from our instructors to enhance your experience:
1. The Power of Posture: For a more stable and powerful stroke, focus on a forward-rotated pelvis. By sitting upright and engaging your core, you gain better control of the kayak and reduce the strain on your lower back.
2. Mindful Paddling: Try “Mindful Paddling.” Sync your breathing with your strokes—inhale as you lift the paddle and exhale as it meets the water. This helps you find a meditative flow even while the city’s tempo continues around you.
Safety First
Safety and the environment are at the core of everything we do. Always dress for the water temperature, not the air. This is especially vital during spring when the air feels warm, but the water is still dangerously cold. Please read our previous post on cold water risks and hypothermia to learn how to stay safe.
Always do a quick risk analysis before getting in – “what happens if?” – and never paddle alone. Always wear a comfortable life jacket.
Are you ready to give it a try? A great idea for beginners is to book our Introduction to kayaking tour, or why not make it easy on yourself and choose our All-Inclusive Package.
See you on the water!
April 10, 2026
First time kayaking in Stockholm? 5 expert tips for a safe and memorable tour
There is a very special feeling when you step into a kayak right in the middle of the city, take your first paddle stroke, and instantly feel your pulse drop. Whether you are looking to rent a kayak at Pampas Marina for a calm evening tour or start from our base at Kungsholmen, the water is absolutely the best way to experience the city. If you are looking for fun things to do in Stockholm and want to try a genuine micro-expedition, you have found the right place.
Being a beginner is exciting, but it’s natural to feel a bit unsure the first time. To ensure your tour is as relaxing as you hope, we spoke with Emil, one of our experienced instructors. Here, he shares five practical tips from the dock that will instantly make you a smarter paddler.
1. Relax your grip on the paddle
A classic beginner mistake is gripping the paddle shaft too tightly, which quickly leads to cramped forearms and unnecessary fatigue. Try to maintain a relaxed grip – you should almost be able to wiggle your fingers while paddling. This saves a lot of energy and makes the ride much more comfortable.
2. Dress smart (wool is gold!)
Dressing in layers is a great rule of thumb on the water. One of our best tips is to always wear wool closest to your body. Unlike cotton, wool actually keeps you warm even if it gets wet, which is very reassuring since the water in Stockholm can remain chilly well into the summer. Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out our YouTube video on cold water paddling (in Swedish) for more concrete advice.
3. Let the wind decide your route
Kayaking in Stockholm as a beginner is largely about reading the wind. A really nice tour from our dock at Eden is paddling around the island of Långholmen. But here is a smart tip: which direction you choose to circle the island matters a lot! By checking the wind direction beforehand, you can plan your route to get a tailwind on the most open, choppy section, and then glide back comfortably in the shelter of the wind.
4. Beware of the high stone quays
A common piece of advice is to “stay close to the shore,” but in central Stockholm, the shores often consist of high, vertical stone quays. When the wake from passing boats hits these hard stone walls, the waves bounce straight back, creating a choppy and chaotic sea (reflection waves) right near the edge. Sometimes it is actually safer and calmer to keep a bit of distance from the quay edge to avoid the worst of the “washing machine.”
5. Lift your gaze from the paddle
A common instinct for beginners is staring straight down at the front of the kayak or at the paddle to make sure you are doing it “right”. But your body follows your eyes! By lifting your gaze and looking towards the horizon or where you want to go, you automatically get better posture, a straighter course, and – most importantly – much better balance. Plus, you’ll miss Stockholm’s beautiful views if you only look down!
At LEK MER, we care deeply about our waters. If you spot a piece of plastic or trash floating by on your tour, please fish it up and place it in your kayak. It’s a simple way to give back to nature.
Do you want a safe and educational start to your kayaking journey together with Emil or one of our other guides?
👉 Book “Introduction to Kayaking Stockholm” and start your adventure here!
(Tags: Things to do in stockholm, kayak kungsholmen, rent kayak pampas, paddle kayak stockholm beginner, introduction to kayaking stockholm)
April 1, 2026
From Tourist to Paddler: Why a Kayak Tour in Stockholm is Your Best Summer Souvenir
Seeing Stockholm from the water is a special experience. Gliding under bridges, watching the City Hall’s golden spire reflect on the water, and discovering the lush shores of islands like Långholmen is a unique way to experience the Swedish capital. But for many visitors, it remains just a thought: “Maybe next time.” Often, it’s a small feeling of uncertainty that holds them back: Can I really handle a kayak? What happens if it tips over?
This is where a guided kayak tour comes in. It’s not just a rental – it’s a key that unlocks a world of urban micro-adventures and nature experiences, right in the heart of the city. Investing a couple of hours to learn the basics is a smart choice that pays off in safety, skill, and pure paddling joy.
