Hammargårdens badplats - Bolmsö
Day 1 |
~20 km
Canoe trail Lagaleden - an exciting adventure
- 4 days / 3 nights
- 100 km. nature
- Family friendly
- No stress
The Lagaleden canoe trail follows the winding Lagan River, guiding paddlers through Sweden’s breathtaking nature from Småland to Halland. This multi-day canoeing route offers a mix of calm river sections, lush forests, open meadows, and charming villages, making it an unforgettable Sweden nature adventure. Along the way, you may encounter moose, otters, deer, and a variety of birdlife.
Lagaleden canoeing is well-marked and beginner-friendly, with designated campsites, picnic spots, and several required portages around dams. While most portages are short and manageable, they add variety to the journey. If you prefer fewer portages, alternative starting points allow you to minimize carrying sections.
With stable Canadian canoes offering ample storage and over 30 designated canoe camping locations, Lagaleden is ideal for multi-day adventures. Canoe rest areas along the route require a small fee, which is managed through the iFiske payment system. The trail extends all the way to northern Mellbystrand on Sweden’s west coast, where the river meets the sea.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Lagaleden canoeing provides the perfect mix of peaceful paddling, exciting portages, and Sweden’s stunning landscapes, making it one of the best canoe trails in Sweden.
Route proposal
What does this canoe trip look like?
A canoe trip on the Lagaleden follows the winding Lagan River from Småland to the west coast, offering a peaceful journey through forests, meadows, and charming villages. Along the way, paddlers can spot moose, deer, otters, and birdlife, with designated campsites and wild camping spots for overnight stays. Some sections require short portages around dams, adding variety to the experience.
Recommended Route for Fewer Portages & Sheltered Waters
If you want to avoid both large open lakes as well as too many portages, we recommend starting at the east coast of Bolmen, for example at Bolmen badplats, or even further south-east on the Lagan River itself, such as Kånna. From here, you paddle south through the meandering river towards Markaryd, ending at the Örnafalla canoe rest area. This route offers a balanced mix of tranquil river paddling and scenic nature without the challenges of large open water crossings.
A Typical Day on Lagaleden
Mornings start with packing up camp and paddling through calm waters, enjoying the fresh air and reflections of the landscape. Midday breaks at picnic spots or small villages offer time for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, the journey continues at a steady pace, covering 10-25 km per day. Evenings are spent setting up camp, cooking by the fire, and unwinding under the stars.
What You Need to Organise
Paddlers can rent a fully equipped canoe package or rent a canoe with paddles, life vests and bring their camping and cooking gear. Food and water should be planned in advance, with some opportunities to restock along the route. A map or GPS, weather-appropriate clothing, and a first aid kit are essential.
A True Outdoor Adventure
The Lagaleden is well-marked and beginner-friendly, perfect for solo adventurers, families, or groups. The journey ends at Mellbystrand, where the river meets the sea—offering paddlers a rewarding finish to their adventure.
Photo gallery
Route history
The Laganleden, or Lagan Trail, is a scenic route that traces the path of the Lagan River from its source in Småland to its mouth in Halland, Sweden. Historically, the Lagan River has been a vital waterway for transportation and trade, especially during the era when rivers were primary routes for moving goods and people. The surrounding regions have long been characterized by dense forests and fertile lands, supporting both agriculture and forestry industries.
Over time, as industrialization progressed, the areas along the Lagan River saw the development of small villages and towns, many of which utilized the river for milling and other water-powered industries. The river's significance in connecting these communities fostered economic growth and cultural exchange throughout the region.
In more recent years, with the decline of traditional river-based industries, the Lagan River and its environs have been repurposed for recreational activities. The establishment of the Laganleden trail reflects a broader movement to preserve natural landscapes and promote outdoor tourism. Today, the trail offers enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the region, following a route that has been integral to the area's development for centuries.