There’s nothing like Sweden in the summertime. Gentle hangs within the air for hours, boats nostril by island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes make the most of the fleeting heat climate.
With a lot of the yr spent within the chilly and darkish, the endless gentle that summer season brings doesn’t go to waste. Whether or not it’s on the various islands that dot the nation’s coast, at their rustic cabins within the woods, or lounging within the metropolis parks, Swedes flock outside.
I’ve been to Sweden many instances (together with spending a whole summer season in Stockholm) however have all the time centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nevertheless, with a want to see one thing completely different this go to, I made a decision to discover the north, beginning on the high in Luleå and dealing my day down.
If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path in Sweden, this itinerary will get you out of the principle vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy aspect of the nation. Right here’s my recommended 10-day itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: Luleå
Luleå is house to simply 50,000 folks and is the final “large” metropolis within the north earlier than you get into Lapland (the northernmost area of the nation and residential to the indigenous Sami). The town doesn’t take lengthy to see however the surrounding space is what most guests come for. It’s recognized for the Gammelstad Church City in addition to its numerous and expansive panorama, starting from dense forests and tranquil lakes to an archipelago that has over 1,300 islands!
Right here’s my recommended issues to see and do in Luleå:
The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot through the summer season. A number of folks come from the south to remain right here and you may lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountain climbing and space locals spend many weekends right here to make the most of the great climate. The most well-liked islands are Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, and Småskär.
Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 purple picket cottages surrounding Fifteenth-century church. It was initially constructed as in a single day lodging for parishioners who traveled lengthy distances and provides a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You may wander by slender lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and be taught in regards to the traditions of church cities.
Gammelstadsviken – Gammelstadsviken is a nature reserve with a big freshwater lake and huge marshlands and top-of-the-line birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 completely different species reside right here. There’s plenty of trails to select from and it’s not too removed from Lulea.
Norrbotten Museum – This museum showcases the area’s tradition and historical past. It’s a small, free museum with shows from Sami tradition to industrial heritage that provides you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.
Hike – Summer time is the right season for mountain climbing in and round Luleå. The world has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Visit Luleå offers a superb mountain climbing information that will help you select a route. A couple of recommended hikes are Hertsöleden (straightforward, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).
The Ice Monitor – In winter, a six-kilometer ice observe is made across the metropolis heart. You may skate or kicksled round it. The observe is free to make use of and is rigorously maintained all through the winter. Kicksleds are free to borrow as effectively.
The place to Keep in Luleå – Clarion Hotel Sense is an reasonably priced resort proper within the heart of city. The rooms are comfortable, there’s plenty of house, and the breakfast buffet has every thing you could possibly ever need. There’s even a fitness center too.
When you’re on the lookout for place to eat, the harbor has numerous good eating places. I significantly loved Bistron.
Day 3 & 4: Umeå
Head south 4 hours to Umeå. Based in 1622 by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, Umeå is the cultural capital of northern Sweden. It’s now a metropolis of 100,000 folks recognized for its large college (nearly a 3rd of the town’s inhabitants are college students). With so many college students right here, the town has a younger, vibrant really feel and there’s plenty of reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like in all places on the coast, there’s easy accessibility to nature.)
Listed here are my recommended issues to see and do in Umeå:
Västerbottens Museum – Right here you’ll be able to discover the cultural and pure historical past of the Västerbotten area, from native traditions to its maritime heritage. There are paperwork, textiles, and over 8 million pictures right here. The museum additionally options an open-air part with historic buildings from throughout the nation.
Guitars the Museum – Guitars homes one of many world’s largest non-public collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Fifties and 60s. Even in case you don’t know so much about guitars (I actually don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll be taught a ton in regards to the rock and roll scene. Guided excursions can be found, which I extremely suggest as you’ll get rather more out of the expertise.
Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting every thing from concert events and performances to artwork exhibitions and group occasions. Inside, you’ll discover a library, cinema, and occasion areas. Examine the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to as there may be all the time tons occurring.
Umedalens Skulpturpark – This can be a huge out of doors artwork park that includes sculptures by famend Swedish and worldwide artists. The works are set towards a serene backdrop of meadows, forests, and open landscapes. It’s free to go to.