Paddle Smarter, Not Harder
A common misconception is that paddling is all about arm strength. But as our founder, Emil Gyllenberg, often shows on our YouTube channel, the real power comes from your core. By learning to rotate your torso, you can paddle longer, faster, and with significantly less effort. It’s a technique that not only makes paddling more fun but also prevents strain. On our guided tours, you get personal tips from experienced instructors who help you find the right technique for your body.
Knowledge is Confidence on the Water
The weather can change quickly, and feeling safe in the kayak is everything. An introductory tour gives you the tools you need to handle the basics with confidence. You’ll learn fundamental safety techniques and how to dress appropriately for the water temperature – vital knowledge, especially in the spring. With this guidance, you can relax and enjoy the moment.
An Invitation to Play More
For tourists and first-time paddlers, our Introduction to Kayaking is the perfect choice. This guided tour combines learning with sightseeing, giving you the skills and confidence to enjoy the water safely. It’s the perfect start for anyone who wants a genuine Stockholm nature experience. Whether you dream of paddling around the classic city island of Kungsholmen or simply enjoying a calm evening from our dock at Pampas Marina, a guided tour gives you the freedom to do it with confidence. And when you paddle with us, you do it in premium-class kayaks that are both stable and comfortable.
Ready to invest in yourself and discover Stockholm from its very best perspective?
Our best tip: Book your Introduction to Kayaking today and make summer 2026 your summer of paddling!
(Tags: introduction to kayaking, kayak stockholm, what to do in stockholm, stockholm city tour, learn to kayak, kayak rental stockholm, pampas marina, kungsholmen, outdoor activities stockholm)
March 16, 2026
Find Your Very Own Swedish Island – Discover Lake Mälaren with Our All-Inclusive Package!
Have you seen Visit Sweden’s recent “Your Swedish Island” campaign, where lucky winners from around the globe get the exclusive rights to a private island for a year? It’s a fun idea and a brilliant initiative that really speaks our language. The one about luxury in the form of nature, privacy, and silence. But guess what? You don’t need to win a global competition to find your very own hidden gem.
Sweden has hundreds of thousands of islands, and if you are looking for nature-focused things to do in Stockholm this summer, our top tip is a micro-expedition on Lake Mälaren. By renting a kayak with us, you can quickly leave the city pulse behind and glide straight into the wilderness.
Uninhabited Gems in Lovön Nature Reserve
To truly find that feeling of total seclusion, we think you should head out on a slightly longer tour towards the islands of Lake Mälaren. Within just about a two-hour paddle from our docks, you’ll reach the area around beautiful Kärsön. Hidden here are small, completely uninhabited pearls like Krankholmen, Granholmen, and Tallholmen. Pulling your kayak up onto one of these smooth rock slabs, unpacking your own picnic, and gazing out over the water is an experience hard to match.
These islands are nestled within the scenic Lovön Nature Reserve. Thanks to the unique Swedish Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), we have the freedom to roam almost anywhere. However, we always like to remind our guests that with freedom comes the responsibility to “not disturb and not destroy.” We always leave the islands just as untouched and beautiful as we found them, and if you spot any floating trash on your way out, please feel free to scoop it up!
Urban Outdoor and “Rugged Luxury”
Being outdoors is a powerful trend, often framed as “Rugged Luxury” – experiencing the wilderness in a comfortable and accessible way. With our All-Inclusive package, we make the threshold to the archipelago minimal. We provide a fully equipped premium kayak, all necessary safety gear, and a thorough technique and route briefing before you launch. All you have to do is pack your own favorite food and drinks, show up, and enjoy the adventure.
Research on the Blue Mind concept shows that our brains enter a deep, restorative state of rest when we are near water. This makes a full day in the kayak a really smart investment in your health.
Tips from the Dock
Our instructor Emil shares some good advice for your slightly longer island expedition: “When paddling out towards the Mälaren islands and Kärsön, you might encounter some wake from passing boats. The best trick is to relax your hips and let the kayak ride the water; if you tense up, it just gets wobbly. And a quick packing tip for your picnic: Always place the heaviest items, like water and drinks, at the bottom and near the center of the kayak. This will give you a super stable and safe journey out to your island!”
Safety on the Water
Safety is always our highest priority. Before you paddle away, we ensure you feel completely comfortable in the kayak. According to the Swedish Canoe Federation, the most important rules are simple but vital: always wear a life jacket, preferably paddle with a companion, and stay sober on the water.
Get ready to find your very own rock in our beautiful island world!
👉 Book Lek Mer’s All-Inclusive package here and find your own island!
