Canoeing and kayaking in Åsnen
It only takes that first dip of the paddle in the lake for you to know that a marvellous adventure is waiting. Here, nature stands for the obvious: silence and mighty experiences.
Nature for real
Canoeing or kayaking across the waters of Åsnen may be the most scenic way to experience the lake. Suddenly, you will reach a different world, in many ways hidden from the mainland. The sound of human activity is rare and the number of buildings negligible. To paddle a canoe or kayak in Åsnen is to become part of history. People have travelled in these waters since the Stone Age and in the surroundings, you find evidence of the lives of past generations. Pull up your canoe at the beach of the island Bergön in Åsnen National Park. The uninhabited island hosts a red farmstead from the 1800s, surrounded by both leafy trees, conifers and huge boulders. Here, you can enjoy you picnic basket before you paddle on.
Sensitive bird life
With canoeing and kayaking in Åsnen comes a great responsibility. Many of the birds on the lake nest on islands and islets and are very sensitive to disturbance. Therefore, during spring and summer, bird protection areas prohibit access to certain parts of Åsnen. These are marked on the “Map of the Åsnen Area” which you can find at the tourist offices as well as the boat and kayak rental places in the area. Even short disturbances run a great risk of spoiling breeding, costing Åsnen both beauty and biodiversity. It is therefore important that you respect all bird protection areas and are aware of bird life when you stop for a break. Preferably, do not go ashore on small islands during the April-July breeding season. Also respect the fire prohibition in the Åsnen area between 1 April to 30 September. It is not allowed to make fires 100 m from the shoreline, to build your own fire pits or to damage living trees. Respect prevalent regulations and landowners to safeguard our beautiful nature. Read more on common sense in nature in the Åsnen area.
The canoe trail Värendsleden
From conifer-clad heights and vast rift valley lakes to the Åsnen plains, leafy forests and islands. The 120 km long Värendsleden trail begins in Asa north of Växjö and ends in Granö south of Ryd. The trail mainly follows Åsnen’s western beach, passing several beautiful locations such as Huseby Bruk and Åsnen National Park. You can stay overnight at one of the several campsites along the trail that have tent pitches, dry toilets, waste disposal and campfire sites. Staying at the prepared campsites costs 50 SEK and is paid for in cash or with camping cheques which can be bought at e.g. Getnö Gård Lake Åsnen Resort and Torne camping. Värendsleden, rules and more tips are described in the nature guidebook.
Remember that the Right of Public Access applies in nature, and that there are different rules in the national park.
Safety
Åsnen is a large lake that often changes with the weather. Mirror-like, calm waters can become difficult and dangerous very quickly. We recommend kayaking in preference to canoeing if heading away far from the shore. In such conditions, many consider kayaks safer than canoes. Check current weather forecasts and always use a life vest! Always tell someone when you are going on a canoe trip, what your route will be and when you expect to be back. When going out on the lake, you should always bring a current map of Åsnen, clearly specifying canoe routes and bird protection areas.
Book a guided tour or paddling course!
At Sydsvenska Äventyr, which has its base at Norraryd’s campsite, you can book guided tours. They also offer various paddling courses, both for beginners and for those who want to take their paddling to the next level.
Paddle with your own kayak
Starting points for kayaking
If you bring your own kayak, there are several places where it is easy to put your kayak in and there is also the possibility to park your car during the day. Please note that at most locations, day parking is only possible. Here you will find different launching locations!
Map with bird protection areas pointed out
If you go out on Åsnen, you must bring a map where the bird protection areas are marked. The map is called ”Map – Åsnen area” and is produced by the County Administrative Board. The map is available for purchase at various locations around the lake and you will find a list here: Maps The map that is given out for free at businesses around the lake should absolutely not be used when going out on the lake.
Different areas – different degrees of difficulty
The western part of the lake offers a unique lake archipelago and fantastic paddling water. Here you can also deal with winds and be sheltered by islands. It is easy to underestimate the wind and waves on Åsnen, the lake can quickly change its character and even though there are many islands, there are also larger areas of water that can cause serious waves. The experienced paddler will find the real challenges in the eastern part of the lake.
Rest and camp sites
Around the lake there are a number of rest and camp sites. By using these you help us to be careful about nature. Many have prepared fireplaces and dass. Keep in mind that around Åsnen there is a general fire ban from 1 April to 30 September, but it is permitted to make a fire in prepared barbecue areas or camping grills or with storm kitchens to prepare food. These campsites are close to nature and ”wild”. Here you will find all rest and camping sites.