Hike – From brief woodland walks to longer routes alongside rivers and hills, there’s plenty of hikes across the space. Fashionable hikes embody sections of Isälvsleden, a 60-kilometer path that follows an previous glacier path (you are able to do it in sections); Tavelsjöleden, which boasts plenty of caves and mountaintops; and Holmörundan, a 13-kilometer hike on the close to island Holmön. To get these trails although, you’ll must rent a car.
Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is definitely accessible by (rare) buses in case you don’t have a automobile. The reserve blends easy rock outcrops, sandy coves, and quiet pine forests, providing a mixture of trails that vary from rugged to stroller-friendly. There’s plenty of bays round, you’ll be able to go swimming, and, relying on the time of yr, gorge on wild blueberries.
Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a soothing riverside walkway excellent for a stroll, full with benches and cafés alongside the way in which. The trail connects a number of elements of Umeå, making it a nice method to get across the metropolis on foot. I got here right here at sundown and it was particularly fairly, with golden gentle reflecting off the river.
The place to Keep – Hotell Björken is true subsequent to the college and is only a five-minute drive to the central station. The rooms are trendy, trendy, and well-lit and the resort received’t break the financial institution both.
For locations to eat, take a look at Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a superb spot for ingenious drinks.
Day 5: Örnsköldsvik
Head south to Örnsköldsvik, the gateway to the Excessive Coast. Referred to as “Ö-vik” by locals, Örnsköldsvik is a coastal city recognized for its combine of out of doors journey and trendy business, with mountain climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside straightforward attain. There’s not so much to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one night time within the city.
Right here’s some recommended issues to see and do throughout your go to:
Excessive Coast Path – This 130-kilometer path takes 5–7 days to finish however covers the whole Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. In order for you a shorter hike, it’s doable to simply hike sections of it. There’s plenty of choices.
Kayaking & Swimming – The waters listed here are calm and there’s heaps to see across the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, whereas tandem kayaks value 400 SEK. When you choose to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the very best seashore within the space. It’s a sandy seashore with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.
The place to Keep – When you’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Lodge, which is a lovely resort on the harbor with an enormous and scrumptious breakfast. If you wish to keep out of city, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with an awesome restaurant and bar and a sizzling spot for campers and roadtrippers.
Day 6: Skuleskogen Nationwide Park
Skuleskogen Nationwide Park, set alongside Sweden’s Excessive Coast, is a sprawling wilderness the place historic forests meet the rugged Baltic shoreline. Visiting right here was simply the spotlight of my current journey. Situated simply thirty minutes south of Örnsköldsvik, this park spans over 7,400 acres and has birch and pine forests, marshes, coastal seashores, granite mountains, and superior views of the Baltic.
The spotlight of the park is Slåttdalsskrevan, a large rock crevice that cuts by the bedrock. It’s round 200 meters lengthy and 30 meters deep. For security causes, you’ll be able to’t stroll by it anymore however, in case you come by way of the north aspect, you get a greater view and may stroll in a bit of bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)
You can simply spend just a few days right here in case you prefer to hike and camp, however at a minimal you’ll need one full day. That can assist you profit from your go to, listed here are just a few ideas and issues:
- There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early in case you’re driving because the car parking zone could be very small. To get to the park, you’ll positively want a automobile. There aren’t any different choices.
- The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nevertheless, the West gate path offers the very best range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
- In order for you a soothing hike, the coastal path will not be strenuous and has serene pebble seashores, rocky headlands, and quiet pine forests. It sees the fewest hikers too.
- Mountaineering north to south (or vice versa) takes about 5 hours. Doing the South Gate to the crevice and again takes round three hours. There and again on the West path is about 4 hours. I’m fairly match and hike a bit quick so take that into consideration however I discovered the paths so much simpler than the recommended instances (I finished so much for photographs and video content material).
- Convey your personal meals and water as there aren’t any services when you’re inside. Double examine the climate too so you’ll be able to gown appropriately.
- When you’re visiting in summer season, convey bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.
Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall
Residence to simply beneath 60,000 folks, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by fireplace in 1888, the town was rebuilt nearly solely in stone, incomes its elegant nickname Stenstaden (“the Stone Metropolis”). Perched between forested hills and the Gulf of Bothnia (the northern a part of the Baltic Sea), the town was traditionally a hub of the timber and paper industries. As we speak, it’s finest recognized for its easy accessibility to out of doors actions like mountain climbing, snowboarding, and exploring the close by Excessive Coast.
