Paddle in Western Värmland
Western Värmland is a well-visited and appreciated paddling area, considered by many to be one of the best in Europe. Here you can find Glafsfjorden, part of the 80 km long Viking Trail between Säffle and Arvika, and the entire Dalsland-Nordmarken lake system including the Dalsland Canal.
In Årjäng, you’ll find Nordmarken Canoe Center. With more than 50 years in the industry and a unique knowledge of canoeing and wilderness life, they gladly share their expertise. Nordmarken Canoe and Fishing Center has 50 aluminum canoes available and in Western Värmland and Northern Dalsland near the Dalsland Canal, there are 100 approved campsites available. At Lake Västra Silen, you can also find canoe and kayak rentals at Årjäng Camping & Cottages Sommarvik and Alcatraz at Gustavsfors.
In the areas around Arvika, which is also Sweden’s innermost port, there are plenty of paddling opportunities. Glaskogen offers canoe rentals and incredibly beautiful views in the Nature Reserve. Arvika Canoe & Tourist Center has tours in one of Sweden’s water-rich areas with nearly 800 km of canoe trails. At the center, you can rent fishing boats, sea kayaks, bicycles, and outdoor equipment. Also, do not miss Guest House Eleven, Fredros Farm and Sandvikengården, all offering fine paddling opportunities.
Paddle in the Karlstad Area
In and around Karlstad, there are many opportunities to paddle in various types of watercourses. You can try urban paddling with a guide or rent a canoe or kayak at, for example, Backwater Outdoor, Karlstad Paddling Club and Vänerkajak. If you choose Vänern as your starting point, there are several amenities along the shores of Vänern such as Duse Udde Camping, the guest harbor, and camping at Ekenäs, Karlstad Swecamp Bomstadbaden and Kristinehamn Herrgårdscamping.
If you are near Grums or Borgvik, we can recommend Borgvik Harbor with a fine view over the northern Vänern archipelago. Rent a kayak or a canoe and explore the destinations from the water, then stop by for a visit at Sliperiet and Kungskvarnen.
Paddle in Northern Värmland
In Northern Värmland, you’ll find plenty of great waters for a perfect day out in nature with a kayak or canoe. In Röjdån in Torsby, you can paddle through a fertile valley with fine views to Lake Kläggen.
You can also head to Sun Dance Ranch, Rådastrands Camping or at Värmlandsgården in Hagfors to rent a canoe. Värmlandsgården is a canoe center with many options for different tours. Several of the facilities also offer other activities for an active vacation.
Tips for seven fantastic places to experience on the water
DANO – Dalsland Nordmarken. DANO is the nickname for the vast lake system in western Värmland and Dalsland, widely known among canoeists. Discover all the small lakes, canals, and the inner sea Vänern.
Glaskogen – Nature Reserve with a fantastic lake system and pristine wilderness. Here you’ll also find Sweden’s innermost port with connections to the world’s oceans.
Kristinehamn’s archipelago – Enjoy the sand beaches, bathing cliffs, and beautiful easily accessible islands. Here you also find Picasso’s largest concrete sculpture.
Borgvik – Paddle right into some of Värmland’s best-preserved cultural environments in a lake system that offers many delightful spots for camping and resting.
Rottnan – Experience the Värmland Finnskogen from the water. The river Rottnan meanders through pine heaths and spruce forests.
Lurö – Europe’s largest inland archipelago offers unique and varied paddling with an oceanic feeling.
Karlstad – Paddle and discover nature right in the heart of Karlstad!