Paddle Tour: Läckö – Stora Eken (3.5 km)
Kållandsö
Paddle out to the island of Stora Eken just off Läckö. The island features a hiking trail that winds through hilly terrain and stunning natural surroundings.
Quick Facts
Distance: 3.5 km (one way)
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Suitable for: Beginners and paddlers with some experience
Area: Inland waters of Lake Vänern
Tips for Your Trip
If you have your own canoe or kayak, there are great launch sites available. If you need to rent a canoe or kayak, check out Naven Outdoor Experience.
Pack a delicious lunch or snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. Another option is to visit Café Stallet at Läckö Castle before setting off and grab something tasty to go. If you want to extend your paddle tour, make a detour to Spikens Fishing Harbour and pick up some freshly smoked fish before continuing on to Stora Eken.
Paddle past Roparudden
Start your tour from Läckö Castle and paddle around Roparudden, a point named after the old tradition of calling out or signaling across to Stora Eken to summon the ferry operator. Roparudden is the tip closest to Stora Eken, which was inhabited from the 1500s until the 1960s, primarily for forestry. Roparudden is the tip closest to Stora Eken, which was inhabited from the 1500s until the 1960s, primarily for forestry.
Stora Eken is the largest island in the Eken Archipelago, named after the large oaks growing on its northern side. The island is rich in flora and fauna, including seabirds, hares, moose, and deer.
Make a Shore Stop at Stora Eken
Land on the western side of the island at the dock. The water is shallow enough here that only kayaks and canoes can access it without larger boats. Near the dock, you’ll find a campsite with a wind shelter, fire pit, and dry toilet. Along the trail, there’s another grill area with a dry toilet. Free firewood is provided between May 1 – September 30.
Hike the 6 km trail around the island, which stays close to the shoreline and traverses hilly terrain. Take a break for lunch or a snack when it suits you.
NOTE: Part of Stora Eken is a bird protection area. Special rules apply here, including a landing ban during the nesting season from April 1 – July 31, and a 100-meter distance rule from the protected area.
With luck, you might spot white-tailed eagles, ospreys, or hobby falcons that nest in Lake Vänern. The protected area is marked on the map.
Fact about the trail
Length:
3.5 km (one way)
Approximate times:
Approximately 45 minutes
Area:
Inland waters of Lake Vänern
Think about:
Bring a water bottle and some extra energy, particularly if you plan to paddle around the island. Wear a life jacket and pack a change of clothes, mobile phone and any car keys in a waterproof bag.
Security:
- Choose brightly coloured clothing and a brightly coloured kayak to make yourself more visible on the lake.
- Follow good boating practice and use common sense.
- Keep an eye on the weather to avoid getting into an emergency situation. Weather conditions on Lake Vänern can change quickly.
- If you have never kayaked before, it may be a good idea to start with a course.
Level of difficulty:
Easy paddling
The difficulty of a kayaking trip is largely determined by the wind. The following guidelines may be useful:
- 1–3 m/s: Light winds
- 4–6 m/s: Moderate winds
- 7–9 m/s: Fresh winds
- 10–12 m/s: Strong winds
- 13 m/s and above: High winds/ Gale (not recommended)
Suitable for:
Beginners and paddlers with some experience
Start and end:
Läckö Castle on Kållandsö, outside Lidköping.
How to get here:
By Car:
Well signposted from Lidköping, with plenty of parking available at Läckö Castle.