Paddling in Linköping

An excellent way to explore Linköping’s beautiful nature is from a kayak or canoe. Whether you choose a guided tour or set out on your own with friends, unforgettable nature experiences await in and around Linköping.

The kayaking and canoeing season extends from the beginning of May to the end of September, and you will find rentals both in central Linköping and in the countryside. Below, we have gathered tips, tour suggestions, and valuable information for those of you who are in the planning stage or want to get inspiration for your next adventure.

Paddle through Linköping’s canal district

Experience the city from a new perspective by paddling along the Kinda Canal. Gliding through Linköping’s canal district in central Linköping is a perfect activity for both beginners and pleasure seekers.

Kinda Canal flows right through the heart of the city and offers beautiful stretches all the way from Roxen in the north to Horn in the south. Starting at Scandic Linköping City, you can explore the canal in two directions: south towards Tannefors locks or north towards Nykvarns locks.

If you choose to explore both directions, you will be on the water for about 2 hours. Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere and the lush surroundings along the way!

Good to know:

🛶 Easy for everyone – The tour is perfect for beginners.
🛶 Everything included in the rental – All necessary equipment, such as a life vest, spray deck, and paddle, is included in the rental.
🛶 Pre-book – Remember to book your equipment in advance with one of the rental providers below.

Route: Scandic Linköping City Hotel – Tannefors locks – Nykvarns locks – Scandic Linköping City (2 hours)

Paddle on Göta Canal

Experience one of Sweden’s most iconic waterways from the canoe, kayak or your SUP. Göta Canal is characterized by calm and timelessness, where you glide through a living countryside filled with cultural environments, stately avenues, and historical mansions.

Along the canal, you paddle completely free of canal fees. It is a busy waterway, so keep safety in mind and stay alert. Since canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards are not locked in Göta Canal, we recommend choosing stretches with few locks as you need to carry equipment past them.

Along the trail, there are good opportunities for overnight stays at campsites and hostels, as well as cozy eateries and shops. For those who want to camp, there are special rest areas with dry toilets, for example at Ruda and Skarpåsen.

Good to know:

🛶 Lock-free stretches – Preferably choose stretches without locks for a smoother experience with canoe or SUP.
🛶 Lift past locks – At locks, the canoe or board is carried past on the canal bank (note that the ground may be uneven).
🛶 Sights – Experience historical sites like Göta Hotell in Borensberg, the stately Ljungs Castle, Vreta Monastery and the impressive Carl Johan’s lock staircase at Berg’s locks.
🛶 Sweet ending – Once you arrive in Ljungsbro, it’s just a short walk to Cloetta’s shop.
🚌 You can take bus line 520 that runs between Borensberg’s center and Berg’s locks to easily get to or from your paddling.

Recommended route: Borensberg – Ljungsbro/Malfors guest harbor (20 km) A scenic and largely lock-free stretch that takes you through the beautiful Östgötland landscape along Göta Canal.

Full-Day Paddling in Scenic Nature along the Kinda Canal

Paddling from Grebo through the Kinda Canal is a journey through scenic landscapes where you leave the settlements behind to be enveloped by pure nature. This is the perfect full-day excursion for those seeking peace, tranquility, and a challenge on the water.

Here, nature sets the agenda. The stretch offers a peaceful nature experience along sparkling waterways, all the way from Grebo to Linköping city. It is a total of about 20 kilometers that take approximately 6–8 hours to paddle. Along the way, you pass picturesque stops like Slattefors lock, Hjulsbro, and Johannelundsbadet before reaching the city pace.

Good to Know:

🛶 Full day on the water – Expect a trip of about 6-8 hours.
🛶 Scenic parts – Experience the most scenic parts of the Kinda Canal.
🛶 Lockage – During the summer, it is possible to lock canoes with a reservation. See kindakanal.se for more information. Otherwise, you carry the canoe or kayak past the locks yourself.
🛶 Pack smart – Make sure to bring plenty of food and drinking water for the whole day, as the stretch largely goes through pure nature.
🚌 Public transport – Take the rural bus to or from your paddling. Line 30 (Linköping – Åtvidaberg) stops in both Grebo and at Linköping’s travel center.

Route: Grebo – Linköping City (about 20 km)

Paddle in Idyllic Nature on Lake Rängen

Paddling on Lake Rängen is a journey through scenic landscapes where you leave the buildings behind to be embraced by pure nature. This is one of Kinda Canal’s most idyllic parts – perfect for both a shorter trip and a whole day on the water.

Vårdnäs Stiftsgård is an excellent starting point, beautifully located by Lake Stora Rängen, about 27 km from Linköping. From here, you can explore the lake’s open waters or choose an easier route through the narrow passage over to Lilla Rängen. Continuing south, you will soon reach Brokind’s lock and the beautiful Brokind’s castle. Feel free to make the trip a full day by stopping for a picnic or a swim in the blue along the way.

Good to know:

🛶 Suitable for everyone – The route is excellent for both experienced paddlers and beginners.
🛶 Duration – About 1.5 hours one way to Brokind. A total of about 3 hours round trip.
🛶 Rental – Kayaks are available for rent at Vårdnäs Stiftsgård (all equipment included). The reception at Vårdnäs is happy to help you with maps and tips before your trip. Linköpings Kajak also offers rentals in the area.
🚌 Public transport – Take bus 566 from Linköping’s travel center to the Vårdnäs vägkors stop. From there, it’s a signposted walk of 1.2 km to Vårdnäs Stiftsgård.

Vårdnäs Stiftsgård – Brokind’s lock and castle – Vårdnäs Stiftsgård