Åland is perfect for kayaking, and not only in the summer. Spring and autumn are also excellent seasons for kayaking explorations.
When going by kayak, the water will show you the way, with endless possibilities to be found among the thousands of islands and skerries. You’ll find everything from calm bays for beginners to more challenging paddling water in the outer archipelago, where you can land just about anywhere for a refreshing dip in the sea.
The North Sea challenges
The Norrhavsrutten kayaking route is a tip for those who look for challenges. The entire route extends from Käringsund in the west to Jurmo in the east. Norrhavsrutten is nothing for beginners, but you can easily choose to paddle only parts of it. Or, go kayaking with a guide. You can also cross the tougher parties by carrying your kayak on an archipelago ferry. Good kayaking skills and sea kayaking experience are essential for the entire route.
Between Skarpnåtö and Hamnsundet there are two route suggestions. The outer route is for advanced kayakers who manage outer archipelago and the challenges of the Northern Baltic Sea. The inner route is more sheltered, but you need to carry the kayak a few hundred metres to or from Tjudö lake.
For beginners
A lovely little three-hour tour can be made by starting at Käringsund, paddling around Främstön and Mellanön islands and then returning through Bredsund. Along this route, there are uninhabited areas where you can stop for a break.
You can hire canoes/kayaks in Åland. Canoes/kayaks can be driven to a desired put-in and picked up when you are done, provided that the location can be reached by car.