Some issues to see and do throughout your go to embody:
Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural heart is housed in previous harbor warehouses which have been transformed right into a museum, library, and artwork house. Inside, guests can discover exhibitions on Sundsvall’s historical past and native artwork, in addition to absorb momentary exhibitions and occasions. Be sure you examine the web site for the most recent occasions.
Norra Berget (The Northern Mountain) – That is an open-air museum and park situated on a hill overlooking the town. It options 40 historic buildings from across the area, together with picket homes and farmsteads. There are many displays that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a very great place to convey youngsters.
Himlabadet Water Park – This family-friendly water park has indoor swimming pools, saunas, and a number of water slides. There’s a small toddler space, a climbing wall that curves out over the pool, and even a browsing simulator that allows you to attempt your hand at browsing actual waves.
Sidsjön Lake – Only a 10-minute drive from the town heart, Sidsjön is a peaceable lake surrounded by strolling and biking trails. In summer season, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the right place to lounge away a day (in case you’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to skate or cross-country ski right here).
Alnön Island – Linked to Sundsvall by a bridge, Alnön is understood for its sandy seashores and volcanic geology. The island is ideal for a day journey, providing swimming, small villages to discover, and scenic drives.
The place to Keep – Lilla Hotellet is an reasonably priced locally-owned three-star resort. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfy breakfast nook the place you’ll be able to replenish earlier than you head out to discover.
Day 8 & 9: Uppsala
Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest metropolis, is just below 4 hours south of Sundsvall by automobile. It’s a energetic, energetic metropolis house to nearly 250,000 folks and is understood for its large pupil inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15th century). Owing to its large pupil inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants typically), there’s rather more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s a whole lot of reasonably priced eating places and bars.
Listed here are a few of my favourite issues to do:
Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) – Scandinavia’s largest church, this spectacular Gothic construction dates again to the thirteenth century. It’s the ultimate resting place of Swedish kings, scientists, and archbishops, with hovering spires that dominate the town’s skyline. Inside, guests can discover ornate chapels, admire medieval frescoes, and see the tombs of King Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus (a well-known scientist often known as “the daddy of contemporary taxonomy”).
Uppsala College & Gustavianum – Based in 1477, that is Sweden’s oldest college. With over 50,000 college students, it’s a large establishment with heaps to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. When you’re on a funds, this space of city is the place you’re going to wish to eat as all the most cost effective bars and eating places are right here.
Uppsala Fortress (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fortress overlooking the town, Uppsala Fortress was as soon as the location of royal coronations and political intrigue. The fortress was really constructed after a peasant rebellion, as King Vasa I made a decision extra fortifications have been wanted to forestall future uprisings. As we speak, it’s house to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to discover the unique stays of the primary fortress constructed right here, be taught in regards to the fortress’s historical past, and even admire historic artwork.
Botanical Backyard & Linnaeus Backyard – Courting again to the 18th century, that is the most important botanical backyard of its sort in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century instructing backyard, provides perception into how he categorized species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer season, these gardens are significantly energetic and colourful, making for a chilled place to loosen up with a guide or take a stroll when the solar is shining.
Gamla Uppsala (Previous Uppsala) – Simply north of the town, this historic website options huge Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan spiritual heart. This was a key political and religious website through the Viking Age, with ties to Norse mythology and early Swedish kings. Guests can climb the burial mounds for sweeping views of the panorama. If you wish to dive deeper into Viking-era historical past, the small Gamla Uppsala Museum is a brief however worthwhile cease.
Carolina Rediviva Library – The college’s important library, housing treasures just like the Codex Argenteus (“Silver Bible”). Constructed within the nineteenth century, it is likely one of the largest analysis libraries in Scandinavia, with over 5 million volumes. Its exhibitions show uncommon manuscripts, maps, and early printed books. For anybody involved in historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (in case you’re not a historical past buff, although, you’ll be able to in all probability skip it).
The place to Keep – When you’re backpacking, Uppsala City Hostel is the very best hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are fundamental, it’s in an awesome location so you’ll be able to simply get round. When you choose a resort, Botanika Uppsala is situated proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.
This journey is finest performed by automobile, but it surely is also performed by practice and bus in case you don’t wish to rent a car. And, relying how a lot you wish to hike, you’ll be able to simply add in additional days (there are a ton of multi-day hikes right here, in spite of everything). Plus, there’s loads of islands within the archipelago to cease at, so you could possibly actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey in case you needed. It’s actually as much as you!
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