Canoe in the wilderness of Värmland
Where can you go canoeing in Värmland for the best experience?
Canoeing in Värmland is popular for good reason; the region’s nature and landscapes provide unparalleled experiences. During a canoe trip, you might encounter common wildlife like beavers, loons and moose. While bears and wolves also live in the forests, spotting them is rare. Consider bringing a fishing rod along in your canoe for a chance to catch perch, pike, or grayling.
Our most popular paddling waters
Canoeing in Värmland offers an unbeatable closeness to nature, whether you choose the steady current of the river Klarälven or sparkling wilderness lakes. Our instructors recommend different waters depending on the type of adventure you’re looking for. Värmland offers everything from meandering rivers to historic forest routes.
- Klarälven: Characterized by its unique meanders and a gentle assisting current (approx. 2 km/h). From north to south, the river valley shifts from steep, forest-covered banks to a more open agricultural landscape.
- Svartälven & Bergslagen: Wind through vast forests in southern Dalarna and eastern Värmland. The area bears traces of medieval mining, when iron was extracted from local ore.
- Rottnan: A typical forest river flowing through the historic region of Finnskogen, where Forest Finns settled in the 16th century. Many traces of their way of life, beliefs, and language can still be seen today.
- Röjdån: A beautiful valley between Östmark and Torsby, offering excellent swimming opportunities and campsites on islands in the lakes Kläggen and Velen.
All canoe packages
KLARÄLVEN 7 OR 4 DAYS
Our canoe tours on the river Klarälven are perfect for the whole family as it is free from rapids and power plants. You paddle along the river and choose where you want to camp along the way. We organize all local transportation for your convenience and for environmental sustainability. Arrive at our canoe center in Gunnerud by public bus or car, and we take care of your transport to the starting point. Your journey along the river leads you back towards the canoe center.
SVARTÄLVEN 7 OR 4 DAYS
Starting on the border of Dalarna county in eastern Värmland, the river Svartälven is one of our best canoeing waters. The river runs south through vast areas of outstanding natural beauty. The canoe tour on Svartälven offers a diverse experience from the beginning. While the river narrows at times, it transitions into the winding river Tvärälven and further leads into several smaller lakes.
BERGSLAGEN 5 DAYS
Paddling through the region of Bergslagen, spanning parts of Västmanland, southern Dalarna, and eastern Värmland, you’ll encounter vast forests, hills, valleys, wetlands, and numerous lakes. Known for its serene and relatively untouched landscapes, Bergslagen is ideal for those craving tranquility.
ROTTNAN 4 DAYS
The river Rottnan winds its way across the Norwegian-Swedish border and through the old Finnish settlements that are nestled among spruce and pine trees in the forests of Värmland. The journey offers gently flowing water that is suitable for both experienced canoeists and beginners.
RÖJDÅN 4 DAYS
The Röjdån is a small river that flows into Lake Övre Fryken in Torsby. The river opens up at some points to create small lakes. Enjoy the beautiful tour through the forested valley with fine views of mountains to the north and west.
KLARÄLVEN 3 DAYS
Our canoe tours on the river Klarälven are perfect for the whole family as it is free from rapids and power plants. You paddle along the river and choose where you want to camp along the way. We organize all local transportation for your convenience and for environmental sustainability. Arrive at our canoe center in Gunnerud by public bus or car, and we take care of your transport to the starting point. Your journey along the river leads you back towards the canoe center.
CURIOUS ABOUT CANOEING?
Whether it’s been a while since you last went canoeing or you’re a complete beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to experience nature on the waterways of northern Värmland. No prior knowledge is required. We provide you with information about safety and paddling technique on-site. You enjoy the experience – we take care of the practicalities!
Tips from us
Based on many years in the industry, we know that the character of the water can vary greatly. The same river can behave completely differently depending on water levels and weather. In strong winds, you should always paddle close to the shore. This not only provides shelter from the vegetation but also keeps you near land in case the canoe tips over. Klarälven, with its meanders, flows faster on the outer curves and slower on the inner curves, allowing paddlers to choose how much assistance from the current they want.
On Svartälven and in Bergslagen, a canoe trolley is always included in the basic equipment, as these trips involve several land transports between lakes or past small hydropower stations. [See our equipment guide].
When paddling in Finnskogen, you are traveling through a border region rich in history. We recommend stopping at the Finnskogscentret in Lekvattnet to learn how the slash-and-burn farmers shaped this landscape.
Frequently asked questions about canoeing
How many people can fit in a canoe?
We mainly use canoes from the brand Linder, which have two fixed seats. For children, the canoe can be equipped with an extra seat. The total load capacity of the canoe is 400 kg. If you have small children, they can conveniently sit in the middle of the canoe, for example on a sleeping mat or a blanket.
If your group has an odd number of adults or teenagers, you can, in addition to the canoe, use a sit-on-top kayak. These are very stable and easy to paddle, but do not have space for larger gear.
