Exploring the Stockholm Archipelago with KAYAKOMAT

After an unforgettable keep at the island Utö, we discovered ourselves travelling again against Stockholm however with a couple of hours to spare prior to checking into our lodge at Nacka Strand. I had up to now scoured Google Maps to look if I may just spot one thing fascinating to do on our direction, which used to be once I stumbled upon KAYAKOMAT.

Desperate to be able to additional discover the archipelago independently, the idea that of KAYAKOMAT instantly appealed to us. The corporate rents out unmarried and double kayaks, in addition to SUPs, however the distinctive factor is that their stations be offering a completely self-service gadget. You merely cross directly to their website online, or scan a QR code on the station, guide what you need and for when, and you might be despatched a code to release the apparatus on the designated time. What a perfect concept!

This can be a idea that originated in Sweden, and there are a lot of stations across the Stockholm archipelago in addition to additional afield. With the solar shining and a mild breeze blowing, we referred to as on the KAYAKOMAT station at Saltsjö Duvnäs, a calm residential space that lies simply 10 kilometres south-east of Stockholm. The water there’s ultimate for boating and kayaking, and there are many inexperienced areas additionally for individuals who choose terra firma, with a number of alternatives for climbing and different out of doors interests.

Finding KAYAKOMAT

We’re no strangers to adventures at the water and didn’t wish to concern about looking forward to an attendant or arriving at a particular time as we didn’t know which ferry we’d be catching from Utö or how lengthy the power can be. Because of this, the KAYAKOMAT providing suited our plans. The station used to be simple to seek out and comfortably arrange proper via the shore.

When we arrived, the reserving procedure couldn’t were more effective. We decided on the Saltsjö Duvnäs location at the KAYAKOMAT website online, and inside mins we had booked two double kayaks. Ten mins later when our allocated time arrived, we entered the code we’d been given to release them from the station.

It used to be a surprisingly hassle-free procedure, and we cherished the versatility it introduced us. No ready round for anyone handy over apparatus. It used to be fully on our phrases.

The station and the apparatus used to be obviously neatly maintained, with buoyancy aids, paddles, sponges, and so on. all provided inside every kayak. There have been even water-resistant garage spaces on every vessel for us to take pieces with us if we wanted.

All we needed to do used to be placed on our buoyancy aids, slide the kayaks directly to the water and get able for a day of journey!

Exploring Skurusundet

Our adventure started as we paddled northwards into the calm waters of Skurusundet, a slender strait surrounded via picturesque shorelines and old fashioned waterfront properties. As we left the shore, the noise of far away site visitors used to be quickly changed via the cushy sound of water lapping in opposition to the kayaks. Infrequently a bigger vessel would come via, however they had been respectful of our presence and would decrease their pace in order to not create an excessive amount of chop.

Paddling in double kayaks used to be a laugh, permitting us to paintings in combination and revel in some high quality circle of relatives time.

Round Mårtens Holme and again alongside the southern shore of Lännerstasundet

After crossing the strait at Skurusundet, we hugged the coastline to keep away from the principle channel and headed east against Mårtens holme, a small island within the northern phase of the Lännerstasundet waterway. We resisted the temptation to prevent at Kennys Gelato Tollare, based via Kenny Mattsson, Swedish Gelato Champion in 2022.

We rotated this quiet little island, surrounded via rocky shores and dense greenery. Regardless of it being slightly a large and uncovered channel thereafter, the water remained extremely calm for our go back to Saltsjö Duvnäs. Except for Fisksätra, which lies additional alongside than we’d reached, the southern shore of Lännerstasundet is in large part undeveloped so shall we respect a extra open view of the panorama and the herbal wonderful thing about the coastline. It’s arduous to consider that every one that is simply 10-15 kilometres from central Stockholm.

A super afternoon at the water

We employed the kayaks for 2 hours and, by the point we returned to the station at Saltsjö Duvnäs, that used to be near to very best. We had taken all of it at a leisurely tempo and the double kayaks were simple to take care of, gliding during the water comfortably, however I’m positive we may have lined extra floor if we’d attempted. In line with Strava, we’d lined 6 kilometres at the water, with a transferring time of an hour and quarter-hour.

When you had been to rent the kayaks for the day, you want to proceed kayaking east thru Lännerstasundet, and go out into the bigger bay of Baggensfjärden by means of Baggenstäket, following a direction that finally leads out to the Baltic Sea (we don’t counsel you cross that some distance!), with many islands and skerries alongside the way in which.

Returning the kayaks used to be simply as simple as after we picked them up. We made positive we had been leaving them in just right order, together with the buoyancy aids, paddles, and so on. and securely locked them again into their designated spots. All of the procedure, from begin to end, used to be in order that easy and seamless that it’s little surprise why KAYAKOMAT stations were arising everywhere Europe.

Whether or not you’re exploring the Stockholm archipelago, paddling thru Danish fjords otherwise you fancy stand-up padde boarding at the lakes of Germany, KAYAKOMAT’s growth signifies that increasingly other people can revel in journey at the water in a few of Europe’s maximum shocking places. Anyplace your travels occur to take you, we extremely suggest giving it a take a look at. It’s the easiest method to revel in nature, create unforgettable recollections and spend high quality time with circle of relatives or pals.

Disclosure: This put up is backed via KAYAKOMAT and our shuttle used to be kindly supported via Consult with Stockholm.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Commute Weblog and has labored within the shuttle business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Inventions in Commute ‘Absolute best Commute Influencer’ Award from WIRED mag. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the most global’s very best shuttle blogs” and “very best for luxurious” via The Telegraph.