By Christer at Sulvikstugby · Updated 22 May 2026

Canoe hire in Arvika: paddle out on Glafsfjorden

Canoe hire in Arvika comes down to one thing for us: getting you out on Glafsfjorden as quickly and effortlessly as possible. We run Sulvikstugby and live less than a kilometre from the waters edge, and in our experience it is the combination of close water, a calm fjord and a short drive to the hire point that makes the difference between a stressful day and a truly enjoyable paddle.

Here we cover where you can actually hire a canoe or kayak when visiting Arvika, which routes suit different ability levels, and how you can stay a stones throw from the water while you paddle.

Quick overview:

• Glafsfjorden is roughly 1 km from Sulvikstugby
• Two hire operators in Arvika town centre (about 11 km from us)
• Paddle on day trips or multi-day trips, the fjord is large
• Kolsjön beach is 3 km away if children want to mix paddling with swimming

Where to hire a canoe in Arvika?

There are two operators we recommend to our guests when they ask, both in Arvika town centre about 11 km from the cabin:

• Arvika Kanot & Turistcenter (arvikacanoe.se, 0570-182 45): staffed hire since 1979 with advice on routes, weather and which canoe suits your group. Day hire canoe 400 SEK/canoe, kayak 210 SEK/person, SUP from 190 SEK/h. Multi-day tours from 1,999 SEK/person.
• Hyrtunnan (hyrtunnan.se): self-service kayak at Arvika Harbour, open around the clock. Book and pay online, collect with a key code. Single kayak 350 SEK/3 h or 500 SEK/day. Great if you want to paddle spontaneously without a booking.

We do not hire out canoes ourselves, but many guests call us to check the weather and timing before collecting equipment. That is something we are happy to help with.

Glafsfjorden: the fjord that becomes your paddling ground

Glafsfjorden is one of Värmlands larger inland lakes, stretching far to both north and south of Arvika. For paddling that means kilometres of sheltered bays, small islands and forested shores to explore. When guests arrive, the first question is often: how is the water today? Summer mornings the fjord is frequently mirror-calm well into the morning, which is when we prefer to paddle ourselves.

When the wind picks up, mainly in the afternoons, waves build quickly on the open stretches. We then keep close to the east or west shore rather than crossing the fjord, and we always pass that tip on to first-time visitors.

Routes from Sulvik and Arvika

Shorter half-day trip (3–4 hours): Collect the canoe in Arvika town centre, paddle southward along the shoreline and back. Calm bays, easy enough for children.

Full-day trip with a swimming break: Paddle to Kolsjön beach or further to Ingestrand beach. Bring a packed lunch, pull up at one of the small islands and swim when the water is at its warmest.

Multi-day trip with camping: Allemansrätten applies. Many of our guests do a two- or three-day paddle and find their own camp spots along the forested sections of the eastern shore. Consider a detour to Glaskogens nature reserve (25 km away) if you want to swap fjord paddling for smaller forest lakes.

Stay close to the water while you paddle

The practical reason to base yourself in Sulvik is the distance. The cabin sits one kilometre from Glafsfjorden, which means you can collect a canoe in the morning, unload right at the shore, paddle all day and still have time to shower and cook dinner at a reasonable hour. That is the same logic that makes the cabin-plus-day-hire combination work so well for families: you have a proper base, not a long drive to contend with.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a canoe in advance? On summer weekends we recommend booking a few days ahead. Weekdays and spring/autumn it is usually fine to collect without a prior booking.

Can you camp along Glafsfjorden? Yes, allemansrätten applies. Keep your distance from private properties, leave no trace, and avoid lighting fires in dry conditions.

Is paddling suitable for children? Yes, as long as you stay in the bays and paddle in the mornings when the wind is calmest. A life jacket is compulsory and is normally included with the hire.

How far is it from Sulvikstugby to the hire operators? About 11 km into Arvika town centre where both operators are based. Drive in, collect your equipment and you are back in under half an hour.

Which month is best for paddling? June to August are the classic paddling months, but May and September are often quieter and more scenic when the weather cooperates.

Are there other waterways nearby? Yes, Glaskogens nature reserve with its lakes is about 25 km away and is a favourite among paddlers who want something smaller and more forest-bound.

Book a cabin as your base

Looking for a short distance to Glafsfjorden, a cabin with space to hang wet life jackets, and someone to ask about the weather before you head out? We are probably the right choice.

See available dates at Sulvikstugby