1

Sweden - except maybe for a few top attractions in Stockholm in July - is not touristy. Never like say PAris or Venezia or Firenze.
On the other hand there must be SOME tourist for anyone being able to run a canoe rental business.

Canoe trip are most often "do i yourself" - you 1) simply rent the canoe and off you go or 2) you get a tour description (typicallly downriver) and a map showing where you will be picked up and taken back to starting point where your car is parked. Often there are primitive areas along for overnight (some firewood, maybe a waterpost and a simple toilet),

A typical good region (lots of lakes and some long rivers not too wide) is Småland. Simply locate some of the 50+ rental businesses at www.smaland.se For othe regions google the local tourist office, they will have lists.

2

Try out: http://ostkustenkajak.se/ it’s in the archipelagom a couple of hours south of Stockholm. They offer packet solutions with tents and bikes as well. The homepage is in Swedish but I guess you could do a google translate or call them. I haven’t used them myself but friends of mine have and they took their kids as well so it should be ok for beginners. It’s a beautiful place!

3

Visby is touristy in July, without much doubt, as well as Borgholm and some other coastal towns including Simrishamn, Bastad etc. As well as part of Gothenburg (mostly domestic vistitors) and the west coast. The rest of the country isn't really touristy.

4

Hi

I would sugget that you visit Kosterhavet national park on the north west coast of sweden. The arhipelago is ideal for kayaking both around koster islands and around Strömstad. If you come the second week in August there will be very few tourists around.

If you go kayaking you will be able to get very close to the wildlife, e.g. seals and sea birds.

You can have a look at the offical web page for Strömstad and Kosterhavet: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/Stromstad-Koster/

Best regars from Strömstad!

5

Thanks for all replies.

A friend suggested now as well Sörmland. A canoe trip from Åkers Styckebruk to Vagnhärad. And visit Mariefred on the way.
Since we are beginner, I'm a bit afraid of to canoe in the open sea. Maybe lakes and quiet river are better.
I've contact as well Ostkustenkayak, and Stromstad sounds great too (looks beautifull)!
Not easy to decide, so many canoe places in sweden, very overwhelming.
We will spent two weeks in Sweden, and Stockholm would be nice to see, or maybe better visit Gothebourg? 7 days canoe, 2 days Stockholm/Gotebourg (we are not city people) and the rest 5 days?