Into the Maze

Do the North - All the necessary gear, food, and water are ready for us at the launch site. We’ll repack our clothing into dry bags and load the kayaks. Using our top-notch equipment is a real pleasure! It’s often hard to justify buying such high-quality gear on your own!

Our launch site is located in a sheltered bay – soon we navigate around the first islands and witness a maze of islands extending in every direction.

Aspöja Gården - As we paddle northeast towards Aspöja, we’ll pass through numerous clusters of forested islands and islets. Various ducks, swans, and Grey herons breed in this area, and White-tailed eagles are frequently seen as they nest in the large trees nearby.

We continue paddling through the Uggelholmarna Nature Reserve, an excellent spot for a break. Three hundred-year-old pine and linden trees grow here, and the open forest is ideal for a short walk. We head east towards the narrow inlet between Lammskär and Kalvskär - we’ll find ourselves surrounded by a stunning and sheltered atoll formation of islands.

A short distance north, we reach the cluster of islets south of Aspöja - one of the most beautiful settings of the archipelago with breathtaking sunset views.

A Band of Islands against the Horizon

SODLING - Our next day is a wonderful paddle southeast through the outer archipelago and its barren, wind-swept little islets. The blue horizon and the open sea serve as our backdrop. If we’re fortunate, we may spot seals, and there is an incredible variety of coastal birds here – large colonies of gulls and Arctic terns, Black guillemots, Mergansers, Velvet scoters, Eiders, Shelducks, Oystercatchers, and Redshanks. Large birds like White-tailed eagles and Great cormorants are common, and perhaps we will see Arctic skuas and Ospreys.

After a rather strenuous day, we reach the renowned navigation mark Kupa Klint. It’s a lookout with spectacular views of the hundreds of skerries of the Missjö Archipelago spreading out below – the most finely-chiseled archipelago in Sweden.

Inside the outer band of skerries, we reach the large island Missjö with its parallel islands. Our guides know all the hidden spots and will find a perfect sheltered place for the night.

The Village that Time Forgot

Harstena - We steer our kayaks south towards the most visited island in the area – Harstena. An idyllic view of the village greets us as we paddle the narrow inlet. Harstena is renowned for its picturesque and historic charm. We learn more about the history at the museum in the old school, stroll around the village, and enjoy delicious cinnamon swirls from the bakery.

After visiting this village seemingly frozen in time, we head southeast aiming for the enchanting Ytterö island with its smooth rocky beaches and ancient pine trees. It’s right on the open sea, and we find higher ground for a stunning view of the archipelago and the horizon. As we fall asleep tonight, all we can hear are the waves crashing against the smooth rocks and the calls from the many birds that breed on the little islets surrounding the island.

A Paddle to the Edge of the World

Häradskärs Lighthouse - Weather permitting, we’ll attempt to reach Häradskär today. The old lighthouse on the island is the last outpost of the archipelago right on the open sea. Few make it to this historic spot at the edge of the world!

We’ll pass Gubbö on the way and climb the hill for an amazing view of this part of the archipelago. We paddle south through the beautiful clusters of islands at Laxvarp and assess whether we can reach our goal.

After an exposed crossing, the red iron lighthouse finally appears. The only sounds here are bird calls and the rhythmic crashing of the sea against the flat rocks. We’re as far out as we’re going to get, and it’s absolutely stunning!

Due west for the mainland

Fyruddens Gästhamn - We set up camp south of Fångö island last night, and it’s our very last morning in our island wonderland. After a hearty breakfast and a final dip in the sea, we’re heading home.

We visit the abandoned copper mine on Fångö on our way back, then round the island and paddle through a small canal that takes us opposite Fyrudden. A short paddle west takes us to the mainland and the finish point.

No longer strangers, we’re a team of seasoned explorers who’ve just experienced an unforgettable kayaking expedition together!

• Return transport Norrköping-Saint Anna
• Experienced kayaking guide
• Top quality kayaking, camping & cooking gear
• Detailed guide book
• Full board: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
• Unlimited bottled water, coffee, tea & soft drinks

• Flights
• Airport transfer to Norrköping
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Participate in a 5-day guided journey of kayaking and wilderness camping in the most beautiful and unspoiled coastal paradise in Sweden!

The secluded Saint Anna Archipelago on the Baltic coastline is a paradise for kayak enthusiasts. Nowhere else in Europe can you find such a dense concentration of 6000 islands - a labyrinth of forest-laden protected islands near the mainland extending to the desolate islets bordering the vast ocean.

In this unforgettable wilderness expedition, you’ll join a group of adventure seekers. Your tour guides will lead you across the entirety of the landscape, educating you on local plants, wildlife, and geology throughout the journey. You’ll explore the furthest islands of the archipelago, and experience the incredible avian species thriving in this unique habitat, with the potential of sighting Grey seals.

This adventure depends on collective efforts from start to finish! Initially strangers, you’ll quickly transform into a seamless team of explorers united by a shared experience! You’ll collaboratively prepare delectable meals, decide on the path as a group and acquire fun capacities from your guides and peers.

• Minimum age is 18 years

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.