Hundreds of kilometres of running water run through Dalarna in rivers and streams, and there are also several thousand lakes. The opportunities for canoeing are simply both many and varied. Glide along in mirror-like stillness, follow a river or canal through old mill countryside or throw yourself into pulse-raising rafting. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, canoeing in Dalarna offers something for everyone.
Calm and enjoyable
1. Siljan, Leksand and Rättvik
Facts: Kayaking and canoeing – calm lake canoeing – is suitable for beginners and more experienced
Kayaking on Lake Siljan is an experience that is hard to beat. Sweden's seventh largest lake offers wide views, charming beaches and a very special light when the sun is low over the water. Enjoy the tranquility of a dreamy evening sunset tour, or bring your tent for a delightful multi-day experience.
Siljan Kayak and Adventure rents out kayaks, canoes and SUP boards, and offers guided tours from both Leksand and Rättvik – perfect for those who want to get out on the water without having to plan everything themselves.
2. Lake Storsjön at Snöå Bruk, Vansbro
Facts: Canoeing and kayaking – calm lake canoeing – suitable for beginners
Mirror-like water, golden evening light and beautiful old industrial environment. Storsjön at Snöå Bruk is one of Dalarna's more well-hidden paddling spots. Rent a canoe or kayak at Snöå Skogsarbetarby and aim for one of the lake's nice barbecue or swimming spots.
Feel free to combine the experience with a walk along the lake's eight-kilometre-long hiking trail. Also, don't miss out on coffee or lunch at Ryggåsstugan , which has been classified as "fine level" in the White Guide for several years.
3. Strömholm's Canal, Smedjebacken
Facts: Canoeing – historical canal tour – suitable for beginners and families
A canoeing experience of a unique kind. The Strömsholm Canal was built in the 1700s to transport iron from Bergslagen to Lake Mälaren and Stockholm, and has a total of 26 locks and a 100-metre height difference. Canoeing along the canal is like stepping back in time, a calm and almost meditative option for those who would rather have a quiet historical experience than a fast-paced adventure.
Take a day trip with the family on the first leg of the canal, from Smedjebacken to Söderbärke, in the part called Lake Norra Barken. Along the way, you are offered both open water, cozy island groups and bays with nice swimming spots. Or paddle the entire canal on a multi-day trip, there are many nice cafes, restaurants and accommodations along the way.
4. Lake Van, Vansbro
Facts: Canoeing – day trip – suitable for those who are looking for calm to intermediate canoeing
A long and narrow lake with nice bathing bays, a slogbod at the old burial ground on Stora Finnäset and then Vanån with a couple of rapids on the way down to Vansbro. 21 kilometers that are excellent as a day trip for those who want to combine canoeing with swimming, fishing and a nice piece of Dalarna nature.
The canoeing is mainly calm, but to take the rapids you should be able to read water and be a more experienced canoeist. Otherwise, it is fine to carry or train the canoe past.
5. Dalälven river, Avesta
Facts: Canoeing – family trip or multi-day trip – suitable for all levels
Dalälven is one of Sweden's most canoeing-friendly rivers, with everything from mirror-smooth, wide sections and quiet family-friendly trails to more technical and fast-paced whitewater paddling.
Avesta is a natural starting point for canoeing on the Dalälven river. The Avesta Canoe Center offers family-friendly tours with rich wildlife along the beaches. Keep an eye out for moose, beaver, deer and if you are extra lucky, you might spot a lynx.
If you want more canoeing on the river, there is a classic 50 km long stretch from Fäggeby via Hedemora all the way down to Avesta, with alternating calm waters and rapids. From there, the adventure can continue towards Färnebofjärden National Park and all the way out to sea.
6. Malingsbo-Kloten, Smedjebacken
Facts: Canoeing and kayaking – wilderness canoeing – is suitable for beginners to more experienced
Malingsbo-Kloten is one of Sweden's most well-known canoeing paradises – a nature reserve classified as Sweden's southernmost wilderness. There are 100 kilometres of canoe trails in an almost untouched environment, just two and a half hours from Stockholm. Narrow streams, islands, rocky outcrops and campsites with wind shelters and campfire sites that can be used free of charge.
Nordic Discovery rents out canoes and kayaks and takes care of all the practicalities. Go on a beaver safari or why not try a night excursion?
Fast-paced adventures
7. Fänforsen and Käringforsen, Gagnef
Facts: Rafting – adrenaline – guided tours, from beginners to experienced
Here it is not a question of gliding along in silence. Fänforsen and Käringforsen are some of Dalarna's most famous and popular hangouts for whitewater paddling and rafting. Fänforsen is Dalarna's largest river rapid, a wild stretch that is 900 meters long and has a drop of 9 meters. In an inflatable rafting boat with experienced guides, the experience is equal parts terrifying and addictive.
If you prefer to start a little softer, Käringforsen is a more beginner-friendly choice. It consists of three stages of varying difficulty and is perfect for those who want to try whitewater rafting for the first time under controlled conditions.
Västerdala Fors & Äventyr and Dala River Adventure are two operators on site that offer courses and guided tours.
8. Dala-Floda, Gagnef
Facts: Rafting – courses – suitable for all levels
Dala-Floda has become something of a mecca for whitewater paddlers and canoeing enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. The Västerdalälven River winds its way past Falun red cottages and old Dalarna villages, and around Lissforsen and Skålforsarna there are both rapids and courses for everyone, from beginners to those who want to take the next step with greater challenges.
Far Away Adventures and Kajaktiv offer a wide range of courses and experiences of varying length and difficulty. You can also easily get here by train or bus.
9. Västerdalälven river, Vansbro–Björbo
Facts: Canoeing – multi-day trip – suitable for more experienced paddlers
A 34-kilometre stretch along the Västerdalälven River with alternating calm sections and rapids that require you to be able to read the water. The stretch between Vansbro and Dala-Järna is not recommended for beginners, but for the experienced paddler it is one of Dalarna's most rewarding tours – perfect for a more adventurous two-day excursion with an overnight tent in the beautiful nature.
10. Packraft in Sälen
Facts: Packraft – family and adventure – suitable for all levels
A packraft is a small inflatable boat that weighs a few kilos, is paddled with a kayak paddle and takes you out on water you would never otherwise reach. Fjälläventyr in Sälen offers tours for both families and adventurers in the breathtaking mountain environment. Everything from quieter family outings suitable for children, to more challenging adventure tours, overnight tours and weekend courses. Perfect for those who want something different and are not afraid to get a little wet.
Bonus tip: SUP – stand up and enjoy Dalarna from the water
SUP – stand up paddleboard – has become an increasingly popular way to experience nature. It requires no prior knowledge, just balance and curiosity. Dalarna's calm lakes and quiet river sections are perfect for SUP and several operators around the county rent out boards.
For example, you can discover the World Heritage Site of Falun from a SUP board – paddle in the middle of the city center along the Faluån River or glide out on lakes Runn or Varpan. Human by Nature rents out SUP boards and offers many activities.
Here you can read more about canoeing in Dalarna, and here we have gathered operators who rent out canoes, kayaks and boats so that you can explore all of Dalarna's favorite places for canoeing.
