Paddle around Långholmen and Reimersholme

Time required:
1-2 hours

Type of tour:
Historical / Experience

Stockholm – a city on the water. Few cities in the world offer such a unique combination of vibrant city life and tranquil nature as our beautiful capital. What better way to experience this contrast than from a kayak, gliding along glimmering waterways, with historic buildings and lush parks as your backdrop?

In this tour guide, I take you on a kayak tour around Långholmen and Reimersholme, a tour suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Here awaits an exciting mix of history, culture and nature experiences, all within easy reach of Stockholm city center and our rental Eden Kayak & SUP.

Preparation and
Practical Information

The tour starts at Eden Kayak & SUP, an idyllic oasis in the middle of Kungsholmen. Here you will be met by our knowledgeable staff who will help you with kayak and equipment. After a short review of safety and paddling techniques, it’s time to get out on the water.

Tips:

• Direction: You want a tailwind on Riddarfjärden when you paddle around Långholmen, so choose your route according to the wind. Ask our staff on site about the best route for the day.
• Rest areas: There are several places to take a break. Make sure to bring water and snacks! Some of the best places for a break include Långholmens klippbad or any jetty in the canal between Långholmen and Reimersholme.
• Alternative routes: This tour has 2 different alternative routes. Either you choose to just paddle around Långholmen, or if you want to paddle a little further, you can add to also paddle around Reimersholme.

Highlights of paddling around Långholmen

Långholmen has worn many hats over the years. It was once home to a notorious prison, which operated from the 18th century until 1975. The legendary Lasse-Maja was imprisoned here, among others. Today, the prison has been converted into a unique hotel, where guests can sleep in the old cells.

But Långholmen is much more than just its prison history. Today, the island is a popular recreational area with something for everyone. There are lush parks perfect for picnics and relaxation, swimming spots for those who want to take a dip, and even a dog bath where our four-legged friends can cool off in the summer heat.

I have selected some highlights and described them in chronological order for those paddling clockwise around the island.

1. Långholmens klippbad – a dog bath in the middle of town

As you start your paddle along the northern side of Långholmen, you pass a headland with beaches on both sides. Here you’ll find Långholmen’s dog & rock bath, a place where dogs and their owners are welcome to swim and run freely. The northeastern part of Långholmen where the bath is located is one of Stockholm’s dog walking areas, here dogs are allowed to walk without a leash and run freely (as long as their owners have full control over them).

2. Pålsundet – a living maritime environment

Once you have passed the eastern tip of Långholmen and the marina, you will enter the lush and beautiful Pålsundet.

Pålsundet is a unique marine environment in the middle of Stockholm, a place where the wings of history meet the pulse of today. Charming wooden boats from different eras line the quays, creating a picturesque and vibrant atmosphere.

Pålsundet is an important part of Stockholm’s maritime heritage. It is home to a unique collection of historic Swedish pleasure boats, framed by lush greenery. It is a place where you can experience the city’s maritime history up close.

When gliding slowly through Pålsundet, don’t forget to keep to the right as there are many boats passing in the narrow channel.

Read more about the Sound and the boats you see here

3. The JAS Gripen crash on the islet in 1994

A dramatic event in Långholmen’s recent history is the crash of a JAS Gripen plane during an air show in 1994. The pilot managed to eject and was unharmed, but the plane crashed on the island and was totally destroyed. The incident attracted a lot of attention and is now part of Långholmen’s history.

When you come out of Pålsundet, you land in a small oasis of your own where we also come to a choice of route. Here you can choose to paddle a little further and round Reimersholme, or you can continue straight ahead along Långholmen. The large yellow buildings you see to the right on Långholmen are the old prison mentioned earlier.

4. Reimersholme – from liquor production to artistic oasis

Reimersholme is a former industrial island that was once known for its liquor production. Reimersholms Spritförädlings AB, which was founded in 1879 by Lars Olsson Smith, was located here. The factory produced, among other things, the well-known “Absolut Rent Brännvin”, now known worldwide as Absolut Vodka.

Today, liquor production is a thing of the past, and Reimersholme has been transformed into a creative and relaxed oasis. There are studios, galleries, cozy cafés and open jetties for anyone who wants to enjoy summer in Stockholm.

5. Riddarfjärden – The Blue Heart of Stockholm

After rounding the western tip of Långholmen, you’ll once again come out on the riddarfjärden. If you continue to follow Långholmen until you reach the red dot (red stick in the water) you will have one of Stockholm’s best photo opportunities. You’ll see the City Hall beautifully framed in the arch of Västerbron. Take the opportunity to take a picture!

It’s a powerful sight, with the City Hall, Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace as majestic silhouettes against the sky.

Riddarfjärden is truly the blue heart of Stockholm, a place where the city’s history and beauty come together. The water sparkles with the sun, and the historic buildings are reflected in its surface. It’s a view that etches itself into your memory and fills you with awe.

6. Västerbron – a modern icon

In the midst of this historical setting, Västerbron towers up, a modern icon that connects Kungsholmen and Södermalm.

Västerbron is not only an important traffic route, but also a popular place for walking and sightseeing. From the bridge you have a great view of Riddarfjärden and the Stockholm city skyline. It’s a place to stop and admire the beauty of the city, and feel the presence of history.

Now it’s time to take you back to our little oasis on Eden, hope you had a magical trip!

Kayak rentals to paddle around Långholmen

If you want to rent a kayak or SUP and paddle around Långholmen, there are several different kayak rentals located in good locations. 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.
• Stockholm SUP – Located at gröndal opposite Reimersholme, has stable and slightly more fun kayaks & SUP.
• Långholmen kayak – Located on Långholmen and focuses on stable plastic kayaks.

Concluding Thoughts

The paddle around Långholmen is becoming what I would call a modern classic when it comes to kayak & SUP tours in Stockholm. It’s just long enough for everyone to be able to do it, while it has elements of everything from history to nature and city feeling.

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