Canoeing and rafting in Dalarna
Dalarna has 540 km of rivers and streams and several thousand lakes. Canoeing and kayaking are a fantastic way of discovering and exploring them. There’s a range of diverse environments and plenty of guided tour operators to choose from, as well as places to hire equipment. If you’re a daredevil, try out thrilling river rafting. For rookies there are plenty of shorter, peaceful trips. Here are a few examples of memorable sites.
Spot elk and beaver from the lakeside
Hire a canoe at Avesta Kanotcenter (J10) or join a family-friendly guided trip on the magnificent Dalälven river. The river winds through farmlands and forests, with abundant wildlife including elk, deer, lynx, foxes and beaver. As the river widens and forms delta areas, you’ll find wide bays, roaring rapids and lakes with fantastic fishing.
Shoot the rapids in the stream
With an overall length of 900 m and a fall of 9 m, the Fänforsen (F9) rapids are the largest river rapids in Dalarna. Many of Sweden’s top white-water canoeists cut their teeth on Fänforsen. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not shoot the rapids in a rubber dinghy. If you like your rafting experience to last longer; go for Käringforsen first and after a short stretch of calm water you’ll hit the Fänforsen rapids.
Paddle in crystal clear water
Kungshaga hotel arrange a guided tour along the eastern shoreline of Lake Orsa. No paddling experience is needed as your guide will show you the basics before setting course to an uninhabited island, where you can grill your own light lunch and take a refreshing dip.
Family-friendly paddling
Sälen Canoe Centre provides plenty of excellent canoeing options. The Fulunäs-Sälen trail (C6) is an ideal route for families, with plenty of places to stop off and rest along the way. The trail begins with some white-water stretches suitable for beginners, followed by a smooth 20 km run down to Sälen. Further south in Malung (D8) there are excellent opportunities to enjoy fantastic canoeing on the mighty Västerdalälven river.
Family fun
Ride the gentle rapids of Österdalälven
Try out one of the summer’s most exciting activities, river rafting! Children from 7 years and up can try out a river rafting trip, with gentle, friendly rapids around 15 km from Idre Fjäll (B3). The emphasis here is on making sure the littlest visitors have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but it’s great fun for the whole family. There are also trips for more experienced rafters. All trips have the highest possible safety standards and experienced guides.
