Paddling in Linköping

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 those who enjoy life.

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 from Scandic Linköping City, you can explore the canal in two directions: south towards Tannefors locks or north towards Nykvarn locks.

If you choose to explore both directions, you’ll 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 like life jacket, spray skirt, and paddle are included in the rental.
🛶 Book in advance – Remember to book your equipment in time with one of the renters below.

Route: Scandic Linköping City Hotel – Tannefors locks – Nykvarn 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 manor houses.

Along the canal, you paddle completely without a canal fee. It is a heavily trafficked 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 will need to carry the equipment past them.

Along the route, 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 designated 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 (keep in mind that the ground may be uneven).
🛶 Attractions: Experience historic sites like Göta Hotel in Borensberg, the stately Ljungs Castle, Vreta Monastery, and the impressive Carl Johan lock staircase at Bergs locks.
🛶 Sweet finish: Once in Ljungsbro, it’s just a short walk to Cloetta’s shop.
🚌 You can take bus line 520 which runs between Borensberg center and Bergs locks to easily get to or from your paddling.

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

All-day Paddling in Scenic Nature along the Kinda Canal

Paddling from Grebo through the Kinda Canal is a journey through picturesque landscapes where you leave the built-up areas behind to be surrounded by pure nature. This is the perfect full-day excursion for those who want peace, tranquility, and a challenge on the water.

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

Good to know:

🛶 All-day on the water – Expect a trip of about 6–8 hours.
🛶 Scenic parts – Experience the most picturesque parts of the Kinda Canal.
🛶 Lock passage – During the summer, canoe locks can be booked in advance. See kindakanal.se for more information. Otherwise, you carry your canoe or kayak past the locks.
🛶 Pack smartly – Be sure to bring plenty of food and drinking water for the whole day, as the route largely passes 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 travel center.

Route: Grebo – Linköping City (approx. 20 km)

Paddle in idyllic nature on the lake

Paddling on Lake Rängen is a journey through scenic landscapes where you leave the settlements behind to be enveloped 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 excursion a whole day by stopping for a picnic or a swim along the way.

Good to know:

🛶 Suitable for everyone – The route is excellent for both experienced paddlers and beginners.
🛶 Time required – 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 will gladly assist you with maps and tips for your tour. 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