Söderhamn-Lötån

Small lunch trip along the Lötån river

Every city of rank should have a small city tour. In Stockholm, it starts from Talludden and follows the Karlberg Canal. In Söderhamn, the start is at the kayak dock, near the tourist boat Moa and Söderhamn's guest harbor. There you get into the kayak and steer your journey along the north side of the river, out on Flaket. You paddle along an old piling, round the old wooden pier, paddle under the new Forsbackabron and now you are in Lötån. Lötån is a typical river, with its still, dark water.

In summer, the trees bend over the river, like green walls. There is not much happening during your journey upstream, maybe you see a dorsal fin of a bream, some ducks or someone walking on the path that follows the river. But for the most part, it's quiet. After all, it's a short trip!

After a kilometer or so, your journey ends. You've reached the rapids. Right there, you'll find a nice beach, a swimming area and camping tables. Here you take a dip and enjoy your packed lunch. Then just turn the kayak around and paddle back to town.

The trip takes two hours including lunch. You can use both kayaks and canoes.

If you want to extend the trip, carry the kayak past the rapids and put in above the bridge in Vågbro. From there you can paddle through Varbergsviken and Skenstaviken and come out in Norralaån, pass by the stately church in Norrala and paddle to Hillman's old mill south of the rapids in Kungsgården.

NOTE! This extended trip is NOT a "little lunch trip" but has a little mangrove swamp character over it: snakes, beavers ... thus exciting!

Tour overview

Type of paddling: Exercise kayaking and sea kayaking

Paddling experience: Beginner-experienced

Length of the trip: About 3-10 km

Attractions: History, cultural sites, nature