Paddling in Norrbotten

Norrbotten is the landscape of grandeur – from Luleå skärgård, one of the world’s few brackish-water archipelagos, to the great rivers Lule, Kalix and Torne that run from the mountains towards the Bothnian Bay.

At the coast Luleå skärgård spreads with over a thousand islands in brackish, almost fresh water – an unusual archipelago type with sand beaches, dense forest right out to the islands and long light summer nights. Here you rent kayak and SUP self-service at Luleå and paddle out among the islets when it suits you.

Inland and north the great rivers dominate. Kalix älv and Torne älv belong to Europe’s last free-flowing great rivers, while the mountain country in Kiruna and Jokkmokk municipalities holds classic wilderness water. The landscape is enormous and sparsely populated – paddling here needs foresight, but rewards you with a scale few other places can offer.

Season

The paddling season is short, mainly June–August, with midnight sun that gives light nights. The water is cold, the coast and rivers weather-exposed and distances large – plan carefully, have clothes for cold and always wear a life jacket.

FAQ

Where can you rent a kayak in Norrbotten?

Among others self-service in Luleå (Kayakomat), where you book online and pick up kayak and SUP yourself to paddle out in the archipelago. See all places on the map.

What is special about Luleå skärgård?

It is one of the world’s few archipelagos in brackish, almost fresh water, with sand beaches and forest right out to the islands. Land uplift constantly shapes new shallows and islets. The water is cold even in summer – dress for it.