After an unforgettable keep on the island of Utö, we discovered ourselves travelling again in the direction of Stockholm however with a number 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 fascinating to do on our route, which was after I stumbled upon KAYAKOMAT.
Eager to discover a technique to additional discover the archipelago independently, the idea of KAYAKOMAT instantly appealed to us. The firm rents out single and double kayaks, in addition to SUPs, however the distinctive factor is that their stations supply a completely self-service system. You merely go on to their web site, or scan a QR code on the station, ebook what you need and for when, and you might be despatched a code to unlock the tools on the designated time. What an excellent concept!
This is an 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 stopped on the KAYAKOMAT station at Saltsjö Duvnäs, a peaceable residential space that lies simply 10 kilometres south-east of Stockholm. The water there may be very best for boating and kayaking, and there are many inexperienced areas additionally for many who desire terra firma, with a lot of alternatives for mountain climbing and different out of doors pursuits.
Discovering KAYAKOMAT
We’re no strangers to adventures on the water and didn’t need 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 could be. For this motive, the KAYAKOMAT providing suited our plans. The station was simple to seek out and conveniently arrange proper by the shore.
Once we arrived, the reserving course of couldn’t have been easier. 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 beloved the pliability it provided us. No ready round for somebody at hand over tools. It was completely on our phrases.
The station and the tools have been clearly nicely maintained, with buoyancy aids, paddles, sponges, and many others. all provided inside every kayak. There have been even waterproof storage areas on every vessel for us to take gadgets 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 tender sound of water lapping in opposition to the kayaks. Occasionally a bigger vessel would come by, however they have 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 revel in some high quality household time.
Around 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 principle 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 Kenny’s Gelato Tollare, based by Kenny Mattsson, Swedish Gelato Champion in 2022.
We circled this quiet little island, surrounded by rocky shores and dense greenery. Despite it being fairly a large and uncovered channel thereafter, the water remained extremely calm for our return to Saltsjö Duvnäs. With the exception of 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 fantastic thing about the shoreline. It’s laborious to think about that every one that is simply 10-15 kilometres from central Stockholm.
Everything you want to plan your journey in 2024
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 simple to deal with, gliding by the water with ease, however I’m certain we might have lined extra floor if we’d tried. According to Strava, we’d lined 6 kilometres on the water, with a transferring time of an hour and quarter-hour.
If you have been to rent the kayaks for the day, you possibly can proceed kayaking east by Lännerstasundet, and exit into the bigger bay of Baggensfjärden through 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 way in which.
Returning the kayaks was simply as simple as once we picked them up. We made certain we have been leaving them in good order, together with the buoyancy aids, paddles, and many others. 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 you’re exploring the Stockholm archipelago, paddling by Danish fjords otherwise you fancy stand-up paddeboarding 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 gorgeous places. Wherever your travels occur to take you, we extremely advocate giving it a attempt. It’s the right technique to expertise nature, create unforgettable reminiscences and spend high quality time with household or mates.
Disclosure: This submit is sponsored by KAYAKOMAT and our journey was kindly supported by Visit Stockholm.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. In addition to different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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