Prepare to embark on a truly unforgettable journey with the Woodland Ways team as we venture deep into the captivating heart of the Swedish wilderness. This is not just any adventure; it’s an exhilarating 10-day canoeing and camp craft expedition designed to challenge your spirit, refine your survival skills, and immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of Sweden's most remote and pristine landscapes.
Far from the distractions of modern life, this expedition presents a rare and extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Imagine paddling through tranquil waters surrounded by dense forests, where the only sounds are the rhythmic strokes of your paddle and the calls of native wildlife. As night falls, the wilderness comes alive with the brilliance of the night sky—an awe-inspiring spectacle of stars, untainted by the glow of city lights. Here, under this celestial canopy, you’ll learn to navigate by the constellations, deepening your connection with the natural world in ways you never thought possible.
Course Registration
When you book a place on this course you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to our registration form so you can complete your details. We must be in receipt of these details as soon as possible after you have booked your place. You will need an order no. to complete the form.
Prepare to embark on a truly unforgettable journey with the Woodland Ways team as we venture deep into the captivating heart of the Swedish wilderness. This is not just any adventure; it’s an exhilarating 10-day canoeing and camp craft expedition designed to challenge your spirit, refine your survival skills, and immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of Sweden's most remote and pristine landscapes.
Far from the distractions of modern life, this expedition presents a rare and extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Imagine paddling through tranquil waters surrounded by dense forests, where the only sounds are the rhythmic strokes of your paddle and the calls of native wildlife. As night falls, the wilderness comes alive with the brilliance of the night sky—an awe-inspiring spectacle of stars, untainted by the glow of city lights. Here, under this celestial canopy, you’ll learn to navigate by the constellations, deepening your connection with the natural world in ways you never thought possible.
This one-of-a-kind journey combines the thrill of canoeing through Sweden's unspoiled waterways with the enriching experience of setting up a base camp halfway through the expedition. This base camp becomes your wilderness classroom, where our expert instructors will provide you with comprehensive training in a wide range of traditional crafts and survival techniques. From mastering fire-making to constructing shelters and foraging for wild foods, you’ll acquire essential skills that will not only enhance your wilderness experience but also prepare you for future adventures.
Perhaps the most significant reward from this expedition is the confidence and self-reliance you’ll gain of being able to travel within a remote boreal environment.
Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable team at the in country airport. We then begin our journey to the outfitters, with a stop at a local supermarket to stock up on supplies for the days ahead. This initial leg of the journey offers a chance to acclimatise to the surroundings and get to know your fellow adventurers.
As we pull up to our lodge for the first evenings accommodation, we’ll gather for a communal dinner—an opportunity to bond as a group and discuss the finer details of the course. During this time, our instructors will share valuable insights and tips on how to pack and prepare your kit, ensuring you’re ready for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead. This evening of camaraderie sets the tone for the expedition, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose as we prepare to embark on our wilderness journey.
Duration of the Course
The real adventure begins in the charming village of Kloten, nestled within the vast and untouched Malingsbo-Kloten nature reserve. This is where our expedition truly takes flight. Under the guidance of our seasoned instructors, you’ll receive thorough safety training on the use of open canoes, learning the essential skills needed to navigate these iconic wilderness craft. As you become more familiar with the canoes, you’ll gain confidence in handling them, setting the stage for the exploration that awaits.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll be fully immersed in the art of wilderness survival. You’ll learn how to source and purify drinking water from natural sources, an essential skill in any wilderness setting. The ability to make and maintain a fire will become second nature, as you use it not only for cooking but also for warmth and drying your equipment. You’ll gain hands-on experience in constructing and dismantling wilderness camps, ensuring you’re capable of setting up a secure and comfortable base in the wild.
Mastering the use of a canoe will be a central focus of the course, as you explore Sweden’s stunning natural landscapes from the water. Each day, you’ll grow more adept at navigating rivers and lakes, understanding the nuances of the canoe’s movement and how to use it effectively to traverse the wilderness.
Our expert instructors will also introduce you to the vital skill of axe use, care, and maintenance—an indispensable tool in any wilderness setting. You’ll put these skills to the test through a series of craft and carving projects, from splitting wood for the fire to creating useful items for camp. These tasks not only build practical skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and resourcefulness required to thrive in the wilderness.
One of the unique aspects of this course is the emphasis on utilizing the natural resources around you. You’ll learn how to create simple yet effective tools like pot hangers and utensils from materials found in the wild, enhancing your ability to cook and manage your camp efficiently. The art of making withies for binding materials is another rare skill you’ll master, applying it to a range of projects where other types of bindings may not be available or suitable. This focus on resourcefulness and ingenuity will deepen your understanding of the wilderness and your ability to live harmoniously within it.
