Kayaking Stockholm Under Holiday Lights

Brian

September 11, 2026

Share:

Stockholm, Sweden

You might think of ice skating or walks in the snow during the winter months in Stockholm. But why not try sea kayaking on a December evening a couple days before Christmas? With the right equipment and guides for safety, exploring the historic capital city waterfront by kayak provides a unique view under holiday lights before Lake Malaren freezes over.

Preparation

We booked a sunset kayak tour that provided equipment to protect us from the cold wind and icy temps. Though the lake was not yet frozen, a light snow covered the ground. Having just celebrated the winter solstice, the sun was at its lowest point on the horizon. With the dock accessible by public transport, what better time to meet other winter enthusiasts at an empty marina under a highway bridge to paddle on the lake!

While there is no cozy ski lodge to change in, thankfully you only need to put a dry suit and booties over your existing winter clothing (no stripping needed – save that for a sauna afterward). Donning the dry suit was a challenge for some of us — getting the right appendages into the stiff suits while bundled up for the cold required some trial and error, and some help from the guide. Once you achieve Oompa Loompa status with your clothing, everyone is paired with a buddy in a tandem sea kayak for stability on the twilight tour.

Exploration

In low afternoon light, kayaks in the water, both occupants seated in their cockpit, the group slowly begins heading toward open water. You glide past empty marinas that look like alien structures without the usual summertime boats. Bundled up onlookers walking in the park seem to be wondering who ventures onto the lake at this time of year.

As the daylight fades, your paddle stroke carries you on the third largest freshwater lake in Sweden, east toward the city center. From the water level, you see boats moored for the winter, the holiday lights start to twinkle in the coming darkness, and the south hill rises to the highest natural point in the central city at Skinnarviksberget Park viewpoint. At the mid-way point of the tour, you are bobbing up and down while looking at the iconic Stockholm City Hall and Gamla Stan (Old Town) area. Despite the light wind and choppy water, this can be a more peaceful way to see the sights without crowds.

Slideshow with views of shoreline explored by kayak (5 photos below)

The second half of the tour leads us across the full width of the lake. With headlamps over our warm hats for the guide to keep track of the group, we use designated city lights on the south side like a lighthouse to guide us safely across. As we reach the middle of the lake, pausing offers a 360 degree view to soak in the city sights. Though we have a few chilly fingertips and toes, paddling keeps everyone warm.

Upon reaching the south side of the lake, your strokes begin the journey west back toward the starting point. The lake’s bank gives way to a small channel next to Langholmen Island (one of the countless islands on this lake). The water calms as you enter the small channel and the city sounds fade as the group glides between forested lands, small housing developments and paddles under small bridges decorated with festive holiday lights. We witnessed hardcore rowers out practicing in this channel despite the winter temperatures and darkness.

Reaching the western end of Langholmen island, it is time to return to home base. Under a starry sky, the group works to stay together as you cross the main lake channel back to the north side. With a final push of strokes, you slide into the sanctuary of the marina and prepare to disembark via the snowy dock. Back on land, with some warm drinks and snacks, the blood begins to return to all your extremities. You marvel at the historic neighborhoods passed, the colorful buildings and how far you traveled during the unique, four hour winter activity.

Finding the Urge

Just a few weeks after our kayak tour, this lake was frozen over and the kayaks shelved until the spring thaw. Though it may be tempting to say “no” to a December kayak in Stockholm because of the cold temperatures, the wind or the cold water, try saying “yes” and see what new worlds open up. You might end up with a great holiday story or holiday card to make your friends think you’re a badass. In the process, you get a very different perspective of the city that you’ve been exploring by foot and that others have been exploring since 1252.

Map of general area kayaked in Lake Malaren

Planning Resources

Affiliate Marketing Statement: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to create content for more inspiration.