Which trip is best for beginners?
For beginners and families with children, a 2-nights trip on the river Klarälven is the best choice, as it offers a safe and easy introduction to outdoor life. Along this stretch, the valley provides calm conditions with plenty of opportunities for stops on the shore, swimming, and campsites in a scenic natural setting.
Is a canoe trolley provided for portages?
For trips on Svartälven and the lakes in Bergslagen, a canoe trolley is included in the basic equipment. These trips involve several portages, making the trolley essential for completing them. On the 7-day Svartälven trip and the 5-day Bergslagen trip, there is a short section (approx. 60 m) where the canoe and all equipment must be carried. The trolley cannot be used on the rocky path down to the water. (Consider whether you can manage this if paddling alone. Otherwise, it may be better to choose another trip, such as Rottnan or Klarälven.)
How much gear can we bring in the canoe?
We use canoes from the brand Linder, model Inkas 525. They can carry up to 400 kg, including people—much more than you could bring on, for example, a hiking trip. Try to distribute the weight evenly in the canoe, possibly placing a bit more weight toward the back.
Especially on trips that involve portages, it’s important to carefully consider your packing. You will need to carry the heaviest items yourself when using the canoe trolley, otherwise it may break. In general, however, you usually need far less than you think. Prioritize what’s necessary to keep you warm, dry, and well-fed.
Can we rent a kayak?
Unfortunately, we do not have sit-in kayaks for a paddling trip. Our canoe packages include Linder canoes, model Inkas 525. If your group has an odd number of people, either one person can paddle alone in a canoe (requires some paddling experience), or we can provide a sit-on-top kayak. As the name suggests, you sit on top of it, and there is no space for gear or similar items. However, it is very stable and easy to paddle alone.
Which trip should we choose when canoeing with children?
A family-friendly experience is canoeing on the river Klarälven. You can choose packages with 2, 3, or 6 overnight stays along the river. Klarälven has a gentle current of about 2 km/h, providing a comfortable assist while paddling.
Along the river, there are beautiful sandy beaches and sandbanks/islands that make it easy to go ashore and create great swimming spots. If you have small children with you, we can equip the canoe with an extra seat in the middle. Alternatively, an adult and a child can each paddle in their own canoe.
How fast do people usually paddle?
Expect to paddle about 3 km/h, especially if you are out for several days. Of course, you can paddle faster, but for a canoe holiday experience, this is a good guideline. On Klarälven, you also get help from the current, which moves you forward at about 2 km/h.
Is a tarp included in the equipment?
No, but it is definitely a good idea to bring one. It can be used to build extra shelter during overnight stays, as additional ground cover, or to protect your luggage in the canoe. We usually have second-hand tarps available for purchase in Gunnerud.
Can we drink the water in the rivers/lakes?
The water is only safe to drink if boiled. However, it can be used for all cooking, coffee, tea, etc. On longer trips (3–7 days), we provide fresh water containers that you can fill up before setting off.
It is also fine to use river or lake water for washing dishes. Remember to bring eco-friendly dish soap!
Where do we dispose of our trash?
All trash must be brought to the final destination. Sort your waste during the trip and dispose of it in the appropriate containers at the end.
What should i wear on my feet when paddling?
All our canoe trips, you will start in the water—which may seem obvious, but please note that there are no docks or other structures from which to launch. This means you will always need to step into the water to get the canoe into sufficient depth. You will also load your canoe while it is in the water. It is not possible to pack the canoe on land and then move it into the water, as a fully loaded canoe becomes far too heavy. We recommend paddling in a pair of water-resistant sandals. If the weather is chilly, a pair of boots may be preferable.
Canoeing in Värmland
One of the most important waterways in Värmland is the river Klarälven, which flows from north to south through the entire region, dividing it into two halves. When canoeing on Klarälven, you get good assistance from the current, which has an average speed of about 2 km/h. At high water levels, the current can, however, flow faster. The northern part of Klarälven, where our paddling trips take place, is up to 200 meters wide in some places, but is usually narrower. Its impressive meanders, which are quite unique in the world due to their long, connected stretches, make it stand out from our other paddling waters.
Svartälven and the lakes in Bergslagen are located in eastern Värmland and have a completely different character. The trips vary between paddling on narrow rivers and across different lake systems. Islands and forested shores offer fantastic campsites. In some areas, portages between rivers and lakes are required. This is where the canoe trolley, included in the basic equipment, is extremely helpful.
Rottnan originates in Norway and crosses the border into Sweden northwest of Torsby. This is a typical forest river with small lakes and ponds. At low water levels, clear traces of earlier log driving can be seen. Log driving was carried out for a long time on many of Värmland’s waterways. The canoe trip passes through Finnskogen, the border region between Norway and Sweden, which was settled by Finnish immigrants in the 16th and 17th centuries. About halfway along the paddling route is the notable Finnskogscentret, a museum that tells the story of the Finnish settlers.