(Taggar: Rent kayak, Things to do in stockholm, Rent kayak stockholm, all inclusive kayak, stockholms archipelago islands, urban outdoor, lovöns naturreservat)
March 9, 2026
News: Course Dates Released – Join Our New Full-Day Kayaking CoursesNyhet: Nu släpper vi årets kursdatum – gå vår nya heldagskurs
The end of February means winter sports holidays here in Sweden, and for many, the skiing season is at its peak. But for us at Lek Mer, the longer days mean only one thing: the ice will soon be breaking. Even if there’s still snow on the ground, it’s time to start planning for the paddling season. That is why we are thrilled to announce that bookings for this year’s kayaking courses are officially open!
Experiencing Stockholm from the water and gliding past the magnificent architecture around Kungsholmen is unbeatable. However, to truly enjoy nature in a safe and relaxed way, you need the right knowledge.
This Year’s News: Full-Day Courses
One of our main goals this year is to make it even easier for you to develop as a paddler. In addition to our classic schedules, we are now launching the option to take both our Basic Course and Intermediate Course as intensive full-day sessions. This is perfect for those who want to dive deep into learning and see massive progression in just one day.
All our courses launch from our educational hub at Pampas Marina in Solna. Here, we have access to calm waters that are optimal for building confidence and technique from the ground up. As an officially certified canoe center, we never compromise on safety. We place a huge emphasis on providing our participants with top-tier, reliable equipment that makes learning both fun and secure.
Local Trivia: Did you know that the water in Lake Mälaren is often at its absolute clearest in early spring, before the summer algae blooms? Granted, it’s not the Maldives, but you can actually see quite deep into the water next to your kayak if you squint a little!
Respecting Nature
Once you have completed a course with us and feel ready to explore everything from Lillsjön to the Lovön Nature Reserve, we always do so according to the Swedish Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access) golden rule: “do not disturb, do not destroy.” We always practice Leave No Trace, because even though nature is just waking up, it is highly sensitive during the spring.
Expert Tips for the Water: Care for Your Gear
If you own your own kayak, Emil Gyllenberg, one of Lek Mer’s founders and expert instructors, shares a vital tip before your spring premiere:
1. Lubricate the hatches: Take the time to give your rubber hatch covers some love during the winter so they remain watertight and supple. We highly recommend using 303 Aerospace Protectant for the best results.
2. Need professional help? Do you have hull damage or need to replace your deck lines? Remember that we can help you with almost anything at our workshop at Kajakverkstad.se.
Are you ready to dream of spring? Get prepared today!
👉 Read more and book your Basic or Intermediate course here
👉 Curious about multi-day trips? Read more about our All-Inclusive packages
February 25, 2026
JOIN US FOR THE LUCIA PADDLE – WE PROVIDE THE GEAR!
Book your Sea Kayak now
Christmas is approaching and one of the year’s most cozy traditions is drawing near – the Lucia Paddle! It is a truly special experience to glide through Stockholm as darkness falls, illuminated by fairy lights, candles, and wonderful community.
Are you eager to join the grand Lucia procession on the water but lack your own winter gear? No problem. We at Lek mer kajak & SUP ensure you can enjoy the evening warm and safe.
We are now offering gear rentals specifically for this event. The package includes not only a Sea Kayak but also the most essential item for the season – a drysuit. With the right clothing, winter paddling becomes a pure joy and you will stay dry and happy throughout the tour.
This is a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of winter paddling in a safe and atmospheric setting. Secure your gear today via our booking page and we’ll see you in the crowd!
Book now
Time and place:
All detailed information regarding the meeting point, route, and times can be found in the official Facebook event: Luciapaddling Stockholm
See you on the water!
/Lek mer kajak & SUP
December 4, 2025
SUP MOVIE NIGHT – 8/8-2025
MOVIES ARE BEST FROM THE WATER!
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Stockholm Film Festival presents a “Boat-in” cinema outside the Stockholm City Hall.

Naturally, we are seizing the opportunity and inviting everyone who wants to join us and watch the movie “The Life Aquatic” from a SUP!
BOOK NOW
What you need to know
- Book a SUP or BIG SUP and join us for a movie screening on the water
- We depart at 18:00 from Eden Kayak & SUP; the movie begins at 19:00
- The movie is 2 hours long, and we expect to be back by 22:00 at the latest
- Snacks?
  - Of course, feel free to bring snacks and your choice of beverage. However, we recommend a maximum of one alcoholic drink since we are on the water.
- Our instructors will be on the water to help with positioning to ensure the best possible experience. However, please keep in mind that being on the water means waves and wind always add an element of adventure, so we cannot guarantee a perfectly static position.
- Bring swimwear; it looks like it will be a warm and lovely evening with perfect conditions for a movie on the water!
BOOK NOW
August 6, 2025