Kayaking Around Vaxholm – Discover Skarpö and Rindö

This scenic kayaking route takes you through peaceful waters between Skarpö and Rindö, just outside Vaxholm. Along the way, you’ll pass historic fortifications, traditional fishing harbors, and lovely picnic spots with beaches and jetties.

Vaxholm Fortress – Guardian of Stockholm

As you paddle near Vaxholm, you’ll spot the impressive Vaxholm Fortress (Vaxholms Fästning), originally built in 1548 by King Gustav Vasa to protect Stockholm from naval attacks. The first version was a wooden fort, later replaced by a stone tower under King John III. In 1872, the fortress was famously used in a live artillery test—modern shells pierced its walls with ease, proving it was no longer defensible. This experiment symbolized how quickly military technology could outdate even the strongest of fortifications. Today, the fortress houses a museum and stands as an iconic piece of Sweden’s coastal defense history.

Norrhamn – Traditional Fishing Harbor

Continue paddling along the northern side of Vaxholm to reach Norrhamn, home to colorful fishing cottages and boats. This picturesque harbor area reflects the traditional life of Vaxholm’s coastal community. Be sure to visit the small fishing history museum, offering insights into the archipelago’s maritime heritage. Just nearby, the popular summer café Hembygdsgården serves homemade cakes and pastries in a charming garden setting.

Sandy Beaches and Quiet Waters

Unlike the busy main routes, Rindösundet, the strait between Skarpö and Rindö, is calm with very little traffic—mostly private boats and no ferries. There’s a lovely sandy beach on the northeast side of Rindö, ideal for a refreshing swim. You’ll also find a public jetty on the southeast side of Skarpö, perfect for a picnic break.

Oxdjupet – A Narrow Gateway to Stockholm

As you paddle east of Skarpö, you’ll reach Oxdjupet, a narrow and deep strait between Rindö and Värmdö. This natural waterway has been a key route to Stockholm since Viking times. On one side, you’ll see the lush green hill topped by Oskar-Fredriksborg Fortress. On the other, massive ferries squeeze through the narrow channel—a spectacular sight from your kayak!

A Strategic Waterway with a Story

Oxdjupet wasn’t always deep. In 1549, King Gustav Vasa ordered the channel to be blocked to force ships to take the longer, more fortified route past Vaxholm. It remained this way until 1876, when the strait was cleared again and a new fortress built at Rindö’s eastern cape.

Paddle Above the Vasa’s Forgotten Sister Ship

If you’ve visited the famous Vasa Museum in Stockholm, you’ve seen one of Sweden’s most iconic warships. But did you know her sister ship, Äpplet, lies just beneath the waters near Vaxholm? Built in 1629 with a wider hull to avoid Vasa’s tragic fate, Äpplet served the Swedish navy before being scuttled to protect the approach to Stockholm. In 2021, maritime archaeologists confirmed the wreck’s identity—making it one of Sweden’s most remarkable underwater discoveries. As you paddle through Oxdjupet, you’re gliding right above this hidden piece of naval history.

Byviksfortet – Hidden Fort in the Rocks

If you’re up for a short land break, head ashore at Rindö and explore Byviksfortet. Also known as the 8th battery, it was built between 1897–1903 to guard the newly reopened Oxdjupet. The fort is carved directly into the granite, with a triangular layout and armored turrets still visible today. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s coastal defense history.