Canoe tour Rottnan

The canoe tour Rottnan let you explore the tranquil Rottnan River as it meanders through the Finnish Forest in northern Värmland. Experience paddling the narrow waterways and small lakes along the tour.

  • nest_eco_leaf Feel the forest’s embrace as you paddle the narrow river.
  • nest_eco_leaf Discover the vast forests shaped by immigrant Finnish farmers.
  • nest_eco_leaf Spend three nights in a tent in the great outdoors.

4 days/3 nights (35km)

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.

Blicken går genom en tältöppning ut på ett vattendrags som skyms bakom ett antal träd. Kvällsljuset ligger över skogen men himlen är fortfarande blå. En underbar lägerplats i norra Värmland.
Spetsen av en kanot letar efter den smala passagen som Rottnans älvfåran tar genom steniga partier. Skogen i bakgrunden står stadigt och grönt.
En kanot anländer precis vid ett vindskydd vid Skallbergssjön som är slutstation för paddlingen på Rottnan. En bred grusväg leder ända fram till vattnet. Träden står glest på näset.
En kraftigt brinnande brasa dominerar hela bilden. Eldstaden bildas av stora svarta stenar. Bakom lågorna skyms en sjö som ligger ljust i kvällssolen.
Bilden visar grundutrustningen som ingår i kanotpaketet. Bredvid en blåtunga ligger en toalettspade, karta, svamp, vattendunk, ett rep, soppåsar och ett 1:a-hjälpen-kit.

Canoe Rottnan

The package includes:

camping Three nights in a tent in the great outdoors
face Information about the tour, the Swedish public access rights (Allemansrätten), and paddling techniques
directions_bus Local transfers
local_parking Parking for vehicles
support Canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid, 60-liter packing barrel, rubbish bags, toilet spade, water container, short rope, cleaning sponge, a small first aid kit, topographical map

Things you can rent from us

  • Tent (accommodates 3-4 people).
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
  • Cooking equipment, including a portable stove for preparing meals.
  • Food for the entire stay, which you will prepare yourself during the trip.

Things you need to bring

  • Clothing suitable for changing weather, including rain gear and a complete change of clothes. Extra shoes or boots.
  • If you haven’t rented a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or cooking equipment from us, you will need to bring your own.
  • Food is an important part of the outdoor experience, and fresh air can make you extra hungry. Make sure to bring enough food if you haven’t ordered our provisioning package.
  • Nice combination of narrow river and smaller lakes.
  • Local transfers to/from the tour are included.
  • For children, the canoe can be equipped with an extra seat.

You paddle independently and at your own pace throughout the journey. You have ample time to cover the distance of the tour, so enjoy the beaches and find your favourite spots to camp along the way. Your tour ends in the southern part of Lake Skallbergssjön where we pick you up and bring you back to Torsby, the starting point of your adventure.

How does it work?

Day 1:  

  • We meet at  Torsby Herrgård (manor house) at 14:00.
  • You receive the rented equipment and information about the journey.
  • We provide transportation to the starting point of your canoe tour.

Day 2 – 4:

  • Paddle along the river Rottnan independently and at your own pace.
  • Find your own camping spots in accordance with Swedish public access rights.

Day 4:

  • We pick you up at the end point at 13:00 for transfer back to Torsby.
  • Return the rented equipment.
  • Begin your journey home or on to new adventures.

Prices and departures

Period: 7th May – 27th August 2026

Departure:
Mondays (22rd June – 17th August)
Thursdays (7th May – 27th August)

Time and place for arrival: 14:00 at Herrgårdsparken in Torsby.
Note! It is important that you keep this time!

Canoe tour Rottnan (SEK/person)AdultChildren 3-15 years
Basic equipment1880940

Groups: 14 participants minimum. 1 person free. We reserve the right to assign groups to certain campsites. Before and after the period specified above, you may book any starting day (provided capacity is available) if you are at least four adults.
Additional eq. (SEK/person)AdultChildren 3-15 years
Cancellation insurance290145
Kitchen equipment380190
Sleeping bag280280
Tent740/tent

Note! When booking kitchen equipment and/or food provisions, all participants in the same booking must select these items. At least 2 people are required to order kitchen equipment and provisions.

Requirements

Adults must be able to swim. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult in the canoe. Advance booking of the package is mandatory. Cancellation insurance can be arranged at the time of booking. Participation is at your own risk. Please read our travel conditions before booking.

Faq

Are there portages along Rottnan?

No portages. However, if the water level is low, you may need to step out and pull the canoe past certain sections in the northern part — the first and most scenic part where the river is narrow and winding.

Are there prepared campsites along Rottnan?

Yes, but there is essentially only one at the beginning of the tour. It has a wind shelter, fireplace, and outdoor toilet.

Can we shop along Rottnan?

Yes. There is a small shop in Lekvattnet, famous for its fantastic cheese. However, opening hours can be irregular. In Lekvattnet, you’ll also find the Finnish Culture Centre, featuring exhibitions about the Forest Finns, as well as a café and the Lekvattnet local heritage center serving traditional specialties.

What our guests say about us

Going down the river, and having the freedom to camp anywhere. The fact the river was so quiet (often it seemed like we were the only ones). Staying somewhere different each night.
Canoe tour
Great experience for a family with small children.
Canoe tour
Being out in nature and away from hectic daily life
Canoe tour
It was everything we hoped it would be and more, and we will absolutely be coming back to complete another tour in the future.
Canoe tour
I wanted a memorable holiday, that would be fun and relaxing…it met those expectations
Canoe tour
We found wonderful places to camp. We were glad we took it slow so that we were able to have time te explore.
Canoe tour
TAKE THIS TRIP! A very good opportunaty to get away from your normal life. Back to nature, campfire every evening and camping the way it is ment to be!!
Canoe tour
Enjoyed nature, settings, water, and beautiful sunshine for our whole trip
Canoe tour
No internet and computers, outside in nature and a wonderful experience
Canoe tour

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The wilderness in the border area

The river Rottnan meanders through the border region between Swedish Värmland and Norwegian Hedmark, which is characterized by its vast forested landscapes. The area is dotted with stones left behind by the melting of the inland ice, and was sparsely inhabited for a long time. In the 17th century, the region saw an influx of immigrant farmers from Finnish Savolax. These “Forest Finns” were skilled in the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing the land by cutting down and burning the forest, then cultivating the nutrient-rich ashes.
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