King Valdemar's canoe trail!
Can King Valdemar's historical sailing route be combined with cultural heritage and modern, nature-based tourism?
About the feasibility study
The pre-study will investigate how paddling tourism can be developed in Sörmland through collaboration between canoe rental companies, accommodations, attractions, and other local actors. The focus is on mapping needs, identifying possible collaborations, and exploring how digital information and shared solutions can strengthen paddling as a tourism industry.
The project includes dialogue with local actors, a simple inventory of routes and services along the stretches, and a workshop to gather ideas and experiences. The pre-study will also identify possible pilot areas and provide a basis for future development projects.
The goal is to create better conditions for sustainable paddling tourism, strengthen rural businesses, and make Sörmland more attractive as a paddling destination.
“Sörmland has enormous potential as a paddling destination. Through this project I want to bring together routes, local businesses and practical information in a way that makes it easier for both Swedish and international visitors to discover the area from the water.” – Michael O’Dwyer
Part of the project ”Smart Rural Areas”
Leader Sörmlandskusten is running its own project in 2026 to enable support for smaller initiatives that contribute to more sustainable and smarter solutions in rural areas. By smarter, we mean more adapted to local conditions, using local resources, and collaborating in new ways based on the actors present in the area.
The project aims to strengthen local engagement and contribute to new methods, working practices, and community solutions that make our rural areas more sustainable, resilient, and attractive to live and work in. The goal is to support 5-10 smaller sub-projects.
Project period
2026
Project Manager
Michael O’Dwyer
Email: michaelodwyer@gmail.com
Web and social media
Purpose: The project aims to investigate how a cohesive sea kayak trail along the Sörmland coast can be developed as a smart, sustainable, and locally anchored tourism product.
CASE: Proposal for canoe packages
Activities: hold dialogue meetings/workshops, conduct needs and interest analysis, produce a final report.
Approved project support
16,750 SEK
LAG fund
8,250 SEK
Total financing
25,000 SEK (ex VAT)
The Leader support consists of financing from our municipalities, the EU, and the state
Rural Development Fund
