Around Kungsholmen: A Kayak Tour Through Stockholm History

Stockholm isn’t just the capital of Sweden; it’s a city of islands, rich history, and endless adventures. One of the most popular paddling routes is “Around Kungsholmen,” a journey that combines the city’s stunning beauty with its rich history. Spanning approximately 10 km, this tour offers paddlers a unique opportunity to experience Stockholm from the water. Here’s everything you need to know to embark on this adventure.

Preparation and
Practical Information

Before embarking on your adventure around Kungsholmen, it’s important to be well-prepared. The tour usually takes about two hours to complete, though this can vary depending on weather conditions, wind strength, and the number of breaks you decide to take. For added safety and to get a closer look at the intriguing details along the shoreline, we recommend staying close to land. Paddling around Kungsholmen offers you the chance to see the city from a whole new perspective, where the impressive buildings and surrounding nature truly come into their own.

Key Tips:

• Direction: If the wind is easterly or south-easterly, start through Karlbergskanalen. If the wind is westerly or southwesterly, paddle around the western tip of Kungsholmen. Feel free to talk to our staff about the best paddling direction for the day.
• Resting places: There are several recommended places for a break. Make sure to bring water and snacks! Some of the best places for a break include the north side of Långholmen and Rålambshovsparken.

Historical Highlights around Kungsholmen

Paddling around Kungsholmen is not just a physical challenge; it’s a journey through history. Here are some of the most fascinating sights you’ll encounter along the way.

History of Lake Mälaren

Mälaren, Sweden’s third-largest lake, stretches 120 km inland from Gamla Stan and is home to around 7,500 islands. This lake serves as a vital drinking water source for 2.5 million people in the region. Its name derives from the Old Swedish word “mal,” meaning coarse gravel, reflecting the lake’s geological history.

After the ice sheet melted 10 000 years ago, the land began to rise, transforming Mälaren from a part of the Baltic Sea into a lake. Archaeological findings reveal that humans have inhabited this area for over 8,000 years, sustained by hunting and fishing. Despite the city’s expansion, traces of ancient settlements remain in the region. Mälaren offers a stunning environment to explore by kayak.

Karlberg Palace

The beautiful Karlberg Palace, built in the 1630s, is now a military academy. It is the world’s oldest military academy still in use at its original location. The palace boasts a rich history and has been home to many royal families over the years. As you paddle by, you can truly feel the echoes of history.

Sankt Eriksbron

As you paddle beneath Sankt Eriksbron, you encounter a fascinating example of 20th-century industrial development. The original bridge was built in 1909, but the current steel girder bridge was erected in 1937 to accommodate increasing car traffic. It stands unique in Stockholm as the only two-level bridge, providing passage for both cars and the subway.

During the bridge’s planning, provisions were made for the subway, which began operating here in the 1950s. On the eastern side of the bridge lies a green building known as Sportpalatset, which once housed a 50-meter pool and other sports facilities. In the 1970s, it transformed into a recording studio for Polar Music, where ABBA and other international artists recorded their hits. Sportpalatset is a significant part of Stockholm’s musical heritage, enriching the area’s rich history.

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, is renowned for its unique architecture and significant history. Designed by Ragnar Östberg and completed in 1923, the building blends influences from Italian, Nordic, Gothic, and Islamic architecture. It serves as the gathering place for the city’s politicians and hosts the prestigious Nobel Banquet in its magnificent halls each year.

City Hall is a prime example of the National Romantic style, constructed with 8 million specially crafted dark red bricks. The tower, standing at 106 meters, provides a stunning view of the city. The building’s ornamentation includes numerous references to Stockholm’s history, making it a central part of the city’s cultural heritage.

Västerbron – The western bridge

Opened to traffic in 1936, Västerbron is an impressive steel arch bridge spanning Riddarfjärden, connecting the districts of Södermalm and Kungsholmen. With a clearance height of 26 meters and a total length of over 600 meters, including viaducts, it remains the largest steel bridge ever constructed in Sweden.

Before Västerbron was built, the only way to travel through the city from north to south was via Gamla Stan. The bridge significantly eased the city’s traffic flow and became a crucial part of Stockholm’s infrastructure. Its architectural design and functionality make it one of the city’s most important bridges, both historically and in today’s modern urban landscape.

Essingen Islands

The Essinge Islands, comprising Lilla and Stora Essingen, offer a fascinating glimpse into Stockholm’s transformation from industrial hubs to attractive residential areas.

Lilla Essingen has undergone a remarkable transformation from an industrial island to a modern residential oasis. In the first half of the 20th century, it was home to major industries like Primus and AB Lux, known for their kerosene stoves and vacuum cleaners. Today, these factories have been replaced by modern housing, while some of the old brick buildings have been preserved and repurposed as restaurants and homes. Lilla Essingen is now a tranquil spot with beautiful parks and walking paths, making it perfect for a kayaking break.

Stora Essingen, on the other hand, is known as Stockholm’s villa island. Development began in the 1870s with workers’ housing and summer cottages, and it has since evolved into an exclusive area with villas and apartment buildings. Located by the bustling Essingeleden, Stora Essingen offers a charming blend of urban life and scenic beauty, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to the city’s heartbeat.

Together, the Essinge Islands represent a dynamic part of Stockholm where history meets modernity in a harmonious setting.

Hidden Gems of Kungsholmen

In addition to its historical sites, the tour offers beautiful views and modern touches. Kungsholmen is a place where the old meets the new, a contrast that becomes evident as you paddle along its waters.

• Rålambshovsparken: A perfect spot for a break with views over the water. Here, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic in the grass.
• Hornsbergs Strand: A newly developed area with swimming spots and restaurants, perfect for a final coffee break. Its sunny location has made it a popular hangout, especially during the warm summer days.

Kayak rental around kungsholmen

If you want to rent a kayak or SUP and paddle around Kungsholmen, there are several different kayak rentals located on or near Kungsholmen. All have slightly different offers.

• Eden Kajak & SUP – Approved canoe center located at Rålis (Rålambshovsparken). Invests in good equipment and high service.
• Pampas Kayak & SUP – Located in Pampas marina, opposite Hornsbergsstrand and, like Eden, has a focus on high quality equipment that provides a more enjoyable experience on the water.
• Kajakkompaniet – Located under the Traneberg Bridge and offers good kayaks.
• Långholmen kayak – Located on Långholmen and focuses on stable plastic kayaks.

Concluding Thoughts

Paddling around Kungsholmen is more than just a physical activity; it’s an opportunity to see Stockholm from a new perspective. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner, this tour offers something for everyone. So rent a kayak, follow our guide, and experience one of Stockholm’s most beloved paddling adventures.

Wishing you an amazing tour as you explore new perspectives of Stockholm from your kayak!