What to Expect
This expedition is designed to be a rich and varied experience, offering endless opportunities for learning, adventure, and personal growth. With a fishing license provided for each participant, you’ll have the freedom to fish whenever the mood strikes—even while you’re out on the water in your canoe. Though net fishing is restricted in the lakes we’ll be exploring, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn how to craft your own gill net using hand-carved tools, connecting you with traditional methods that have been used for centuries.
As we journey through the nature reserve, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of wildlife. From the industrious beaver to the majestic moose, the Swedish wilderness is teeming with life. Our instructors will teach you basic tracking skills, enabling you to identify animal signs and trails. You’ll also learn how to set up a wildlife camera to capture close-up footage of these incredible animals, giving you a deeper insight into their behavior and habits.
Craftsmanship is a key component of this course, and you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of natural materials found in the northern landscape. Birch bark, spruce, and pine roots will become your tools as you learn to create containers, bindings, and other useful items. These skills are not only practical but also deeply satisfying, as you create something beautiful and functional from the raw materials of the wilderness.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course is the chance to make your own craft tools. Using only the materials available in our remote wilderness camp, you’ll learn how to fashion items like a crook knife from old files or even teaspoons. You’ll also have the opportunity to create an awl for your bark work using repurposed tent pegs and to learn how to construct an improvised vice for your metalworking projects. These hands-on experiences foster a deep connection to the land and a sense of pride in your ability to create something from nothing.
Why Choose This Course?
Choosing this expedition means choosing more than just an adventure—it means embracing a journey of self-discovery, skill development, and personal growth. This course offers a unique blend of thrilling outdoor activities, hands-on learning, and deep immersion in one of Europe’s last true wildernesses. Whether you’re fishing from your canoe, tracking wildlife, or crafting tools from natural materials, every moment spent in the Swedish wilderness will enrich your life and expand your capabilities.
This is your chance to step away from the ordinary and experience the extraordinary. You’ll push your boundaries, forge lasting connections with like-minded adventurers, and return home with a wealth of knowledge and skills that will serve you well in any wilderness setting. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the raw beauty of Sweden’s wilderness, guided by experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of the outdoors.
Download the kit list now, and take the first step toward the adventure of a lifetime! The Swedish wilderness is waiting for you.
This is our original Swedish canoe expedition that has inspired many a traveller and instructor. Since its conception it has been imitated many times by others, but no other company can quite match it, both in depth of skill, duration and price. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the google reviews which are all independently laid down and not preselected by us, however… if you really do want a pre selected review then check out what one of last years customers had to say…
“I have just returned from amazing 10 day trip to Sweden. Canoeing and camping in hammocks in the beautiful Kloten National Park. What an amazing experience. The course description and current photos do not really show how good this trip is. You get to paddle in beautiful Swedish lakes and sleep under the amazing night sky in forests of Birch, Pine and other beautiful trees. The floor is carpeted with amazing mosses and lichens. The flora and fauna all around you is really fantastic and when you sit and look around it's intense. You get opportunity to be in this amazing landscape and environment and to smell, hear and experience it is hard to describe. listening to the sound of "loons" at night from the solitude of a hammock whilst looking up through the most beautiful canopy of trees above you to the stars so bright is priceless. Being able to make a knife in the woods and being able to participate in the forging and tempering process was unbelievable. A 4am paddle by moonlight and seeing the sunrise from the canoe was awesome. .....There was also so much more. The instructors Patrick and Ian were excellent. Very passionate and full of knowledge and able to instruct and guide the group of very special people that took part in the trip. Both instructors were very different, but able to interact and teach and train in a way that encouraged the development of the group and enriched the trip. I would also say thank you to how diligent the instructors were and attentive to the people that took part on the trip. It was clear they wanted people to get the most out of the expedition but the safety and wellbeing of the individuals was always at the for front of their care and instruction. Thank you. The trip was amazing. However it was hard at times as although a beautiful environment, it could be harsh and you are in an environment that needs respect. I was mentally and physically exhausted at times. This was not in a bad way, it was partly down to my fitness and your days being full with living in this environment. You get plenty of down time and able to enjoy and relax in Sweden but for me, I could have been bit fitter. That said the tiredness and what it took out of you was all part of the experience. The food was also excellent. Had some really good dinners and breakfasts. Including best eggs ever had! You go to supermarket before you start trip and get your supplies for the trip. Although I had no idea how much things cost or half of what the things were. That said got lots of delicious saucicon and breads. Highly reccomend the panchetta! (We sliced this thickly like belly pork and cooked it on fire!) A fantastic, highly rewarding and enriching experience. Would highly recommended trip and Woodland Ways. Thank you.”- Paul
Please note flights are not included in this trip, we will make a flight recommendation to you around three months before the trip commences and all you need to do is arrive at the airport either on this flight or any flight before this.
